Host: Kia ora, everyone, and welcome to 'The Kiwi Punt'! Today, we're talking about a game that a lot of people find intimidating but is actually one of the best bets you can make: Live Baccarat. I'm joined by two of NZ's top YouTubers, "Auckland Ace" and "Welly Wagers," to discuss their winning tactics at the live tables of a place like bitstarz-nz.com/ . Ace, let's start with you. What's your core strategy?

Auckland Ace: My strategy is boring, but it works. I do two things: bet on the Banker, and use flat betting. The maths is undeniable. The Banker's hand has a slightly higher probability of winning than the Player's hand. Even with the 5% commission, the house edge is only 1.06%, compared to 1.24% on the Player. It's the best bet, so I make it almost every time. "Flat betting" just means I bet the same amount on every hand. If my unit size is $10, I bet $10. If I win, I still bet $10. If I lose, I still bet $10. This takes all the emotion out of it and protects my bankroll from a bad run. It's not sexy, but it's the professional way to play.

Host: A very disciplined approach. Welly, I know you like a bit more action. What's your take?

Welly Wagers: Ace is right about the Banker bet being the best, but flat betting can be a bit of a snoozefest! My tactic is to use a positive progression betting system. My favourite is the Paroli system. It's the opposite of the risky Martingale. With the Paroli, you only increase your bet after a win. I'll start with a $10 bet. If I win, my next bet will be $20. If I win that, my next bet will be $40. After three consecutive wins, I will always reset and go back to my original $10 bet. This system is designed to capitalise on winning streaks ("hot shoes") while minimising your losses. If I lose at any point, I just go back to my $10 base bet. It's a much safer way to press your advantage and can lead to some very exciting and profitable winning sessions.

Host: That's a great system for maximising a hot streak. Ace, what about side bets? Do you ever play them?

Auckland Ace: Absolutely not. The side bets in Baccarat, like the "Player Pair" or "Banker Pair," are a trap for new players. The house edge on these bets can be over 10%. Compare that to the 1.06% on the main Banker bet. You are giving the house a 10x bigger advantage. A winning tactic is about taking the best odds possible, and that means ignoring the tempting but statistically terrible side bets.

Welly Wagers: I'll actually disagree slightly on that! My tactic is to allocate a tiny fraction of my stake to them for fun. If my main bet is $20, I might put $1 on a side bet. It's my "lottery ticket." 99% of my focus is on the main game, but that small side bet adds a layer of fun and the chance of a big 11-to-1 payout. As long as you treat it as pure entertainment and not a serious strategy, I think it's a great way to enjoy the game.