Dragon Tiger or Baccarat – Which Offers Bigger Winnings?
When you visit online baccarat casinos, two games are often grouped together: Dragon Tiger and Baccarat. Many falsely believe that both games have their origins in Asia. In fact, baccarat has its origins in Italy, but this doesn’t negate the fact that they have much in common: straightforward rules and quick gameplay.
Both games have a lot to offer players, but it is often asked which game offers better returns. Here, we will address this issue so that you can make an informed decision about which game is right for you.
The Basics of Both Games
As mentioned, both games are extremely easy to understand. Dragon Tiger origin is based in Cambodia and is often described as a simplified version of baccarat. In this game, two cards are dealt, one for the ‘Dragon’ and one for the ‘Tiger’. Players bet on which hand will receive the higher value card or if it will be a tie. Aces are usually the lowest cards, while kings are the highest.
Baccarat has a longer history, but it is not much more complicated. In baccarat, two hands are dealt, one for the ‘Player’ and one for the ‘Banker’. You can bet on either the Player or the Banker to win, or you can bet on a Tie. Each hand consists of at least two and possibly three cards, and the objective is to predict which will be worth closer to nine points. Tens and face cards are worth zero, and if the total points exceed nine, only the last digit counts.
How Returns Are Calculated
When considering which game provides better returns, it’s vital to understand the concept of house edge. Simply put, the house edge is the advantage the casino has over the player, usually expressed as a percentage. The lower the house edge, the better the returns are likely to be for players.
In card games such as Dragon Tiger and Baccarat, the house edge can vary based on specific rules such as the number of decks used and whether a player makes use of side bets. However, it serves as a general indicator of what you can expect to lose (or win) over an extended period of playing. For example, if a game has a house edge of 1%, for every $100 bet, you would expect to lose $1 over time.
At its most simple, calculating the expected returns is a matter of subtracting the house edge from 100%. So, in a game with a 1% house edge, the player’s expected return would be 99%. However, this does assume the player is using the correct strategy.
House Edge in Dragon Tiger
In most games of Dragon Tiger, the basic bets, Dragon and Tiger, have a house edge of close to 3.73%. This means that for every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose around $3.73 over the long term.
Additionally, Dragon Tiger compared to Baccarat offers various side bets, such as a bet on a Tie, which typically comes with a much higher house edge, often more than 30%. While the payouts for such bets can be attractive, they significantly reduce your expected returns.
It’s also worth noting that the number of decks used in the game will affect the house edge. Some casinos use six decks, while others use eight. Though the difference is minimal, it’s something to be aware of if you’re looking to maximize your returns.
House Edge in Baccarat
The house edge in baccarat depends on the bet that you place. The Player bet usually has a house edge of about 1.24%, making it quite a favorable bet. In most baccarat games, the Banker has an even lower house edge. This is due to how the third card rules work and it is why a 5% commission is usually charged on winning Banker bets. This means that for every $100 you bet on the Player or Banker, you can expect to lose approximately $1.24 or $1.06, respectively.
The Tie bet, however, is a different story. Though it offers higher payouts, usually 8:1 or 9:1, the house edge is considerably higher, around 14.4%. It’s a riskier bet that significantly impacts your expected returns. Furthermore, in general, side bets usually have higher house edges and are generally best avoided if you’re focusing on maximizing returns.
Comparing Player Returns
The house edge shows that baccarat generally offers better-expected returns on the main bets, especially when betting on the Banker. With a house edge of around 1.06% for the Banker bet and about 1.24% for the Player bet, your long-term losses are likely to be less in Baccarat compared to Dragon Tiger, which has a house edge close to 3.73% for its main bets
Returns Are Not Everything
The above makes it clear that the baccarat player returns are better. Many would also argue that it is a more engaging game and, as a result, more enjoyable. However, some people may be drawn to the fast pace of Dragon Tiger. Nonetheless, next time that you go to play online Baccarat, you can do so knowing that the house edge is small and the player returns high
