Most Popular U.S. Online Baccarat Variants in 2025

Meta Description: Find out about the best baccarat varieties like Punto Banco, No Commission Baccarat, and live dealer games at U.S. online casinos in 2025.

Baccarat is often associated with high stakes and glamor, as seen in movies set in posh European casinos. However, the game itself is one of the simplest and most player-friendly on the casino floor. In 2025, it’s booming in the U.S. online casino market, and that’s primarily due to the convenience and variety that online casinos offer. Moving online has allowed this classic card game to evolve, and several popular variations have emerged that add a twist to the standard rules. While the objective of betting on which hand, the Player or the Banker, will get closest to 9 is the same, these different versions cater to all types of players.

Punto Banco: The American Classic

When US players see a baccarat table online or in a live casino, they are almost always playing Punto Banco. This is the most common and standard version of the game. The name translates to “Player Banker,” which are the two main hands a player can bet on, along with the less frequent Tie bet.

What makes Punto Banco so popular is its simplicity and speed. Unlike older forms of baccarat, there are no decisions for the player to make after they place their bet. The dealer does everything, draws a third card for the Player or Banker hands based on a set of rules called the tableau. This removes all strategy of hitting or standing, allowing the player to enjoy the suspense of the card reveal simply. Its popularity is also strengthened by its favorable odds; the Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges of any game in the casino, making it a favorite among both new and experienced players.

No Commission Baccarat

One of the rules in Punto Banco is that all winning bets on the Banker are 5% commission. This is to offset the slight statistical advantage the Banker has over the Player. No Commission Baccarat eliminates this charge, which is a significant advantage for many players.

To keep a house edge, this version introduces a rule change. Winning Banker bets pay even money (1:1) unless the Banker wins with a specific point total, usually a 6, in which case it’s 0.5:1. All other Banker wins pay 1:1 with no commission taken. This version is for players who prefer a simple payout structure and do not want commissions taken from their winnings. For players who want to get into the nitty-gritty of the odds and strategies for different baccarat versions, check out the BetMGM Casino blog resources.

EZ Baccarat

EZ Baccarat is another no commission version. It’s very similar to No Commission Baccarat, but with a different method for reducing the house edge. In this version, the 5% commission on winning Banker bets is also eliminated.

The house gets its edge in one specific outcome: when a player bets on the Banker and it wins with a three-card total of seven. In this case, the Banker bet is a push. This means the player’s bet is returned, no win or loss. For many, a push is more palatable than getting half of their expected winnings. EZ Baccarat also introduces two of the most popular side bets in the game, the Dragon 7 (a bet on the Banker winning with a three-card seven) and the Panda 8 (a bet on the Player winning with a three-card eight). These optional bets offer high payouts and add an extra layer of excitement to each hand.

Live Dealer Baccarat

Not a new ruleset itself, the live dealer version is one of the most popular ways to play baccarat online in 2025. This format utilizes streaming technology to connect players to a live dealer at a physical baccarat table in a studio. Players place their bets through a digital interface but watch the actual cards being dealt in real time.

Live Dealer Baccarat is popular because it combines the convenience of online play with the authenticity of a land-based casino. It adds a social element as players can often chat with the dealer and sometimes other players through a chat function. Seeing the physical card shuffle and deal builds trust and makes the experience more fun. Many live dealer providers also offer unique takes on the game within their platforms, such as Speed Baccarat, which shortens the betting period for faster rounds, and Baccarat Squeeze, where the dealer slowly reveals the cards to build maximum suspense.

The Historic Variations: Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque

To fully understand how the game has evolved, you need to look at its European roots, including Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque. These are the versions you see in old spy movies. A significant difference in these games is that they involve skill. One person at the table is the Banker and plays against the others. The player with the highest bet at the table decides to draw a third card or stand.

These versions are scarce at U.S. online casinos. They are slower and more complex, requiring player participation, which doesn’t fit well in the fast-paced digital world where Punto Banco is king. However, understanding these original versions provides a deeper appreciation for the game’s history.

Simple Yet Elegant

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