Always 8 Baccarat Live Review
Introduction
Always 8 Baccarat is a live baccarat table from Evolution Gaming with a 93.44% RTP as deployed at Chips.gg, offering a standard baccarat experience with a focus on the "Always 8" side bet. This table follows the classic baccarat rules, utilizing eight decks of cards and the traditional drawing rules for both the Player and Banker hands.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | Evolution Gaming |
| Game Type | Live Baccarat |
| Decks | 8 |
| Main Bets | Player, Banker, Tie |
| Side Bets | Player Pair, Banker Pair, Either Pair, Perfect Pair, Player Bonus, Banker Bonus |
| RTP | 93.44% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Payouts | Banker 0.95:1, Player 1:1, Tie 8:1 |
Last updated August 1, 2026. Facts verified against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
How It Plays
Always 8 Baccarat plays out like a traditional game of baccarat. Players place their bets on whether the Player hand or the Banker hand will have a total closer to nine, or if the two hands will result in a Tie. Two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker positions. Depending on the initial totals, a third card may be drawn for either or both hands according to fixed rules. The hand closest to nine wins.
The "Always 8" aspect of this table refers to a specific side bet that pays out if the Banker hand wins with a total of exactly eight points. This side bet adds an additional wagering option to the classic game. Standard side bets such as Player Pair, Banker Pair, Either Pair, Perfect Pair, Player Bonus, and Banker Bonus are also available, offering further ways to wager on specific outcomes beyond the main game.
House Edge by Bet
The house edge in baccarat varies significantly depending on the bet placed. While the deployed RTP for Always 8 Baccarat is 93.44%, the core bets offer different returns:
| Bet | Payout | House Edge | RTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 0.95:1 | 1.06% | 98.94% |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% | 98.76% |
| Tie | 8:1 | 14.36% | 85.64% |
| Player Pair | 11:1 | 10.36% | 89.64% |
| Banker Pair | 11:1 | 10.36% | 89.64% |
| Either Pair | 5:1 | 13.71% | 86.29% |
| Perfect Pair | 25/200:1 | 8.05% | 91.95% |
| Player Bonus | Variable | 2.65% | 97.35% |
| Banker Bonus | Variable | 9.37% | 90.63% |
It is important to note the substantial difference in RTP between the Banker bet (98.94%) and the Tie bet (85.64%). The Tie bet carries one of the highest house edges in live casino games, making it a less favorable option for players focused on optimizing their returns. Side bets also generally carry a higher house edge compared to the main Banker and Player bets.
Strategy and Bankroll
For Always 8 Baccarat, the optimal strategy for maximizing RTP is to consistently bet on the Banker hand. Despite the 5% commission taken on Banker wins, its house edge remains the lowest among the main bets. The Player bet is the next best option. Avoiding the Tie bet and most side bets is advisable for players prioritizing a lower house edge, as these bets significantly increase the casino's advantage.
Effective bankroll management is crucial. Given the relatively low house edge on the Banker bet, baccarat can offer extended play sessions if managed correctly. However, the availability of high-house-edge side bets means players must be disciplined in their wagering choices to preserve their bankroll. Setting limits on both wins and losses before starting a session can help maintain control.
Comparison with Similar Tables
Always 8 Baccarat offers a traditional baccarat experience with an added side bet. For players seeking a faster pace, Evolution Gaming's Baccarat A and Baccarat B tables offer identical core rules and math but with quicker rounds, reducing the time between hands. If the visual experience of the card reveal is important, Baccarat Squeeze provides a dramatic slow-reveal of the cards, though the underlying game mechanics and house edges remain the same. For those interested in a different aesthetic or provider, Pragmatic Play Live's Baccarat 1 offers a comparable standard baccarat experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Always 8 Baccarat?
The RTP of Always 8 Baccarat is 93.44% as deployed at Chips.gg. It is important to note that RTP can vary by bet type and operator configuration.
What is the "Always 8" side bet?
The "Always 8" side bet pays out if the Banker hand wins with a total of exactly eight points.
Is there a commission on Banker bets in Always 8 Baccarat?
Yes, Banker bets pay 0.95:1, meaning a 5% commission is deducted from wins, which is standard in classic baccarat.
Which bet has the lowest house edge in Always 8 Baccarat?
The Banker bet has the lowest house edge at 1.06%, offering the highest RTP among the main wagers.
Can I play Always 8 Baccarat on mobile?
Yes, like most live casino games from Evolution Gaming, Always 8 Baccarat is designed to be fully compatible with mobile devices.
What is the difference between Always 8 Baccarat and other Evolution Baccarat tables?
Always 8 Baccarat features the specific "Always 8" side bet. Other Evolution tables might offer different side bets, faster gameplay (Speed Baccarat), or visual enhancements like card squeezing, but the core baccarat rules and main bet RTPs are generally consistent across their classic baccarat offerings.
Conclusion
Always 8 Baccarat from Evolution Gaming provides a classic live baccarat experience with the addition of the "Always 8" side bet. While the deployed RTP for this table is 93.44%, players can achieve a significantly higher RTP by focusing on the Banker bet, which offers a 98.94% return. Understanding the house edge for each available wager is key to an informed playing strategy. For players who appreciate traditional baccarat with an extra betting option, Always 8 Baccarat delivers a reliable live casino experience.
