Baccarat has been a popular card game with gamblers for quite some time, which is why it is one of our favourite online casino games and has a permanent place in boku casinos and lobbies all around the world. But with the rapid expansion of online casinos that popularity has surged, as it has become even more accessible and convenient for players to play baccarat online
With a variety of online baccarat games available, including live dealer options, players can now get all of the excitement of playing at a physical casino on their laptop and mobile devices.
You can even switch between the different baccarat variations and try out the baccarat strategies we mention below in order to find out what works for you. We’ve even picked out the best baccarat casino site sites for you to play at, as well providing everything you need to know if you are new to this popular casino game
So whether you’re a seasoned baccarat player or a complete beginner, this guide to online Baccarat will provide you with valuable information that can help you enjoy the game even more. We hope to inspire you to try baccarat, and to help you improve your odds of walking away with a profit. So sit back, relax, and read on to discover everything you need to know about this classic and exciting card game!
History of Baccarat
Before we dive in to playing online baccarat and the casinos you can use, we thought we would provide some brief information on the history and its evolution in to the game we know and love/
Origins of Baccarat
Believe it or not, the exact origins of Baccarat now entirely known, and are shrouded in mystery and legend, but it’s believed to have been invented in Italy in the 1400s.
In the early years it was thought to have been called “baccara” and played with tarot cards. Fun fact, the name “Baccara“ means zero in Italian. The game eventually found its way to the French aristocracy where it adopted the name Baccarat.
Having been adopted by aristocracy, Baccarat was seen as a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity, which only increased its allure. It eventually spread across Europe and eventually the world, where different variations emerged in various countries.
Despite its rich beginnings, baccarat is now played by people of all backgrounds and is a staple of many land-based and online casinos.
Evolution of Baccarat Online
As we mentioned above, Baccarat has evolved over time, with different variations and rules adopted in different countries. A version called “Chemin de Fer” became popular in 19th Century France. “Punto Banco” was a version that originated in Cuba and eventually found its way to Las Vegas casinos and played alongside Craps, Sic Bo and Roulette. It then went on to become the most popular version in the United States.
In the digital age, Baccarat found its way to online casinos, where its ease of access made all variations even more popular. But despite the evolution and regional changes, the core of Baccarat remains the same.
Why is Baccarat so Popular?
The popularity of Baccarat can be attributed to a variety of reasons. The main appeal appears to be the fact that it’s a game of chance, which means there is very little skill involved, so it can appeal to all. Baccarat is also a fast paced game that provides small bursts of adrenaline with each hand.
In following with its origins as a game for the elite, Baccarat is also often associated with high rollers. Meaning the average gambler can be enticed by the size of bets and winnings they see others placing, as it creates the illusion of offering high payouts.
But since the introduction of online Baccarat at casinos, it’s the ease at which players can access the game that has seen the biggest rise in its popularity.
How to Play Online Baccarat
Now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty of our guide to playing Baccarat online. We appreciate that more experienced gamblers may want to skip this section. But if you are new to Baccarat and want a better understanding, or are considering giving it a try, the following information will definitely help.
Basic Rules of Baccarat Online
Online Baccarat is actually a quite simple card game, and that makes it easy to learn. The rules are the same regardless of whether you play online or at a casino. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and the aim is to get as close to nine points as possible.
Usually Baccarat is played with two or three cards, each card dealt has a point value attached to it. For instance, cards 2 – 9 are face value in the points system, whereas 10s, jacks, queens, and kings are worth zero points and aces are worth 1 point.
Dealing the Cards
Just like with poker and blackjack, online Baccarat is dependent on the dealing of cards. Two hands are dealt by the dealer and these are known as the “Player” hand and the “Banker” hand. Two cards will be dealt to the player hand, followed by two cards being dealt to the banker hand.
In the event of a natural being dealt, where either hand has a total of 8 or 9, the hand is immediately revealed, with no additional cards dealt. If a natural is not dealt, then a third card may be dealt to either or both hands depending on the total of the initial two cards.
Baccarat Scoring
As we have explained above, the aim of the game is to get as close to a score of 9 as possible. Unlike blackjack there is no bust for exceeding the target of 9. If the total of the cards in a hand is greater than 9, then 10 is subtracted from the total. For example, if a hand has a 6 and a 9, the total is 15, but 10 is subtracted, leaving a final value of 5.
The dealing of a third card can depend on a number of factors and the variation being played, which will be detailed on the table or at the online casino site. In general, if a natural is dealt then the game is over, if the players total is 6 or 7 then they stand. But should a total of 0 to 5 be dealt, then a third card is drawn
The Banker’s actions depend on the Player’s third card and their own total. If the Banker’s total is 0-2, they are dealt a third card. If the Banker’s total is 3, they draw a third card unless the Player’s third card is an 8. If the Banker’s total is 4, they draw a third card unless the Player’s third card is a 0, 1, 8, or 9. If the Banker’s total is 5, they draw a third card if the Player’s third card is a 4, 5, 6, or 7. If the Banker’s total is 6, they draw a third card if the Player’s third card is a 6 or 7. If the Banker’s total is 7, they stand and do not draw a third card.
Once all the cards have been dealt, the hand with a total closest to 9 wins. If both hands have the same total, it’s a tie, and bets on either hand are returned. Understanding how the cards are dealt in online baccarat is crucial to making informed bets and increasing your chances of winning.
Baccarat Betting Odds
As you have probably gathered by now there are mainly three types of bets you can place when playing baccarat online. You can bet on the player, banker or a tie, with the player and banker bets being most common.
If you decide to back the player and that hand wins, then you will receive a payout of 1:1 and has a house edge of about 1.24%. Whereas backing the bankers hand may have the same payout, but you will be charged a 5% commission. This is due to the fact that the bankers hand stands a better chance of winning and has a slightly lower house edge of about 1.06%.
When it comes to the tie bet, the odds are considerably higher, with a payout of 8:1. But the odds for this bet are high as it is considered quite risky, which is reflected with a much higher house edge of about 14.4%. For those of you new to online casinos, we have a what is house edge guide to help you out
In addition to the above main bets in baccarat, some variations of the game offer additional side bets, the most common being:
- Pair bets: These bets allow you to wager on whether the first two cards dealt to either the player or the banker will be a pair. The odds of this bet are 11:1
- Perfect pair bets: These bets allow you to wager on whether the first two cards dealt to either the player or the banker will be a pair of the same suit. The odds of this bet are 25:1
- Big and small bets: These bets allow you to wager on the total number of cards dealt in a particular round. A big bet is a wager that there will be more than 4 cards and is even odd (1:1), while a small bet is a wager that there will be 4 cards or fewer and has odds of 1.5:1.
- Dragon bonus bets: These bets are often available in the game of baccarat en banque and allow you to wager on which hand will win with a higher point margin. The odds for dragon bonus bets in baccarat can vary depending on the specific payout table being used. But typically, a winning dragon bonus bet pays out at least 1:1
Whilst the additional bets are more common, it’s worth noting that not all online casinos offer them, as they may not be available for certain variations of Baccarat online.
How to Place Online Baccarat Bets
Baccarat casino online gameplay is quite straightforward. With the main aim being to try and predict which hand will have the closest total to 9 at the end of the round.
To begin with you need to select the amount you want to bet using the relevant chips, you then place those chips in the area of the table that corresponds with the bet you want to place. The three main areas of the table match the main bets available, that of the player, banker or tie.
There may also be some small sections of the table marked out for side bets, but again that depends on the variation of online baccarat you are playing as well as the casino itself.
Once all bets have been placed, the dealer will deal the cards and determine the winner. If you win, you’ll receive your payout based on the type of bet you placed. If you lose, your bet is taken by the house.
Baccarat Online Variations
As we have previously mentioned, different variations of Baccarat emerged as the game spread across the globe. The most popular version, and the one you are most likely to find at land based and online casinos is Punto Banco.
The other versions you are most likely to come across, depending on the casino or where you are playing, are Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque. Although the rules of these versions differ slightly, they do pretty much follow the same basic principles.
For those of you who fancy something which is a little faster paced like we do, then some casinos also offer mini-baccarat. No Matter which variation you choose we have no doubt you will enjoying baccarat online as much as we do.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the version you will have seen when looking around the casino, and the rules are relatively straightforward. Players simply bet on whether the player or the banker will win, or if the game will result in a tie.
In Punto Banco the casino is always the banker deals two cards to players and finishes with dealing two cards to themselves. In Baccarat a third card can be deal by choice, but with Punto Banco this all depends on the cards already dealt, as detailed above.
There are some strategies that can be applied to Punto Banco, which we will cover below. But in general this version tends to favour beginners who are just finding their feet when it comes to playing online Baccarat at casinos.
Mini-Baccarat
Mini-baccarat is also popular at casinos with new players, as it is a fast-paced and simplified version of the classic game, again the rules are generally the same, but there are two key differences. The first being a smaller table consisting of just 7 players, this helps to speed up the game.
The betting limits are also much lower in mini baccarat, compared to the standard version. This tends to appeal to players who want to enjoy the game over a longer period or with a smaller bankroll.
Chemin de Fer
More commonly played at French casinos, Chemin de Fer is thought to be the first variation of Baccarat to appear. It is typically played with six decks of cards and can involve up to 12 players. Unlike with mini-baccarat, one of the players at the table is designated as the banker and is responsible for handling the bets and dealing the cards.
In Chemin de Fer, the banker position rotates among the players, giving everyone a chance to play the role. If you end up on a table where no one steps forward to be the first banker, the casino will then appoint a designated banker.
Similar to Blackjack, once the initial cards are dealt Chemin de Fer, the player has the option to take or decline a third card. This will all depend on the value of the first two cards as the goal is to get as close to nine as possible. A player can also place a bet on either the banker or themselves to win the round.
This version is a little more relaxed than Punto Banco when it comes to the rules, as the players have more control over the game’s outcome. It also allows for players to adopt strategies as they try to read or gain an advantage over their opponents
In general Chemin de Fer can be considered a more interactive and dynamic version of baccarat, which tends to appeal to more experienced players.
Baccarat en Banque
Baccarat en banque isn’t quite as popular as the other variations, but is more comparable to chemin de fer. Similar to Mini-baccarat, the banker position is fixed and held by the casino, while the other two players take turns playing as the player and the second banker.
Where baccarat en banque does stand out in comparison to the other variations, is the ability for the players to place side bets against each other. This is more of an appeal to advanced players and gamblers in general, as players can compete against one another in addition to playing against the house.
The rules of baccarat en banque are very similar to those of other baccarat games, with the objective being to obtain a hand value as close to 9 as possible. Players also have the option of drawing a third card or whether to stand.
Overall, baccarat en banque adds a little more fun and excitement compared to other variations, so is worth giving a try if you want to mix things up a little.
Live Dealer Baccarat
Regardless as to which version of Baccarat you enjoy, live dealer baccarat is an extremely popular way to play online. It provides players with as close to the full experience of playing in a real casino as they are likely to get from the comfort of their own home. Instead of the computer dealing the cards using a random number generator, there is a live dealer who deals the cards in real-time through video streaming. Live Baccarat allows players to interact with the dealer and other players, the same as they would be able to at real casino.
Live dealer baccarat follows the same rules as the chosen variation, with players betting on whether the player or the banker will have the highest score, or if there will be a tie. However, in live baccarat, players have the additional benefit of being able to place side bets. This aspect tends to favour players who like a little more risk in their game.
Best Baccarat Casino Online
As we have previously mentioned not every casino offers all the variations of Baccarat online. So with that in mind we’ve put together a list of our preferred sites that we think you should try.
This list is based on our own experiences with the casinos as well as the online Baccarat versions available. So any one of them should be able to more than meet your needs
All of the above sites have great reputations, as well as an extensive range of games and generous bonuses.
Choosing a Reputable Online Baccarat Casino
If you are in the market for a new Baccarat casino, but those listed above don’t appeal to you. Then below are a few tips on how to pick your own.
Sometimes it can be very time consuming when looking for new casino sites, but it’s something you definitely want to do. It all begins with a little bit of research.
You will first want to narrow it down to a few casinos. You can do this by asking friends and family who they gamble with. Gambling communities are also a great resource to get opinions on casinos for Baccarat.
Once you have narrowed down your search, It’s worth visiting the regulating agency for you country to ensure that are fully licenced. Then you then want to hit independent review sites like Trust Pilot as they tend to offer more in-depth information based on customer experiences.
Visiting the actual casinos is next on the agenda to scrutinise the payment methods, to ensure they offer secure payment options like Boku payments. It’s also recommended to check out what additional games are available, as by offering options like online craps and slot games you know you can mix up your gameplay.
Tips for Playing Baccarat
If you’re new to playing Baccarat online you may be looking for ways to improve your game, so you can hit the ground running. The below tips should certainly help you to reduce your losses as you learn the game and find your rhythm, and possibly increase your chances of winning.
The first thing you want to bear in mind is that you need to manage your bankroll wisely. To do this you need to set a budget and make sure you stick to it, as it is very easy to let emotion get the better of you. This is how many gamblers end up spending above their means and fall foul of the gamblers fallacy.
Sometimes it’s all too tempting to be attracted to big odds bets, we’ve definitely been guilty of this in the past. So you want to avoid backing the tie bet as that has the lowest odds of winning. Instead you want to focus more on the player and banker bets. Although the odds are lower, you stand a better chance keeping the game going for longer and potentially building a profit.
Patterns are common in playing Baccarat online, so if one bet has been winning consistently, it might be worth sticking with it until the tide turns. When that happens, it’s usually the best time to assess your bankroll and be prepared to walk away.
Once you have a good grasp of the game, there are Baccarat strategies that can be applied to further help you chances
Baccarat Strategies
So you have a good understanding the basics of online baccarat, placing bets, and how the game can be played played. This is usually when players want to increase their chances of winning and take baccarat to the next level.
In this section, we’ll cover some of the most popular and effective Baccarat strategies that are generally adopted by more experienced players. Some of the most popular baccarat strategies include the Martingale system, the Paroli system, and the 1-3-2-6 system.
These systems may not be as brazen as card counting in blackjack, so what are they and how can you apply them to your game?
The Martingale System
The martingale system is one of the most popular betting strategies applied to gambling. It is classed as a progressive betting system, where the player doubles their bet after every loss. They do this in the hopes of winning back the losses and getting themselves back in to profit. The general idea is that by the time you win a hand, the amount won will recover all of their losses and more.
Although this strategy can be effective, it’s not for the feint hearted, as it requires a large bankroll and large losses can build up very quickly. Some casinos safeguard against this by implementing betting limits.
Despite the risks, the martingale system remains a popular strategy among baccarat players. Some players use variations of the system, such as the reverse martingale or the grand martingale, which can be less risky but also less profitable.
The Paroli System
The Paroli system can also be referred to as the “reverse martingale” or “positive progression” system. In this strategy, players increase the amount they bet after each win, but decrease their bets after a loss. The basic principle behind this strategy is that by increasing the bet size after a win, players can maximize their profits while minimizing their losses.
The Paroli system tends to be favoured by players who don’t have a large bankroll, whether they be experienced in online Baccarat or not. The popularity of this system lies in the fact that it allows players to take advantage of possible winning streaks to improve their profits. While reducing their bets after a losing hand helps to reduce their overall losses.
The 1-3-2-6 System
The 1-3-2-6 betting system is a little more complicated than the Martingale and Paroli systems, so is generally less popular. In this system, a player place bets in a series of four stages, with the first bet being one unit, the second bet being three units, the third bet being two units, and the fourth bet being six units.
This strategy is classed as a positive progression system, which means the bet size is increased after every win. However, if you lose a hand then you go straight back to the beginning and start again. The key to this strategy is to keep a track of which stage of the progression you are in, setting a realistic unit amount is also advised.
Pros and Cons of Using Baccarat Strategies
While using strategies like these can be effective in the short term, it’s important to remember that they don’t guarantee to always be a winning formula. If players don’t know how to apply them properly or know when to call it a day, losses can be big. So it is important to set a budget and stick to it, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing, for the strategies to be successful in the long term
Summary of Online Baccarat
Playing baccarat at online casinos can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy one of our favourite casino games. There are a few Baccarat variations you can enjoy to mix things up a little. Once you have more confidence in your ability, then you can also try using one of the Baccarat strategies to try to improve your bankroll.
But we always advocate for players to ensure they practice responsible gambling and never wager more than they can afford to lose. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the rules laid out above, maybe try out a different variation, and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.
So why not try your luck with Baccarat at one of the reputable online casino sites recommended. Where you can also claim your welcome bonus, and maybe even try a few new games.