What If There’s a Tie in Baccarat? Tie Bet Explained

Baccarat is a popular card game found in many casinos, both online and at real tables. The rules might seem simple at first, but there are some surprising outcomes that can catch new players off guard.

One thing that can make people scratch their heads is when both sides end up with the same score. This is less unusual than it looks and could add a neat twist to how rounds play out.

Wondering what happens when there’s a tie, or what a tie bet really means? This guide walks through how it works, what to potentially look out for, and the key details to check before you consider placing any wagers. Read on to learn more. 

What Happens If You Tie in Baccarat?

In baccarat, the two main hands are called the “player” and the “banker.” Each round, the aim is simply to see which hand finishes closest to a total of nine once all cards for that round are dealt. Sometimes both hands land on the same total. When that happens, the result is a tie.

If you backed either the player or the banker and the round ends in a tie, most casinos treat it as a push. Your original stake is returned, and you can choose what to do next round. You neither win nor lose on that bet.

Rules are usually straightforward, but it is still worth a quick look at the paytable or game info before you start, as this is where the game’s outcomes and returns are explained in clear terms.

If you do decide to try your hand at baccarat, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.

How the Tie Bet Works in Baccarat

Alongside the usual player and banker options, many baccarat tables offer a separate bet on a tie. This wager pays if both hands finish on exactly the same total after the round is complete. The exact number does not matter; it just needs to match. For example, a 6 on the player and a 6 on the banker counts as a tie.

Because ties occur less often than wins for either side, this bet is priced differently from the main two wagers. You will see the specific return for a winning tie bet in the game’s paytable. If the table offers more than one version of baccarat, the tie rules and returns can vary slightly between them.

What Are the Payouts for a Tie Bet?

Most baccarat games pay 8 to 1 on a successful tie bet. So a £1 stake would usually return £8 in winnings plus your £1 stake back. Some games offer 9 to 1, although that is less common and will be clearly shown when it is available.

These payouts reflect the fact that ties happen less frequently than player or banker wins. If you are comparing tables, it might be a good idea to check the paytable or help section so you know exactly what the tie returns are on that version.

How Often Do Ties Occur in Baccarat?

Ties are part of normal baccarat play and appear regularly over time, just not as often as wins for the player or banker. In most versions that use multiple decks, the probability of a tie sits at around 9.5%. Small differences in rules or the number of decks can nudge this figure a little either way.

You will usually find the game’s rules and outcomes explained in the info or help area, which makes it easier to understand how a particular table is configured.

Is the Tie Bet Worth It?

The tie bet stands out because it offers a larger return than player or banker, but that comes with a trade-off. Since ties occur less often, the statistical advantage held by the casino on this bet is higher. With an 8 to 1 payout, the house edge is typically around 14%, which is significantly above the edge on player or banker. Some tables pay 9 to 1 on ties, which reduces that edge, though it remains a tougher bet to land than the main two options.

Whether it is worth it depends on how you prefer to play. Some choose it as an occasional side bet because of the potential return, while others stick to the main bets due to their lower house edge. 

Understanding the House Edge on Tie Bets

House edge is the long-term percentage the casino expects to retain from a particular bet. For the tie bet, it is closely linked to the payout offered. At 8 to 1, the house edge sits around 14.4%. If the payout is 9 to 1, it drops to roughly 4.8%, which is noticeably lower but still above the edge on banker or player.

You will find the applicable payout and rules in the paytable for the specific game you are playing. Transparent game information could help you compare options and choose the tables that match how you like to play.

Play Casino Games Online at Slotzo

Slotzo hosts a broad range of casino games, from tables like baccarat, blackjack and roulette to a large selection of slots. The site makes it simple to find game rules, paytables and key information, so you know how each title works before you start.

Games come from established software providers and are tested for fairness. You can play on desktop or mobile, and live dealer tables may be available if you enjoy real-time play with professional dealers.

If you want to review odds, game details or set personal limits, you can do that from your account area. We encourage sensible play and provide tools to help you manage your play in line with your preferences and budget.

When you are ready to explore, feel free to take a look at our baccarat tables to see how different versions handle ties and tie bets. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}