Quick Answer: Why Is Baccarat So Fast?
Because:
- the hand plays itself
- decisions are minimal
- the dealer follows a fixed procedure
- betting is simple (Banker/Player/Tie)
- shuffling and dealing are streamlined
- online tables can run on timers
Fewer choices = more hands per hour.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat
Speed Is The Hidden Cost In Baccarat
Here’s the key idea:
The faster the game, the more bets you place per hour.
If you bet the same unit all night, but you play twice as many hands, your long-run cost can roughly double.
That’s why speed matters even when your bet size doesn’t change.
If you want the full model, read Understanding Expected Loss Per Hour In Baccarat.
Why Baccarat Has Fewer “Breaks” Than Other Games
Baccarat is faster than many table games because it removes the slow parts:
No Player Decisions During The Hand
In blackjack, every player is deciding:
- hit, stand, double, split
That takes time.
In baccarat, once bets are placed:
- the dealing rules decide everything
Simple Payouts
- Banker wins
- Player wins
- Tie (usually pushes main bets)
No complicated hand reading.
Dealers Can Run It Like A Machine
The dealing procedure is consistent and repetitive, which naturally speeds up the table.
If you want the full sequence, read Understanding The Dealing Procedure In Baccarat.
Online Baccarat Can Be Even Faster
Online baccarat often speeds up the game through:
- timed betting windows
- auto-rebet buttons
- fewer interruptions
- fast dealing animations
- instant result displays
RNG baccarat can be the fastest of all because it removes real dealing time.
If you want the comparison, read How Live Dealer Baccarat Differs From RNG Baccarat.
Fast Games Increase Expected Loss Per Hour
You can think of it like this:
Expected loss per hour depends on:
- house edge
- average bet size
- hands per hour
Even if house edge and bet size stay the same, more hands per hour increases expected loss per hour.
That’s why “I only bet small” can still get expensive if the table is flying.
Speed Also Increases Mistakes
Faster play makes it easier to:
- misclick
- bet emotionally
- press bet sizes without thinking
- add side bets “just for fun”
- chase because results come too quickly
That’s why speed is closely tied to tilt.
If you want the tilt warning signs, read How To Avoid Tilt While Playing Baccarat.
Why Casinos Like Fast Baccarat
Casinos like fast games because:
- more hands per hour = more wagers per hour
- more wagers per hour = more house edge collected per hour
That’s why many casinos also promote:
- speed tables
- turbo tables
- side bets (more bets per hand)
If you want the business angle, read Why Casinos Promote Side Bets Heavily.
How To Slow Down Baccarat Without Losing The Fun
If baccarat pace is hurting you, here are simple fixes.
1) Remove Auto-Rebet
Auto-rebet makes you play on autopilot.
Turn it off so you actively confirm each bet.
2) Sit Out Hands On Purpose
A good rule:
- sit out 1 hand every 10–15 hands
This breaks the rhythm and prevents “chase momentum.”
3) Use A Time Limit
A time limit reduces total hands played, which controls session cost.
Simple options:
- 45 minutes
- 60 minutes
4) Avoid Turbo Tables
If you want control, turbo is the opposite of control.
5) Keep Side Bets Off By Default
Side bets add:
- more money per hand
- more emotion per hand
- more temptation to chase
If you want the evaluation shortcut, read How To Evaluate The True Odds Of Baccarat Side Bets.
A Simple “Fast Table” Warning Sign
If you ever catch yourself thinking:
- “I don’t even remember the last few hands,”
or - “I’m clicking without thinking,”
That’s your signal to slow down or stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baccarat Faster Than Blackjack?
Usually yes, because baccarat has fewer decisions during the hand. Blackjack slows down when players think through their choices.
Does Playing Faster Change My Chances Of Winning?
No. Odds don’t change. Speed changes how many bets you place per hour, which changes expected loss per hour.
Is RNG Baccarat Faster Than Live Dealer?
Usually yes. RNG removes real dealing time and often allows very rapid re-betting.
How Can I Stay Disciplined In Fast Baccarat?
Turn off auto-rebet, sit out hands regularly, use a time limit, and avoid side bets as recovery tools.
What’s The Safest Pace For Beginners?
A slower live dealer table with clear rules and enough time to think between bets.
Where To Go Next
You now know why baccarat is so fast: minimal decisions, streamlined dealing, timers, and tools like auto-rebet that keep bets flowing.
Next, we’ll tie this back to smart play: how to “predict nothing” in baccarat—and still play in a disciplined way that protects your bankroll and decision-making.
Continue with How To Predict Nothing In Baccarat — And Still Play Smart.
