The Ins and Outs of Playing Low Limit Baccarat Games

Overview

Low limit baccarat might sound like an oxymoron, as the game is traditionally known as one for high-rollers, going all the way back to Middle Age royalty. Today, however, casinos around the globe have made the game more accessible to the "common folk," specifically with low limit baccarat, which has quite a low minimum wagering requirement.

Low limit baccarat comes along with the same rules as regular baccarat, complete with banker bets, player bets and tie bets. The house edge on banker bets in both high limit and low limit baccarat is the same: 1.06%. The house edge on player bets and tie bets is also the same; respectively 1.24% and above 14%. Additionally, in both high limit and low limit baccarat, when you place a bet, the house gets a 5% commission, called the Vigorish, on all winning payouts.

Low limit baccarat is rarely found at land-based casinos, since space is valuable, and casinos would rather use it for high limit games in which they stand to earn more money. Other low limit games such as roulette, craps and slots come along with a higher house edge. Online casinos, however, don't have the issue of space, and therefore many offer low limit baccarat so that a wider audience can play.

As with any casino game, there are both pros and cons to low limit baccarat. One of the cons is that regular baccarat offers higher payout odds than low limit - and understandably so. Players are, after all, risking less in low limit baccarat. In gambling terminology this is called lower expectation. One of the pros, however, is that players don't need to risk a fortune in order to make a buck.

While baccarat has its roots in royalty and nobility, the actual game itself is quite simple; in fact, it is based solely on luck. One baccarat aficionado once commented that baccarat is no more difficult than a coin toss! And yet perhaps it is the simplicity of the game which makes it so appealing.