Baccarat is straightforward to follow, yet ties can raise questions. What actually happens when the Player and Banker finish with the same total?
This guide explains how ties are decided, how Player and Banker bets are settled, and what tie bets pay. It also covers 8:1 versus 9:1 payouts, the impact on the house edge, key table rules, and clear examples.
If you are curious about tie outcomes, you will find practical answers here. Keep play within your own limits and view any betting as entertainment.
How Is A Tie Decided In Baccarat?
A tie occurs when the Player and Banker hands end on the same total after all cards for the round have been dealt. The aim is for either hand to be as close to nine as possible using two, or sometimes three, cards.
If both hands finish on an identical value, for example, both showing six or both showing eight, the round is a tie. The dealer announces the result at the end of the round, and only the final totals matter.
With that in mind, what does a tie mean for the main bets on the table?
What Happens To Player And Banker Bets When There Is A Tie?
Player and Banker bets are settled as a push when a tie occurs. A push is neither a win nor a loss, so the original stake is returned to the player with no additional payout. The returned stake can then be used for the next round or kept aside.
Push Versus Tie Bet Payouts
The push outcome applies only to Player and Banker bets. Tie bets are separate. If someone has wagered on a tie and the round ends with both hands at the same total, that tie bet is paid at the table’s stated odds, most often 8:1 or sometimes 9:1. The specific payout is usually printed on the layout or displayed on a sign.
How Do Tie Bets Pay Out And What Are Typical Odds?
Tie bets follow simple settlement rules. When a tie is confirmed, a winning tie bet pays according to the posted odds and the original stake is returned. Most tables pay 8:1, so a £1 tie bet would typically return £9 in total, including the stake. Some variations pay 9:1, returning £10 in total for each £1 stake.
Although the mechanics are straightforward, tie outcomes occur far less often than Player or Banker wins. It is worth checking the posted odds before placing a tie bet, as they can differ by table or game variant.
Moving from the mechanics to the reasoning, why do some tables offer one payout and others another?
Why Do Some Casinos Pay 8:1 And Others 9:1 On Tie Bets?
Payouts on tie bets vary because individual tables are configured differently. The traditional figure is 8:1, but some venues list 9:1 to differentiate their game or to reflect a specific baccarat variant.
A higher payout changes the long-run returns on this bet and slightly shifts the casino’s advantage. Other table rules can influence how often ties appear, which is why two tables may post different odds.
If tie payouts vary, the next question is how that difference affects the house edge.
How Does The House Edge Change With Different Tie Payouts?
The house edge is the built-in statistical advantage a casino holds over time. For tie bets, it is typically much higher than for the main bets on Player or Banker.
At 8:1, the tie bet’s house edge is about 14.4%. If the payout is 9:1, that edge drops to roughly 4.8%. Even so, it remains higher than the edges on the main bets, which are around 1.06% for Banker and 1.24% for Player under standard rules.
This is why tie bets, while offering larger payouts, are generally a higher-risk choice in terms of expected outcomes.
To understand what else can shape tie results at the table, it helps to look at some common rules.
Common Table Rules That Affect Tie Results
Table rules can subtly influence how tie outcomes are presented and paid. The most visible difference is the posted payout on a tie, with some tables paying 8:1 and others 9:1.
Some games offer side bets that focus on specific tie totals, such as predicting a 6-6 or 8-8. These side bets have their own odds and conditions. Standard procedures also set out how pushes on Player and Banker are settled and announced.
While the fixed drawing rules determine when a third card is taken, and therefore influence how often ties appear, they do not change what a tie is or how a push is handled.
Examples Of Tie Hands And Payout Calculations
A tie occurs whenever both hands share the same final total. If the Player finishes on 7 and the Banker also finishes on 7, that round is a tie.
- With a £5 tie bet at 8:1, the payout would be £40 in winnings plus the £5 stake returned, for £45 in total.
- With a £5 tie bet at 9:1, the payout would be £45 in winnings plus the £5 stake returned, for £50 in total.
Player and Banker bets push on any tie, so the original stake on those bets simply comes back with no extra winnings.
With the numbers in mind, how should a player think about using tie bets at all?
Are Tie Bets Worth It For Players?
Tie bets provide larger potential returns than Player or Banker, but they win less often and usually carry a higher house edge. Even at 9:1, the long-run advantage remains with the casino to a greater extent than on the main bets.
Some players enjoy the occasional tie wager because of the bigger payout on offer. Others prefer to focus on Player or Banker, where the house edge is lower. Either approach is a personal choice, and it is sensible to keep any betting within set limits and treat it as entertainment rather than a source of income.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.