Live Baccarat Dealer vs. Virtual Tables: Which Is Better?
The advent of online casinos brought players out of the chaos of the casino floor and into their homes, where games like baccarat were governed by random number generators (RNG). Then came the dawn of live dealer gaming, where players could remain inside their homes and on their devices but swap the RNG virtual tables for real, immersive ones.
Nowadays, players can choose between virtual and live baccarat dealer games at an online casino. It begs the question—which of these options is best? Regarding gameplay, features, ease of use, and profitability, are you better off playing live dealer baccarat or opting for the virtual tables?
Virtual vs Live Dealer Baccarat: The Gameplay
Playing a live baccarat game online is all about immersion. A real dealer hands out the cards and confirms the results (sensors detect card values and relay this information to a processor that calculates results and payments). At the same time, multiple players pay their money and make their choices.
All players must act before the timer runs out, and they also need to wait for the cards to be dealt and the results to be settled. Throughout the game, players can communicate with the dealer and each other.
It’s immersive. It’s engaging. It’s designed to simulate the real casino experience, and it works. However, all of this interaction means the games move slowly.
Virtual baccarat games, on the other hand, are determined by RNG. This method guarantees fairness by creating a series of random calculations and using them to determine a result. Since there are no real dealers or other players, virtual games lack immersion but tend to move quickly.
You don’t need to wait for the dealer or other players. The cards are dealt when you click “Start/Deal,” and results are settled instantly.
The games are much quicker, but you’re sacrificing immersion to get that speed, and that immersion is what many players seek.
Find out why live dealer baccarat games are a must-try to discover why this immersion is key.
Virtual vs Live Baccarat Online: The House Edge
The house edge in baccarat can change from one variant to another, but it’s not determined by whether the game is virtual or live.
The house edge varies based on the bet you place:
- Banker = 1.06%
- Player = 1.24%
- Tie = 14.36%
You can also wager on side bets in some baccarat variants. Again, these are not dependent on whether the game is virtual or live, but the edge is nearly always higher than that for the Banker or Player bet (but lower than the Tie).
Virtual vs Live Dealer Baccarat: Features and Variety
Live casino games are costly. The casino must consider the cost of the technology needed to capture the results on the table and provide fast, high-definition streams. It also has to hire the space, cover the cost of the tables, and pay dealers to keep the games running.
Baccarat is a popular table game, but not as popular as blackjack or roulette, so it’s not viable for developers to fill their studio with baccarat tables offering different features.
Virtual baccarat games are a different beast, though. Developers create various games, launch, maintain, and let them run. There are no limits to how many people can play at any given time, and these games can run 24/7 without issue.
For this reason, many virtual baccarat games also have demo versions where you can play for free. Before jumping into real money play, you can test the game and your skills to see how you fare.
If it’s variety—different features, various side bets, numerous stake ranges—that you seek, or you want to play some free games first, virtual baccarat titles are a better fit.
Of course, baccarat doesn’t have as many side bets as blackjack, nor are there as many game variations as poker, so if you want to play a classic version, playing a live baccarat game online should be more than enough.
Live Baccarat Pros
- Immersive
- Higher stakes
- Akin to playing in a land-based casino
- You can see the results unfold
Live Baccarat Cons
- Slower games
- Higher minimum bets
- More limited selection
Virtual Baccarat Pros
- Fast games
- Demo modes available
- Less demanding on your connection
- Lower minimum bets
Virtual Baccarat Cons
- No interaction with players/dealers
- Lower maximum wagers
Summary: Play Live Baccarat Dealer Games at BetUS
Virtual baccarat games are faster and a great option if you’re looking for short, solitary games that do not require connecting to dealers or other players.
We all need a little alone time now and then.
However, if you’re seeking a truly immersive experience that simulates the thrill of a real casino, playing live baccarat online is the better option. Ultimately, it’s all down to personal preference, as virtual and live baccarat online games offer similar features and house edges.
You can play live dealer baccarat games now at BetUS, but we also offer plenty of virtual options for when you want to disconnect or speed things up.
Live Casino Common Queries
Does the dealer have an advantage in baccarat?
There is always a house edge in casino games, so the dealer/house has an advantage over the player.
What is the best system for baccarat?
Betting on the Banker is considered the best option, as it has the lowest house edge. Players can also use progressive strategies like Martingale, where they double their bet after a loss and return to their original stake when they win.
What are live table games?
They use real equipment and dealers and stream the action directly to players.
Is it better to play Banker or Player in baccarat?
The Banker has a lower house edge, but both the Player and Banker return good odds.
Is there a secret to winning baccarat?
It’s a game of chance, so there is no secret to winning that doesn’t include illegal or questionable strategy.
Does baccarat have better odds than blackjack?
Blackjack has a lower house edge if classic rules are applied to both games.
Comments (0)