Little-Known Yet Fascinating Baccarat Statistics
Baccarat is an interesting casino game that gives astonishing odds and can be played on online baccarat sites and offline worldwide. In fact, many are surprised to learn that it is second in popularity only to blackjack in Las Vegas. However, if you are a baccarat player, you will know that it offers intriguing side bets and that it is very easy to learn. Here, we have gathered together some more baccarat stats and facts that are likely to be somewhat of a surprise.
Baccarat is Bigger Than Roulette and Craps in Vegas
Over the past two decades, the appeal of baccarat in Las Vegas has been steadily growing. In 2020, baccarat players in Las Vegas won more than $604 million, while the house winnings from the game were $643 million, making it the second-biggest money maker game. In the same year, roulette and craps each saw winnings of $210 million (a combined total of $420 million), which means that the total from the game was close to 50% more.
Baccarat Simulator Backs Up the Odds
Those interested in computer programming can have fun with a Java Baccarat simulator that is available on GitHub. It played more than 1 billion hands, which took it just a few minutes. The house won 45.8% of the games, or just under 459 million. The player won 44.6% of the games, or just over 446 million, while 9.5% of the games, or 95 million, ended with a tie. In other words, the house only wins about 1.2% more hands than the player.
Mini Baccarat Is the Most Popular
Many people are surprised to learn that Mini Baccarat is the most popular form of the game. However, it is the game most commonly found in land casinos, with 8 players at the table rather than the traditional 14. With fewer players, the tables feel less crowded and the action is much faster. Furthermore, casinos are able to use the same tables for blackjack and mini baccarat rather than having to purchase entirely different tables for regular ones.
The 5% Commission Soon Adds Up
You are no doubt aware that in regular baccarat, a 5% commission is charged on winning banker bets as it has slightly better odds. This may not sound like much, but over a long gaming session, it can amount to a significant sum. Assuming you win around 45% of hands, you are betting $5 per hand, and if you play 50 hands, you will be giving the house $12.50 of your winnings.
Baccarat Is King of Macau
Macau has become the spiritual home of baccarat players. While this casino game may have earned the casinos in Vegas $643 million, in Macau, the figure is closer to $6 billion. When you consider that Macau has a GDP of $55 billion, this becomes even more impressive. If the same ratio were applied in the states, that would be close to 2 trillion dollars.
Baccarat Is Not Popular during Recessions
Between 2004 and 2006, baccarat was producing a turnover of between $5 and $10 million a month in Las Vegas casinos. However, in the years 2008 to 2010, the number dropped to just a few hundred thousand and some casinos did not even reach the $20,000 mark.
The Tie Bet Is a Disaster
All baccarat players are sometimes tempted to place the Tie bet as it offers much bigger payouts. However, the house edge on the Tie bet is an enormous 14.46%. The house edge on the Banker bet is 1.06% and the house edge on the Player bet is 1.24%, so there is no good reason to place the Tie bet.
James Bond’s First Choice
If you have read the James Bond books, then you will know that baccarat was his game of choice. Unfortunately, this was changed in many of the films and many people associate him with poker. Nonetheless, each time you sit down to play, it makes you a little bit more like James Bond.
Online Baccarat Is Flourishing
More and more people are discovering the joys of playing online. It is becoming more widely available, with nearly all casinos now offering RNG and live dealer versions of the game. Better yet, you will find games that accept very small bets, so you can start joining in the fun without breaking the bank. Fact of, knowing these baccarat stats, you can bet wisely.
