No Commission Baccarat is a popular variant that eliminates the standard 5% commission on winning Banker bets, making payouts simpler. To retain a house edge, these games introduce an alternative rule: typically, if the Banker wins with a specific total, such as 6, the bet pays only 0.5:1 (half the original wager) instead of 1:1. This version appeals to players who dislike the commission but introduces a different statistical element to consider when placing Banker wagers.
Why Was No Commission Baccarat Created?
The standard 5% commission on winning Banker bets, while mathematically necessary for the traditional game, often creates friction for players. It can feel like a tax on winnings, and the process of calculating and collecting the owed commission can slow down the pace of the game. Casinos, always looking to enhance the player experience, developed No Commission Baccarat as an innovative solution. The goal was to create a faster, psychologically simpler version of the game that would appeal to a broader audience.
The Fundamental Rule Change: Banker Payouts
The core appeal of No Commission Baccarat is straightforward: on almost every winning Banker bet, you are paid a true even money 1:1 payout. There are no calculations, no deductions, and no need for the dealer to track what you owe. A $50 bet on the Banker wins a clean $50 profit.
However, casinos don’t simply give away their advantage. To replace the revenue and mathematical edge generated by the 5% commission, they introduced a “catch”—a single, specific scenario where the standard 1:1 payout on a winning Banker bet does not apply. It is crucial for players to know the specific “catch” rule of the table they are playing at.
The “Catch”: Understanding the Special Payout Conditions
While several variations exist, two main versions of No Commission Baccarat have become the industry standard. They are defined by their unique “catch” rule.
The Super 6 Rule: Banker Wins on 6
This is the most widespread form of No Commission Baccarat, often explicitly named “Super 6 Baccarat” or “Punto 2000.”
The Rule: If you bet on the Banker and it wins with a point total of exactly 6, your wager is paid at 0.5:1 (or half your original bet). All other winning Banker hands pay 1:1.
Example: You bet $100 on the Banker. The Player has 4, and the Banker has 6. The Banker wins. Because the winning total was 6, your profit is not $100, but only $50.
The Side Bet: This rule gives rise to the popular “Super 6” side bet, which offers a high payout (typically 12:1) if you specifically wager on the Banker winning with a total of 6.
The EZ Baccarat Rule: The Pushing 7
Another very popular variant, particularly in North America, is EZ Baccarat.
The Rule: If you bet on the Banker and it wins with a three-card total of 7, your wager is a “push.” This means your original stake is returned to you, but you receive no profit. The bet is neither a win nor a loss.
Example: You bet $100 on the Banker. The Banker wins with a three-card total of 7. You do not win any money; your original $100 is simply returned to you.
The Side Bets: This version is famous for its two key side bets: the “Dragon 7” (a bet on this specific three-card Banker win, paying 40:1) and the “Panda 8” (a bet on the Player winning with a three-card 8, paying 25:1).
How These Rules Affect the House Edge
These special payout conditions are not arbitrary; they are carefully calculated to restore the casino’s advantage. While you avoid the commission on most wins, the financial impact of the “catch” is spread out over the long term, resulting in a new house edge.
Traditional Baccarat (Banker Bet): 1.06%
Super 6 Baccarat (Banker Bet): Approximately 1.46%
EZ Baccarat (Banker Bet): The house edge on the main bet is effectively 0% (as the casino’s edge is built into the push), but the casino’s profit is primarily derived from the highly popular Dragon 7 and Panda 8 side bets.
This reveals a crucial insight: the house edge on the main Banker bet in most No Commission variants is slightly higher than in the traditional game.
Is No Commission Baccarat Better for the Player?
The answer depends on what you value most as a player.
For Simplicity and Speed: Yes. No Commission Baccarat is faster, the payouts are simpler to understand for most hands, and it removes the psychological annoyance of seeing your winnings reduced.
For Optimal Odds: No. A player focused purely on the best possible mathematical return is often better off playing traditional Baccarat and paying the 5% commission, as the 1.06% house edge on the Banker bet is typically lower.
The choice is a trade-off between a slightly worse statistical odd and a more streamlined and psychologically satisfying playing experience.
Conclusion: A Faster Game with a Hidden Twist
No Commission Baccarat is a brilliant innovation that has made the game faster and more appealing to a wide range of players. By removing the often-disliked 5% commission, it offers a more straightforward experience. However, players must always be aware of the “catch”—the specific rule for special payouts that each version employs. Understanding whether your table plays by the “Super 6” or “Pushing 7” rule is the key to truly understanding the game’s odds and making informed decisions at a modern Baccarat table.