For decades, baccarat has been considered a classy casino game; picture tuxedos, high rollers and even James Bond at the table. But behind that fancy image is a card game that is easy to master. The goal is simple: just bet on which hand lands closest to nine. There are no tricky strategies, no endless rules, just quick decisions and some of the best odds in the house. In our guide, we will discover the basics, show the smartest bets, and highlight the top online baccarat Australia tables in 2025.
How to Play Baccarat: A 2-Minute Guide for Beginners
At first glance, baccarat might look intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward casino game. With just three betting options and straightforward rules, we demonstrate how to play baccarat so that players can learn the baccarat rules in under two minutes.
The Goal
The goal of baccarat is to bet on the hand that comes closest to a total of 9. Players need to decide between the bankers’ hand, the players’ hand and a tie bet. Whichever is nearest to 9 wins. This goal is simple: to answer the question, is the tie bet in baccarat worth it?
The Three Bets
- The Player bet
- The Banker bet
- The Tie bet
Card Values
- 2–9 = face value
- 10, J, Q, K = 0
- Ace = 1
Calculating Totals
If a hand totals more than 9, drop the first digit.
Example: 7 + 8 = 15 → total is 5
The Golden Rule: Why the Banker Bet Is Your Best Friend
When playing real money baccarat online, the golden rule is simple; it is always in favour of the banker bet, and here we demonstrate why always bet on the banker and how statistically, it’s the safest and smartest play.
Here we outline the percentage of the house bet, which shows how much the casino expects to keep from all bets over time.
- Banker bet: ~1.06% edge → on average, you lose $1.06 for every $100 bet.
- Player bet: ~1.24% edge → slightly worse, but still low.
- Tie bet: ~14% edge → a money trap; the casino keeps much more here.
Therefore, the smaller the edge, the better your chances. This is why Banker is the safest bet.
The Banker holds a house edge of just 1.06%, compared to the Player’s 1.24% and the Tie’s whopping 14% plus.
While the casino does take a small 5% commission on banker wins, the math still works in the players’ favour over the long haul. Consistency is key in baccarat, and staying with the banker gives players the best shot at steady returns. It’s not a huge return, but the baccarat odds are good, and it’s a safe bet for players.
Understanding the Baccarat Table & Third Card Rule:
The baccarat table is simple, with two main sections for the player and banker bets, plus a small area for tie bets. The remaining space on the table is for tracking past results and streaks, which players do not have to be concerned about to commence the game.
The Third Card Rule can seem complicated, but there is no need to memorise it. The dealers will automatically handle it when a third card is drawn so that players can place bets without stress.
Popular Online Baccarat Variations
There is a variation of baccarat to suit all players. The various versions available add subtle details that can alter the pace, strategy, and excitement. We have included the versions that are commonly available at all of the top Australian online baccarat Australia casinos.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the classic version of baccarat and by far the most popular one you will find at both land-based and online casinos. The rules are straightforward, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn without being overwhelmed by complicated side bets or advanced strategies. Players place their wagers on one of three outcomes: the Player hand, the Banker hand, or a Tie. Once bets are placed, the dealer draws and manages all cards, leaving players free to watch and enjoy the action. The game’s elegance lies in its simplicity, and it remains the entry point for most baccarat fans.
Speed Baccarat
Speed Baccarat is ideal for players seeking nonstop action and shorter wait times between hands. Unlike traditional baccarat, where the pace is more relaxed, Speed Baccarat aims to deliver as many rounds as possible within a session. Each hand is dealt in about half the time, which means players can enjoy more opportunities to win in a shorter period. The rules and betting options remain the same as standard baccarat, but the fast pace creates a more adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere. This version is recommended for players who enjoy rapid gameplay and prefer their casino sessions packed with excitement.
No Commission Baccarat
No Commission Baccarat takes the standard Punto Banco format and removes the traditional 5% fee charged on winning Banker bets. While this makes the game feel more rewarding and straightforward, the payout structure is slightly adjusted to maintain fairness for the house. For instance, a Banker win that totals six often pays at reduced odds, such as 1:2 instead of even money. Players who dislike the idea of commissions will appreciate this streamlined version, but it’s essential to understand the adjusted payouts. This option suits those who want a cleaner betting experience while still enjoying the elegance of baccarat gameplay.
Baccarat Squeeze
Baccarat Squeeze is all about atmosphere and building suspense, which is why it has become a standout favourite in live dealer casinos. In this version, the dealer slowly peels back the edges of the cards to reveal values little by little. This ritual creates anticipation, drama, and a sense of theatre, making each hand feel like a cinematic moment. The rules of play remain the same as in traditional baccarat, but the presentation makes it ideal for players who love immersive gameplay. If you enjoy high tension and the feeling of being at a glamorous casino table, this version delivers.
Each variation of the game retains the simplicity of baccarat but adds its own unique layer. New players can begin with the Punto Banco online version, and with experience, explore more adventurous versions, such as Speed Baccarat, No Commission Baccarat, and Squeeze Baccarat. There is a version of the baccarat table game to match all players’ preferred pace and skill level.
Live Dealer Baccarat: The Ultimate High-Roller Experience
Players can experience all the excitement of being at the best baccarat casino in Australia with live dealer baccarat, where the game truly comes to life. High-definition streaming technology creates an authentic casino atmosphere, complete with professional croupiers, stylish studios, and interaction with players and the dealer through live chat. Every hand is dealt in real time before your eyes, capturing all the suspense and excitement of a casino, without having to set foot outside the front door.
High rollers can enjoy the glamour and thrill of being in an exclusive VIP room in Monte Carlo or Vegas without leaving home. Stakes can be high, and the environment is crafted for maximum immersion, from the sleek table layouts to the slow, dramatic card reveals that keep tension rising. Even casual players benefit, enjoying a richer, more interactive experience than standard digital baccarat.
Live dealer baccarat combines authenticity, excitement, and strategy, making it the preferred choice for players seeking to experience the glitz and glamour of the casino, amidst the action, with the convenience of playing from anywhere.
FAQ: Online Baccarat in Australia
- Can I play baccarat online for real money in Australia?
The best baccarat casino in Australia offers baccarat to Aussie players. Always choose a licensed casino to ensure its safety. Select a casino from our list of the best baccarat casinos for a secure casino experience.
- Does baccarat require skill and luck?
The game of baccarat is a mixture of both skill and luck. Aside from just sheer luck, players can maximise success with a good betting strategy.
- What is the best bet in baccarat?
The best bet in baccarat is always the banker. It has the lowest house edge at around 1.06%, offering the highest chance of winning consistently.
- How much is a king worth in baccarat?
In all variations of baccarat, the card value of the king is worth zero. Players need to remember that all face cards and tens always count as zero. For successful betting outcomes, we recommend that all players learn the card values for each card.
- Is the tie bet ever worth it?
Statistically, the tie bet is generally not worth betting on. We recommend betting on either the player’s or the banker’s hand to get to a total of 9. With a house edge of around 14%, the tie bet is a risky proposition, offering high payouts but extremely low chances of winning.
Conclusion
Baccarat may look refined and mysterious, but at its core, it is an elegant game that is simple to learn and easy to play. With its low house edge compared to other table games available at the casino and straightforward rules, it is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced players.
Whether it is casual fun for players or a high roller chasing a live dealer experience where the stakes are even higher, baccarat delivers all the sophisticated simplicity that appeals to players of all experience levels.
Ready to step up to the table and be part of the thrill of the next hand? Check out our list of the best baccarat casinos for Aussie players to start playing today.