Due to a relatively low house edge, baccarat remains a favorite among high rollers and professional gamblers alike. Although baccarat is a game of luck, knowing how to play the baccarat odds can make or break a bankroll.

Low House Edge

Simply put, house edge describes the amount of money that is skimmed from each wager that goes directly to the casino. Although house edge seems slight compared to the amount of money that can be won, this money can add up and make a huge dent in a bankroll over time. Many players choose baccarat simply because the house edge is so low when compared with games like slots, blackjack and roulette.

How to Wager to Beat the Odds

When playing baccarat, it is important to remember that it is often a very prestigious game. The rich, famous and beautiful flock to the baccarat tables in casinos all over the world for a reason; there is a significant opportunity to make some serious money. When wagering in baccarat, there is not a set bet that is guaranteed to pay out better than the next. When wagering, players should remember that as a player, the house edge lies at about 1.35 percent. As the banker, the house edge is a little less at 1.15 percent. Although the banker's house edge is lower, the casino will often ask for a five percent commission from winning banker bets.

Betting on a Tie

With the prestige that follows the game of baccarat, many players attempt to beat the baccarat odds by betting on a tie. Although the payout is much higher - 8:1 vs. 2:1 - the house edge is much steeper. The odds of winning these bets are so small that it is very possible to lose an entire bankroll with just a few wagers. Players who manage to beat the baccarat odds and win a tie are among the few - and their bankroll is among the large.

Baccarat odds are relatively simple to understand; this makes baccarat one of the most loved casino games of all time. It is common among high rollers due to a low house edge, but this does not stop average players from trying to beat the baccarat odds.