Quick Answer: What’s The Difference?
- In commission baccarat, Banker wins usually pay 1:1, but the casino takes a fee (often 5%) on Banker wins.
- In no-commission baccarat, the casino removes the fee, but usually reduces Banker payouts in specific situations (most commonly when Banker wins with a total of 6).
So it’s not “free.” It’s just packaged differently.
If you want the full big-picture guide first, start here: The Complete Guide To Baccarat.
What “Commission” Means In Baccarat
Commission is a small fee the casino takes when your Banker bet wins.
The most common setup is:
- Banker pays 1:1
- but the casino takes 5% commission on the win
Simple Example (5% Commission)
If you bet $100 on Banker and Banker wins:
- your win would be $100
- commission is $5
- you net $95 profit (plus your original $100 stake back)
Different casinos handle the fee differently (some take it each hand, some track it and collect later), but the result is similar: Banker wins are slightly reduced.
Why Banker Has Commission In The First Place
Banker wins slightly more often than Player because of the draw rules.
That means Banker is usually the best-value main bet. Casinos add commission to balance that advantage.
If you want the “why” in plain English, read Why The Banker Bet Has The Lowest House Edge.
What “No-Commission Baccarat” Really Means
No-commission baccarat removes the obvious 5% fee, but the casino still needs to get paid.
So no-commission tables usually do one (or more) of these:
- reduce Banker payout in certain outcomes
- push certain Banker wins
- change Tie payout (less common, but possible)
The most common rule you’ll see is the “Banker 6” rule.
The “Banker 6” Rule (The Most Common Catch)
On many no-commission tables:
- Banker wins pay 1:1 except when Banker wins with a total of 6
- if Banker wins with 6, the payout is reduced (often 1:2, meaning half payout)
Example: Banker Wins With A 6 At Half Pay
If you bet $100 on Banker:
- Banker wins with 7, 8, 9, etc. → you win $100 profit
- Banker wins with 6 → you win $50 profit
That reduced payout is basically the casino’s “hidden commission.”
It feels nicer because you aren’t paying a fee every Banker win, but you’re still paying in a different form.
Which Is Better: Commission Or No-Commission?
Here’s the honest answer:
- It depends on the exact rules
- you can’t assume no-commission is automatically better
- some no-commission tables are fine, some are sneakier than they look
To compare them, you need to know what your table does on:
- Banker wins (especially Banker 6)
- Tie payout
- any special pushes or reduced payouts
A Simple Way To Decide Fast
If you see a no-commission table, ask or check signage for:
- “Banker wins with 6 pay half” (or push)
- any change in Tie payout
If Banker 6 is reduced, you’re effectively paying the casino through that rule instead of a visible fee.
Why Players Still Like No-Commission Tables
Even if the math ends up similar, no-commission baccarat can feel better for a few reasons:
- you don’t see a fee taken off your win every time
- it’s simpler emotionally (“I won $100!” feels good)
- it can reduce the “nickel-and-dime” feeling of commission tracking
So some players prefer it for comfort, not because it’s always better.
How To Compare Tables Without Getting Too Technical
Use this checklist.
Step 1: Check Banker Payout Rules
- Is it standard 1:1 with 5% commission?
- Or is it no-commission with a Banker 6 rule?
Step 2: Check Tie Payout
- is it 8:1 or 9:1?
- is it reduced on this table?
Tie is usually expensive anyway, but if a table tweaks Tie payout, that’s a red flag to read rules closely.
Step 3: Consider Your Play Style
- If you mostly bet Banker, the Banker rules matter most.
- If you mix Banker and Player, small differences matter less.
- If you play side bets, those often dominate your risk anyway.
Common Mistakes Players Make With No-Commission Baccarat
Mistake 1: Assuming It’s Automatically Better
No-commission tables still collect edge. You just need to spot where.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Banker 6 Outcomes
Banker wins with 6 are not rare enough to ignore. That’s why casinos choose that specific rule.
Mistake 3: Thinking Commission Changes The Game Flow
Commission affects payouts, not dealing. The dealing procedure and third-card rules are the same.
Mid-Article Lateral Link (In-Body)
If you want the clean explanation of how Banker’s edge exists in the first place (before commission), read The Math Behind Player Vs Banker Probabilities.
So What Should You Bet On These Tables?
Most of the time:
- Banker is still a strong main bet on standard commission tables
- On no-commission tables, Banker can still be fine, but you must understand the Banker 6 rule
- Player usually stays “close” in value and sometimes feels simpler because there’s no fee or special Banker payout rule
The biggest mistake isn’t choosing the “wrong” version. It’s betting without knowing the payout rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Commission Baccarat?
It’s baccarat where Banker wins pay 1:1, but the casino takes a fee (often 5%) on Banker wins.
What Is No-Commission Baccarat?
It’s baccarat that removes the visible Banker commission, but usually changes payouts in certain situations (often Banker wins with 6).
What Does “Banker 6 Pays Half” Mean?
It means if Banker wins with a final total of 6, the payout is reduced (often half), such as winning $50 profit on a $100 bet.
Is No-Commission Baccarat Better Than Commission Baccarat?
Not automatically. It depends on the specific table rules. No-commission tables can still be expensive if the payout adjustments are harsh.
How Do I Pick The Better Table Quickly?
Check the Banker payout rule (especially Banker 6), confirm Tie payout, and read any posted rule notes before you bet.
Where To Go Next
You now know what commission baccarat is, what no-commission baccarat really changes, and how to compare tables without getting tricked by the label.
Next, it helps to understand how shoe size changes the feel of the game, because it affects pace, penetration, and how “streaky” tables can look.
Continue with How Baccarat Shoe Size Impacts Game Dynamics.
