A Complete Expert's Guide to Playing Live Dealer Baccarat Online in Canada

Live dealer baccarat mirrors the game found in countless traditional casinos worldwide while also offering an online interactive experience that stands out in its own right.

This in-depth guide on live dealer baccarat will include:

• Top recommendations for live dealer baccarat venues in Canada
• How to play live dealer baccarat
• Various types of live dealer blackjack you'll encounter
• Key differences between live dealer baccarat and classic baccarat
• Live dealer baccarat FAQ

Top Live Dealer Baccarat Casinos for Canadian Enthusiasts

Check out our top picks for online live dealer baccarat casinos available in Canada:

How Do You Play Live Dealer Baccarat?

To put it simply: in baccarat, you’re betting on a round of cards played between yourself and the dealer—known as the 'banker'—with the highest hand coming out on top. The cards hold specific point values, and there are 'drawing rules' that govern the actions of both the player and the banker.

Each baccarat game unfolds in three or four core stages: placing bets, dealing the cards, determining any instant wins, and the third card draw.^rdcard rule, if applicable.

Live Dealer Baccarat Betting

At the start of live dealer baccarat, players engage in a betting round. You can place your bets on one of three outcomes:

• You think the player will achieve a higher score.
• You think the banker will secure a higher score.
• You anticipate a tie between the player and the banker (caution: our experts advise against this betting option).

The Deal in Live Dealer Baccarat

Once the bets have been placed, the banker will distribute two face-up cards to both the player and banker. The hand’s score is calculated by summing the card values:

• Tens and face cards are worth zero (0)
• Aces are worth one point (1)
• Every other card is valued according to its rank; for example, a 6 holds six points.

The ideal outcome is to accrue a score that is nearest to nine. However, note that the hand's total cannot exceed nine, and only the last digit is significant. For instance, if a hand totals 14, its value is recorded as four.

After assigning the initial score of each hand, the game proceeds according to the established drawing rules.

Instant Win in Live Dealer Baccarat

If either the player or banker is dealt a hand totaling exactly 8 or 9 points, known as a 'natural', the instant win rule applies, and that player automatically wins.

If neither player collects the natural, play continues as determined by the drawing rules.

Live Dealer Baccarat Drawing Rules

Though both the player and banker are dealt two cards, there are specific baccarat guidelines indicating when a third card should be dealt. The player draws first, then the banker takes action based on the player's outcome.

Drawing Rules for the Player

• If the player's hand totals between 0 and 5, they are entitled to a third card.
• If the player’s score is 6 or 7, they stand and draw no additional cards.

Drawing Rules for the Banker

In the case where the player stands, the dealer adheres to the same drawing rules: if their total is between 0 and 5, they take a third card, while a score of 6 or 7 means they stay.

Should the player choose to hit, the banker’s decision to draw a third card hinges on their total score:

Note: Similar to blackjack The baccarat setup typically uses six to eight standard decks of cards.

Live Dealer Baccarat Variations

Here’s a look at some popular variations of live dealer baccarat that you can enjoy in Canada.

Live Dealer Baccarat Odds

Let’s check out standard online baccarat odds for various bets. It’s worth noting that odds may vary slightly based on the specific game type and online casino you select.

Odds of Player Bets

Player wagers usually provide even money payouts (for instance, bet $50 to win $50).

Betting on yourself holds a relatively modest house edge at 1.24%, making it an appealing strategy.

Odds of Banker Bets

Banker wagers generally offer even money payouts, but a 'commission' applies to the win, commonly around 5%. This results in about a 95% payout on banker bets (e.g., bet $100 to win $95).

The house edge for banker bets is even lower than that of player bets at around 1.06%.

Odds of Baccarat Ties

Tie bets in online baccarat vary by casino, but typically they pay out at an 8-to-1 or 9-to-1 rate.

However, tie bets carry a hefty house edge near 15%, so we strongly suggest avoiding this betting option.

A Comparison: Live Dealer Baccarat vs. Standard Baccarat

Live dealer baccarat replicates the classic casino experience but takes place online. You’ll find yourself at a virtual baccarat table, but instead of digital graphics and RNG, you’ll be facing an actual baccarat banker and table via a live stream. This allows you to interact with the dealer and fellow players in a way that feels just like being at a real casino, seated at your go-to baccarat table. online baccarat In recent years, advancements in mobile tech have made games like baccarat more accessible on mobile devices. If you plan to play on-the-go, it’s wise to secure a Wi-Fi connection. This not only boosts your internet stability but also conserves your data plan.

Can I Enjoy Live Casino Games for Free? live dealer casino games Although there are avenues for playing other online casino games without cost, free versions of live casino games are not available in Canada since they always require real stakes. Once you’ve honed your skills in other segments of your favorite online casino, live games provide the most engaging way to dive into the action. mobile casino It’s a uniquely interactive online casino experience where you, the player, engage at an actual baccarat table, witnessing a real-life dealer taking your bets, spinning the wheel, and dealing cards—all in real-time through a live video feed.

Live Dealer Baccarat FAQ