Baccarat 101: How to Play the Easiest "High-Roller" Game in Vegas
- Keith Salwoski
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever walked past those quiet, roped-off areas in a casino and seen players betting massive piles of chips on a simple card game, you were likely looking at Baccarat.
For decades, it’s had a reputation for being exclusive, complicated, and reserved for the James Bonds of the world.
Here’s the secret: Baccarat is actually the easiest game in the casino.
At LAS Discounts, we love games where the rules are simple and the house edge is low. Baccarat checks both boxes. You don’t need to memorize strategies, and you can’t make a "mistake" once the cards are dealt.
Here is everything a newbie needs to know to sit down at the table with confidence.
The Goal: Getting to Nine
In Baccarat, the goal is to bet on which of two hands—the Player or the Banker—will have a total value closest to 9. You can also bet on a Tie, though savvy locals usually avoid that one (we’ll explain why in a second).
How the Scoring Works
Forget everything you know about Blackjack or Poker. In Baccarat:
10s and Face Cards (J, Q, K): Worth 0.
Aces: Worth 1.
Numbered Cards (2-9): Worth their face value.
The "Drop the Ten" Rule: If the total of the cards is 10 or higher, you drop the first digit. For example, if a hand is dealt a 7 and an 8, the total is 15. In Baccarat, that hand is worth 5. You can never "bust" in this game!
The Only 3 Bets You Can Make
This is why Baccarat is so beginner-friendly: you only have to make one decision before the cards are even dealt. You place your chips on one of three circles:
The Banker: Statistically, this hand wins slightly more often. Because of this, the casino takes a small 5% commission on Banker wins. Even with that commission, this is one of the best bets in Vegas.
The Player: This is a straight-up even-money bet. If you bet $10, you win $10. No commission involved.
The Tie: You’re betting that both hands will end with the exact same total. It pays out 8-to-1 or 9-to-1, which looks tempting, but the house edge is over 14%. Skip this one!
No Decisions, No Stress
Unlike Blackjack, where you have to decide to "hit" or "stand," in Baccarat, the dealer does everything. There are specific, fixed rules about when a third card is drawn. You don’t have to learn them, and you don’t have to ask for a card. You just sit back, enjoy your drink, and let the dealer flip the cards. If the hand you bet on is closer to 9, you get paid. It’s that simple.
Where to Play (The LAS Discounts Guide)
While you’ll see Baccarat in the high-limit rooms, you don't need a thousand-dollar bankroll to play.
Look for "Mini-Baccarat": On the main casino floor, look for tables labeled "Mini-Baccarat." These use a smaller table (similar to a Blackjack table) and usually have much lower minimums—often $10 or $15.
The Electronic Version: If you’re still feeling a bit shy, look for the Stadium Gaming or Video Baccarat machines. You can bet as little as $5, and the screen will show you exactly how the scoring works as it happens.
Off-Strip Value: Properties like Ellis Island or Palace Station are great spots to find friendly dealers and lower limits while you learn the flow of the game.
Final Pro Tip: Don’t Chase "Patterns"
You’ll notice players at the table scribbling on little scorecards or staring at a digital screen showing "Big Road" patterns (strings of red and blue circles). They are trying to predict if the Banker or Player is "due" to win. The truth? Each hand is a completely independent event, just like a coin flip. Don’t get stressed out by the charts. Just pick a side and enjoy the ride!
Ready to feel like a high roller without the high-roller budget? Give Baccarat a spin on your next trip!