The Best Cheap Baccarat Tables in Las Vegas

Where to find the best cheap baccarat in Las Vegas

There are more than 300 baccarat tables on the Vegas Strip. Fun fact, The Venetian, Caesars Palace, and Wynn have the most baccarat games in this part of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, none of these casinos offer low-limit baccarat.

While there are fewer baccarat tables in downtown Las Vegas and away from the Strip, there are plenty with a minimum bet of $25 or less. Here’s a breakdown from Vegas Advantage, where the information is updated regularly.

$25 or less games

Covers Expert Analysis

"Not every session will be a winner, but the small house edge for the casino means that they’ll only win about $1 for every $100 wagered."

Marc Meltzer, Casino Writer

How to play baccarat

There are two types of live dealer baccarat setups in Las Vegas casinos. There are also electronic versions of baccarat, but we’ll save those for another day.

The large high roller baccarat tables are tucked away in high-limit rooms. In these “squeeze” games players can “handle” the cards.

Ironically, the larger high-limit baccarat games may have room for fewer players than the smaller mini-baccarat tables on the main casino floor. The latter typically have seven positions instead of six for the traditional high-limit baccarat games.

Baccarat is a simple game that low rollers may not be familiar with. The goal of baccarat is to bet on the hand that there will be a total closest to 9.

There are three base betting options:

• Players can wager that the Player will be closest to 9.
• Players can wager that the Banker will be closest to 9.
• Players can wager that the hand will result in a Tie.

Baccarat is played with cards being dealt from a six or eight-deck shoe. Players will place bets before two cards are dealt to all players and the dealer.

The 2 to 9 cards have their face value, while a 10, Jack, Queen, or King are equal to zero points. An Ace has a value of one point.

After the cards are all dealt, players and the dealer will add the card values and remove any tens to get the final number. For example, a total of 15 becomes 5 when removing the 10 value and comparing hands.

If the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 with the first two cards, it's a "natural," and the game ends.

If the Banker has a natural 8 or 9 and the Player has 0-5 points, another card will be dealt to the player.

Understanding baccarat's house edge

Playing baccarat is fairly simple. Understanding the house edge of the game is a way to acknowledge why baccarat allows a bankroll to go a long way in Las Vegas.

Not every session will be a winner, but the small house edge for the casino means that they’ll only win about $1 for every $100 wagered. That's slightly more than the edge the house enjoys in blackjack, which sits at 50 cents for every $100 wagered (assuming perfect strategy). 

A bet on the Player's hand has a house edge of 1.24% and pays 1:1.

A bet on the Banker’s hands has a house edge of 1.06% and pays 1:1 minus a commission (usually 5%). Some casinos may offer commission-free baccarat.

Ties pay either 8-1 or 9-1 depending on the casino. The house edge for this bet is a whipping 14%.

Playing smart baccarat

Baccarat may look like a high-roller’s game, but it’s actually one of the simplest — and smartest — table games in any casino. With only three betting options and no complex strategy like blackjack, baccarat is a low-effort, low-house-edge game that’s perfect for players who want action without the headaches.

The smartest way to play baccarat starts with knowing where the edge is. There are three main bets you can make in a standard baccarat game: Player, Banker, and Tie. The Banker bet has the lowest house edge at around 1.06%, making it statistically the best wager. The Player bet isn’t far behind with a house edge of 1.24%, while the Tie bet is significantly worse, often with an edge over 14% — so unless you're just in it for chaos, avoid the Tie.

Discipline is crucial in baccarat, especially when it comes to betting patterns. Many players get caught chasing streaks or betting heavier after a loss, assuming a win is “due.” Don’t fall into that trap. Baccarat is a game of independent hands — past outcomes have no impact on future results. Stick to consistent bet sizes, avoid emotional decision-making, and don’t assume hot or cold streaks mean anything.

Another smart tip: skip the side bets. Modern baccarat tables often feature tempting side wagers — like “Player Pair” or “Big/Small” — with big payouts. But those flashy bets come with a price: high house edges. They’re fun for the occasional spin, but they’re not smart plays if your goal is to make your bankroll last.

If you’re playing in a physical casino, look for tables with the lowest commission or mini-baccarat variants with friendly rules. Most casinos take a 5% commission on Banker wins, but some promotions lower this to 4% or offer no-commission tables with slightly adjusted rules. These tweaks can make a difference over time, especially for consistent Banker bettors.

Lastly, remember that baccarat is best played with a clear stop-loss and win goal. Like all casino games, the house will eventually win if you play long enough. So play smart, stay cool, and treat baccarat like the chill, elegant game it’s meant to be — not a fast track to doubling your rent money. Playing smart isn’t just about numbers — it’s about knowing when to walk away.

Free drinks at Vegas baccarat tables

Yes, you can get free drinks while playing baccarat at most Las Vegas casinos. This is a common perk offered to keep players at the tables longer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Lower limits, slower service

  At lower-stakes tables, drink service may be slower compared to high-limit rooms, where players are betting more and tipping more generously.

• Active play required

  You usually need to be actively playing and placing bets to receive free drinks. Sitting idle won’t attract much attention from cocktail servers.

• Tip the servers

  While the drinks are free, it’s customary to tip the cocktail servers — typically $1-$2 per drink. This can also encourage faster service.

• Drink quality

  The drinks are often basic well liquors or domestic beers. If you want premium brands, you might have to request them specifically, and some casinos might limit those.

• Pace of service

  The speed of service can vary depending on how busy the casino is and how generous your tips are.