Baccarat’s core bet options are simple, but small rule tweaks change the math, pace, and feel of a session—especially online and in crypto casinos. This guide compares traditional 5%-commission baccarat, Speed Baccarat, and two common no-commission families, with verified numbers for house edge, tie payouts, and fairness. Figures are based on standard multi-deck punto banco rules unless noted.
Baccarat basics: what the standard edges look like
In regular baccarat, a winning Banker bet pays 1:1 with a 5% commission; Player pays 1:1; Tie usually pays 8:1. Using typical rules, the house edge is about 1.06% on Banker, 1.24% on Player, and around 14.36% on Tie at 8:1. If a table pays 9:1 on Tie, that drops Tie’s edge to roughly 4.84%–4.85%.
Variant 1 — Traditional baccarat (5% commission)
This is the baseline most crypto/live tables emulate. Because of the Banker’s drawing advantage, the Banker bet retains the lowest edge even after commission (≈1.06%), followed by Player (≈1.24%). The Tie bet remains poor value unless specifically posted at 9:1. The underlying math is identical online and off; crypto rails don’t change RTP.
Fairness in online and crypto versions
RNG tables are tested by independent labs such as eCOGRA, which certify that results are unpredictable and unbiased. Live-dealer tables (e.g., Evolution) stream real shoes from licensed studios and publish the same rules and payouts you’d see on a casino floor. Check the game’s info panel and the casino footer for certification and licensing.
Variant 2 — Speed Baccarat (same rules, much faster)
Speed Baccarat keeps standard rules but compresses each round to about 27 seconds by dealing face-up and minimizing delays. The house edge does not change; you simply play more hands per hour, which can increase your expected loss at the same bet size. Evolution’s official pages list ~27-second rounds versus ~48 seconds for standard tables.
Variant 3 — No-Commission families (two common types)
No-commission tables remove the 5% fee on Banker wins and compensate with a special condition that slightly tilts the math back to the house. Know which rule your table uses—edges differ.
A) EZ Baccarat (Banker three-card 7 pushes)
In EZ Baccarat, a Banker win with a three-card total of 7 becomes a push instead of a win. Analysis of the base Banker bet shows a house edge around 1.02% (slightly better than the 1.06% standard). Many jurisdictions post official EZ rules noting the “barred” Banker 3-card 7 and the optional Dragon 7/Panda 8 side bets.
B) Super 6 / “Commission-Free” (Banker 6 pays half)
In this popular commission-free style, a winning Banker hand of 6 pays 1:2 instead of 1:1. Here, the Banker bet’s house edge rises to about 1.46%, while Player and Tie remain as in the standard game. If you like to bet Banker, this version is worse than the regular 5%-commission table.
Quick comparison (edges are for the main bets)
| Variant | Banker bet edge | Player bet edge | Tie bet (8:1) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (5% commission) | ~1.06% | ~1.24% | ~14.36% | Baseline rules and payouts. |
| Speed Baccarat | same as traditional | same | same | Same math; ~27-sec rounds. |
| EZ Baccarat (Banker 3-card 7 push) | ~1.02% | ~1.24% | ~14.36% | Slightly better Banker than standard. |
| Super 6 / Commission-Free (Banker 6 pays 1:2) | ~1.46% | ~1.24% | ~14.36% | Worse for habitual Banker bettors. |
| Any table with Tie 9:1 | varies | varies | ~4.84% | Tie improves only if posted 9:1. |
Side bets and why they usually hurt your RTP
Side bets such as Dragon 7 or Panda 8 are independent propositions with much higher house edges than the main Banker/Player bets. They add fun volatility, not value. Always check the help screen before opting in.
Crypto angle: what changes and what doesn’t
Your coin or payment rail affects fees and settlement speed, not the cards or RTP. What matters for fairness is whether you’re on a licensed site with certified RNGs or recognized live-dealer studios. Look for eCOGRA/GLI logos and operator licenses in the footer or help pages.
Practical table-selection checklist
Pick a ruleset with the lowest edge for the bets you actually place, then read the info panel for confirmations.
- If you mostly bet Banker, prefer standard 5% tables or EZ Baccarat; avoid Super 6 where Banker-6 pays half.
- If you value pace, choose Speed Baccarat knowing you’ll see more hands per hour with the same underlying edge.
- Only consider the Tie at 9:1; at 8:1 it’s usually a steep negative value.
- Treat side bets as entertainment, not edge-hunters.
Legal and responsible-play note
Online gambling laws vary by country. For example, in Malaysia the Court of Appeal ruled on October 18, 2023 that online gambling is an offence under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, and authorities have increased website blocking and enforcement. Always follow local law and play only on licensed sites where permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Does Speed Baccarat change the house edge?
No. It keeps standard payouts and drawing rules; it simply completes a round in roughly 27 seconds instead of ~48, increasing hands per hour.
Is EZ Baccarat really better than regular 5%-commission tables?
On the base game, EZ’s Banker bet is analyzed around 1.02% house edge versus ~1.06% in traditional, while Player and Tie are unchanged. Rules: Banker 3-card 7 pushes.
Why is Super 6 worse for Banker bettors?
You avoid commission, but when Banker wins on a total of 6 you’re paid only half, raising the Banker edge to about 1.46%. Player and Tie stay the same.
When is the Tie bet acceptable?
Only if it’s posted at 9:1, where the edge drops to about 4.84%–4.85%. At 8:1, Tie is usually a poor wager.
