Baccarat Online
Quick Summary
Baccarat is a classic card game that has captivated players for centuries with its elegance and simplicity. People believe its origins trace back to Italy in the 15th century, from where it spread to France and gained popularity among the French nobility. Over time, baccarat evolved into various forms and became a staple in casinos worldwide.
Gameplay Overview:
Baccarat is a comparing card game played between two hands: the “Player” and the “Banker.” Each round, known as a “coup,” has three possible outcomes:
- Player: The Player’s hand has a higher score.
- Banker: The Banker’s hand has a higher score.
- Tie: Both hands have equal scores.
The game is typically played with eight decks of cards. Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value in points; 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth zero; and Aces are worth one point. Players calculate the hand values by summing the points of the cards and taking the units digit of the total. For example, a hand with a 7 and an 8 totals 15, so its value is 5.
Play the game:
- Betting: Players place their bets on either the Player’s hand, the Banker’s hand, or a Tie.
- Dealing: Two cards are dealt to both the Player and the Banker.
- Natural Win: If either hand has a total of 8 or 9, it is called a “natural,” and no further cards are drawn. The hand with the natural wins.
- Drawing a Third Card: If neither hand has a natural, the drawing of a third card is determined by specific rules:
- Player’s Hand: If the Player’s total is 0-5, they draw a third card; if 6 or 7, they stand.
- Banker’s Hand: The Banker’s action depends on their total and the Player’s third card (if drawn).
The hand closest to a total of 9 points wins the round. Winning bets on the Player’s hand are paid 1:1, while winning bets on the Banker’s hand are also paid 1:1 but typically incur a 5% commission due to the Banker’s slight advantage. Tie bets usually pay 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino’s rules.
Variations:
Over the years, several variations of baccarat have emerged:
- Punto Banco: The most common form in North America, where the casino banks the game at all times, and each player’s moves are dictated by the cards dealt.
- Chemin de Fer: A French version where players take turns being the banker, and the game involves a higher degree of player decision-making.
- Baccarat Banque: Similar to Chemin de Fer but with a fixed banker position throughout the game.
Each variant offers a unique twist on the traditional game, catering to different player preferences.
Strategies and Tips:
Baccarat is largely a game of chance, but players can employ certain strategies to enhance their experience:
- Bet on the Banker: Statistically, the Banker’s hand has a slightly higher chance of winning, making it a favorable bet despite the commission.
- Avoid the Tie Bet: While the payout is attractive, the odds of a tie are low, making it a riskier wager.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits and stick to them to ensure a responsible and enjoyable gaming experience.
Conclusion
Understanding the game’s rules and odds can help players make informed decisions and enjoy the timeless allure of baccarat.
More about Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the card games that US players can enjoy online in regulated markets. It is a table game popular worldwide, especially in Macau-based online casinos. Baccarat has been around for a while in the Western Hemisphere, and James Bond movies popularized it.
Straightforward gameplay and easy-to-learn rules are the main reasons why gamblers across the globe love baccarat. It is a perfect game of chance.
If you want to learn how to play online baccarat and where you can legally play it in the US, bear with us. We will fill you in on all things baccarat so you can start playing the game in no time.
Online Baccarat Games
Baccarat Rules
When we say that baccarat rules are easy to learn, we really mean it. The player’s decisions involve choosing a bet size and the side on which they will place their bet. The dealer, or computer in RNG-operated baccarat, deals cards that determine the winner.
The side that is dealt cards whose total is closest to 9 wins. Now, although you can play baccarat without knowing anything else about it, you should understand a few rules. First and foremost, you should know how cards are valued. Take a look at the table below to familiarize yourself with card values in baccarat.
| Card | Value |
| A | 1 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
| 6 | 6 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 8 |
| 9 | 9 |
| 10 | 0 |
| J | 0 |
| Q | 0 |
| K | 0 |
Cards from A through 9 keep their face value, while cards from 10 through K count as 0 points. If the total exceeds 10, the game subtracts 10 from the score. Here are a few examples to help you fully understand some calculations:
- If one of the sides receives an Ace and a 7, the total is 8.
- If one of the sides is dealt a J and a K, the total is 0.
- If one of the sides gets an 8 and a 9, the total is 17. With 10 being subtracted, the final score is 7.
In some cases, the dealer must deal more than two cards to determine the winner. Unlike skill-based card games like blackjack and poker, baccarat does not allow the player to decide whether to draw more cards. The dealer (or the computer) controls the entire game, allowing you to relax and enjoy the process.
How to Play Baccarat Online
Speaking of decisions, now we come to the tricky part. It’s where you must choose the side you will bet on.
Placing a bet: Which side should you choose?
In baccarat, you can bet on the Banker, Player or Tie. By placing a bet, you predict which of the sides will receive cards with a total closest to 9. So, basically, you should take a guess.
When wagering on the Banker or Player, you predict the respective side will win. By placing a Tie bet, you expect both sides to have the same total.
Now, a payout and house edge slightly differ for the Banker and Player. Namely, a 5% commission applies to Banker payouts in most online baccarat variants. In practice, it means that the Player pays 1:1, while the Banker pays 0.95:1. We will get to the house edge later.
As for the Tie bet, it is the riskiest option. However, if you place it and you guess correctly that both sides will have the same total, this bet pays 8:1.
Both sides get two cards each
Once you place the bet, the dealer will deal two cards to the Player and two to the Banker. The totals are calculated automatically.
What is a natural?
In baccarat, players call a total of 8 or 9 a natural. When one of the sides has a natural, the game is over. It means that the other side can’t receive more cards.
Third card rule – The Player
Although you don’t have to worry about it, the third card rule needs an introduction. Since the dealer first deals cards to the Player, this hand is considered first. The player is dealt the third card if the total is lower than 6. With a total of 6 or more, the Player stands.
Third Card Rule – The Banker
If the Player stands, the same rule applies to the Banker. This side will receive another card if its total is lower than 6. Otherwise, they stand.
However, if the Player gets a third card, the following rules apply to the Banker based on the Player’s total:
- When the Banker’s total is 0, 1 or 2, they always get a 3rd card;
- When the Banker’s total is 3, they get the 3rd card, with the exception being if the Player’s 3rd card is an 8;
- When the Banker’s total is 4, they receive a 3rd card, with the exception being if the Player’s 3rd card is 2 to 7;
- When the Banker’s total is 5, they get a 3rd card unless the Player’s 3rd card is 4 to 7;
- When the Banker’s total is 6, they are dealt a 3rd card, except if the Player has got a 6 to 7.
- When the Banker’s total is 7, the Banker stands regardless of the Player’s card.
We have already said it, and we will repeat it once again: when playing baccarat at US online casinos, these rules should not bother you. They are applied automatically by the computer or the dealer.
Which side wins the round?
As mentioned earlier, the side with a total closest to 9 wins the round. It is called a draw if both sides end the round with the same total. In this case, you will get your stake back unless you have placed a Tie bet.
Bear in mind that some rules may vary slightly from one baccarat variant to the other. Because of that, you must read the rules and check the paytable before you start wagering your hard-earned funds. Yet, in most cases, the rules explained above apply.
Baccarat Round Examples
To understand how baccarat pays, please look at a few examples below.
1. The Banker wins 8 to 4 for the Player.
- If you have placed a $10 bet on the Banker, you win a 0.95:1 payout, meaning you get your bet back and a $9.50 prize.
- If you have bet on the Player, you lose your bet.
- If you have bet on the Tie, you lose your bet.
2. The Player wins 8 to 3 for the Banker.
- If you have wagered on the Player, you win a 1:1 payout, receiving your bet back and the same amount as a prize.
- The Banker and Tie bet loses.
3. The Banker and the Player have a total of 7.
- If you have placed the Banker or Player bet, you will get it back, meaning no loss or gain.
- If you have placed the Tie bet, you will win an 8:1 bet, meaning that you will get paid $80 and get your stake back.
These rules apply to a baccarat variant that deducts a 5% commission from the payout on the Banker bet. You can choose from different baccarat variants at US online casinos, including ones where casinos do not take such a commission.
Baccarat House Edge Explained
A house edge is the casino’s advantage over the player. When playing baccarat, online or offline, players make no decisions beyond placing bets. Hence, they have no influence on the house edge.
The house edge in baccarat can vary based on the rules in play. Yet, in those where a 5% commission is taken from the Banker payout, the following applies:
- The Banker bet has a 1.06% house edge;
- The Player bet has a 1.24% house edge;
- The Tie bet has a 14.36% house edge.
The factor that can change the house edge in baccarat is payouts. For instance, the Tie bet paying 9:1 decreases the house advantage on this wager to 4.85%.
Baccarat Strategy: How to Win at Baccarat?
Looking at the house margins, we can clearly see that the Banker bet offers the lowest house advantage. Hence, it’s the best bet when playing this card game. Alternatively, you can place the Player bet.
As for the Tie bet, it involves the most risk, so you should play it only occasionally. The same goes for various side bets some baccarat variations offer. Now, let’s check out baccarat variants available at legal US online casinos.
Baccarat Variants
In regulated US markets, online baccarat comes in many variants and two main formats: as an RNG-operated and live dealer game. You can find the standard version of baccarat at all online casinos we recommend. However, if you want a baccarat game with a twist, read on to learn about innovative variants you can play with real money.
Baccarat Squeeze
This game variant uses the standard set of the rules we have explained above. The key difference between traditional baccarat and Baccarat Squeeze is the squeezing element that adds to the excitement. You can slowly reveal the cards, anticipating which side will get a winning hand.
One of the legal US casinos where you can play Baccarat Squeeze is DraftKings. It offers DraftKings High Limit Squeeze Baccarat, a proprietary game, supporting wagers from $1 to $10,000 per round, which makes it the perfect fit for high-rollers. However, bear in mind that wagers on specific options are lower. For instance, you can place a Tie bet of up to $5,000.
Besides the regular bets, players can go for optional side bets. They include:
- Pair: By playing a Banker or Player Pair bet, you predict the respective side will receive two cards of the same rank. It applies to the first two cards only and pays 11:1.
- Either Pair: As its name suggests, with this bet, you predict that the first two cards dealt to either the Banker or Player side will make a pair. It pays 5:1.
- 3 Card Win: Like Pair, the 3 Card Win bet can be placed on the Banker or Player side. It wins if the selected side wins with 3 cards. The Banker 3 Card Win bet pays 5:1, whereas the Player 3 Card Win wager grants 4:1.
- Perfect Pairs: With the Perfect Pairs bet, you predict that the Banker’s or the Player’s first two cards will have the same rank and suit. If one of the sides has a perfect pair, the bet pays 25:1. When both receive a perfect pair, the payout increases to 200:1.
Speed Baccarat
Unlike Baccarat Squeeze, where you can prolong the duration of each round, Speed Baccarat is a fast-paced game. It’s an Evolution take on the game, operated by a real-life dealer, so you can enjoy some real casino action.
In traditional baccarat, a round lasts 48 seconds. On the other hand, the Speed version of the game has rounds that last 27 seconds. It is accomplished through dealing cards face-up, and the time needed to announce results is minimal.
Speed Baccarat does not differ from the standard game in terms of the main bets and payouts. At the same time, it offers several side bets you can play if you wish. Like in Baccarat Squeeze described above, you can place a Banker/Player Pair, Perfect Pair or Either Pair bet optionally.
Baccarat Dragon Bonus
Baccarat Dragon Bonus is a live casino game by Ezugi that uses the rules you should already know. So, there are no differences between the Ezugi game and standard baccarat in the main game.
Its side bets make Baccarat Dragon Bonus stand out from the crowd. You will see the Dragon Bonus field next to the Banker and Player bet on the table. That’s where you place side bets predicting that the winning side will receive a natural or that the rounds will end in a natural tie. Here is a lowdown on possible payouts you can win when playing the Banker or Player Dragon Bonus bet:
- Natural Tie: The round ends in a push, and you get your stake back.
- Natural Win: The side you placed the Dragon Bonus bet on wins with a natural, and you win a 1:1 payout.
- Non-Natural Win by 4-5 Points: If the side you placed the optional bet on wins with a non-natural total that exceeds the total of the opposite side by 4 to 5 points, you win 2:1.
- Non-Natural Win by 6-7 Points: When the chosen side wins with a total higher by 6 to 7 points, you win 4:1.
- Non-Natural Win by 8 Points: The payout is 10:1.
- Non-Natural Win by 9 Points: The maximum payout of 30:1 is granted.
To win any of the payouts above, you must place the Dragon Bonus side bet on the Banker or Player. Remember that these optional bets involve more risk, so play them responsibly.
Lightning Baccarat
The hit game coming from Evolution’s creative kitchen introduces multipliers, like other games from the Lightning series. It’s all about so-called Lightning Cards, randomly selected from a virtual 52-card deck. Up to 5 cards can be chosen, each receiving a random multiplier of 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 8x.
If the side you bet on receives one or more Lightning Cards, the multiplier will increase the payout. Furthermore, if the hand contains two or more Lightning Cards, the multipliers will multiply each other. The maximum multiplier you can benefit from can be won on the Tie bet, but payouts are capped at $500,000.
While Lightning Baccarat may seem enticing, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, a 20% Lightning Fee is applied on each main bet to fund the Lightning payouts. Furthermore, the Tie bet pays 5:1 instead of 8:1. At the same time, the Banker or Player Pair bet pays 9:1 instead of 11:1. Therefore, you can expect lower payouts than in other baccarat variants.
Besides the live dealer version of the game, US online casinos also offer the First Person variant. It’s an RNG game with a button that lets you swap to the live casino game with a single click. Gameplay-wise, the two game formats are the same.
Golden Wealth Baccarat
Another Evolution baccarat game you can play at regulated US online casinos also offers up to 8x multipliers, but there is more to it. If you decide to play it, you can benefit from the Golden Round, with 5 randomly generated Golden Cards and randomly generated multipliers for each of them.
This game stands out because of the augmented reality element, which makes stardust appear before virtual cards are generated and multipliers are assigned. The similarities with the Lightning version of the game are obvious, with the only difference being that the game generates 5 Golden Cards in each round.
Golden Wealth Baccarat shares the downsides with Lightning Baccarat. So, a 20% Golden Card Fee will be taken from each bet. You won’t get the Golden fee back if a round ends in a tie. At the same time, the Tie pays 5:1 instead of 8:1, and the Pair side bet pays 9:1 instead of 11:1.
On US casino sites, you can also enjoy First Person Golden Wealth Baccarat, equipped with the Go Live button that can immediately transfer you to the live version of Golden Wealth Baccarat.
Baccarat and Superstition
Baccarat is a game of chance, so each round is a separate event. However, certain superstitions have been widespread across casinos worldwide, with players believing that specific rituals can bring them good luck. Some of them are listed below:
- Card bending (squeezing): Players in Macau believe that peeking at the cards will help them win. It is probably why Evolution, the leading live casino solutions provider, launched Baccarat Squeeze.
- Trend betting: To put it simply, trend betting is betting on a hand that has been winning for a while. At the same time, some players choose to wager on a side that has been on a losing streak. In both cases, there is no guarantee that your bet will win, so this is one of the most common gambler’s fallacies, also known as the fallacy of the maturity of chances.
- Blowing on cards: Some players believe that they will chase away evil spirits and bad numbers by blowing on cards. Obviously, this is something you can’t practice when playing baccarat online.
We have picked only a few superstitions to show you common beliefs among baccarat players. The word “belief” is crucial here, meaning there is no guarantee that any of these rituals will affect the outcome of your game. So, instead of going for them, rely on the math behind the game and stick to the main bets, especially the Banker bet.
Is Baccarat a High-Roller Game?
At land-based casinos, baccarat is huge with high rollers, thanks to the tables supporting high stakes. At the same time, people consider it a game for the elite in luxury garments. However, it should not discourage you to give it a go.
Online casinos have made baccarat accessible to anyone who wants to play it. Online baccarat does not discriminate against players on a budget, as it sometimes accepts bets starting low, at $0.10. At the same time, high rollers can wager larger amounts if they wish.
When playing baccarat online, you don’t have to worry about your appearance. You can play the game without leaving the comfort of your home in your leisurewear. Even if you play it on the go, you don’t have to worry about elegant suits and shoes.
We can conclude that online baccarat is a pretty liberal game that all kinds of players can enjoy, regardless of their status, budget, or clothes.
FAQs
The critical difference between the two baccarat formats is that you can play online baccarat wherever you are, from the comfort of your home or on the go. At the same time, RNG and live casino baccarat tables support a wider betting range, accommodating casual players and high rollers.
An Ace is worth 1 point, cards from 2 to 9 carry their face value, while a 10 and face cards are worth 0. If a side receives cards worth 10 or more, players will subtract 10, and they will calculate the score again. The side whose score gets closest to 9 wins.
Although there are specific rules you should get familiar with, you can start playing the game without learning them because the game plays out on its own, operated by the dealer or computer. However, before you start learning the game, you should know all about the house edge for every bet to reduce the risk to the minimum.
Absolutely. Online casinos licensed in the US offer baccarat games from Evolution and Ezugi and proprietary games exclusive to certain casino operators.
People consider baccarat the game for the elite at land-based casinos because it has high stakes. However, online baccarat is suitable for all kinds of players, supporting a wide range of bets.
Baccarat History
While the precise origins of baccarat are unknown, the game has been around for centuries. So, it comes as no surprise that it is still popular worldwide, primarily because of its simple rules.
According to some sources, the game we know as baccarat originated from Pai Gow, a Chinese game played between 960 and 1279 BCE. While its name means “make nine,” Pai Gow used tiles instead of cards. Because of that, it is more precise to say that Pai Gow influenced modern baccarat.
Now, let’s move to ancient Rome, where people used nine-sided dice to determine whether a Vestal Virgin would become a high priestess, lose her status, or drown in the sea. The best outcome resulted from the number nine on the dice, hence the connection with baccarat, where a hand with a total of 9 or 8 automatically wins.
Baccara
Another link with Italy is the game of baccara, played in the 15th century. The game got its name from the Italian word for zero, since a 10 and face cards were worth 0, just like in the baccarat we play today. This game gained popularity in France in the 19th century. King Charles VIII enjoyed it and introduced it to the nobility.
In France, people initially called the game Chemin de Fer, which they later shortened to Chemmy. The game arrived in England with French travelers. It spread to other parts of the world, including Cuba, the US, and Argentina.
Today, we can enjoy baccarat legally at land-based and online casinos in the US. However, in the early 20th century, baccarat was illegal. Some sources claim that people played baccarat in New York State at the end of the 19th century. The New York Times mentioned the game in 1871 and 1899. In 1899, the newspaper covered an event where authorities arrested several Frenchmen for playing baccarat illegally.
In Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, people have played baccarat since the 1950s. Francis “Tommy” Renzoni brought Punto Banco, the American baccarat variant, from Havana, Cuba, and introduced it to the Sands Hotel in Vegas.
At the moment of writing this guide, online baccarat is legal in 6 US states. The first states to legalize online casino games were New Jersey and Delaware, followed by Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, and Connecticut. In these US states, you can enjoy various baccarat games at online casinos for real money perfectly legally.
Interesting Facts About Baccarat
Now that you are familiar with baccarat, its rules and history, let us finish this guide with a few interesting facts about the game.
- Baccarat is one of the oldest gambling games and one of the land-based casino staples.
- Ian Flemming, the author of the James Bond series of novels, loved baccarat, just like the famous Agent 007.
- Baccarat is the most popular game in Macau.
- Aiko “The Warrior” Kashiwagi set a record, winning $6 million in the Trump Plaza Casino in Atlantic City playing baccarat at stakes of $200,000 per hand in 1990. Later that year, he set another record, losing $10 million.
- Live dealer baccarat games aim to convey the opulence of Macau-based casinos.
