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Online Baccarat: Complete Guide

Discover everything you need to know about online baccarat: from its fascinating history to the different available variants, including practical tips to improve your chances of winning. This comprehensive guide gives you an overview of the rules, strategies, and the best casinos to play at.

1. Introduction to Baccarat

Baccarat is a classic card game known for its simplicity and elegance. Originally played in physical casinos, it is now available online, offering a variety of options for table game enthusiasts. The goal of baccarat is to bet on the hand that will come closest to nine points, whether it's the player's hand (Player), the banker's hand (Banker), or a possible tie.

2. History of Baccarat

Baccarat originated in Italy, where the word 'baccara' means 'zero,' referring to the value of face cards in the game. Developed during the Middle Ages, it crossed borders and became popular in France in the 15th century. Over the centuries, the game spread across Europe, notably in Britain, and gained popularity in Asia, especially in Macau, and in North America. Baccarat has become an iconic game, often associated with the glamour of casinos and movies, particularly in James Bond scenes.

3. How to Play Online Baccarat

Objective of the Game

Baccarat involves predicting which hand, between the player's (Player) or the banker's (Banker), will have a total value closest to nine. It is also possible to bet on a tie between the two hands.

Card Values

  • Numbered Cards (2 to 9): Their value is their number.
  • 10, Jack, Queen, King Cards: Their value is zero.
  • Ace: Value of one.

When the sum of the cards exceeds nine, only the unit value is kept. For example, a hand consisting of an 8 and a 6 totals 14, but the hand is counted as 4.

Live Baccarat

  • Placing Bets: Players bet on the Player's hand, the Banker's hand, or on a tie.
  • Dealing Cards: Two cards are dealt to the Player and two to the Banker.
  • Drawing Cards: According to the game rules, a third card may be drawn. The drawing rules differ for the Player and the Banker.
  • Determining the Winner: The hand closest to nine wins.

4. Online Baccarat Versions

Live Baccarat

Live Baccarat offers an immersive experience with a real dealer. Players can follow the game in real time, interact with the dealer and other players.

Lightning Baccarat

A variant of baccarat with random multipliers that can increase winnings up to 500 times the bet.

Dragon Tiger

A simplified version with two cards dealt, one for the Dragon and one for the Tiger. The side with the higher card wins.

No Commission Baccarat

A variant where winnings for the Banker are not subject to a 5% commission on a win.

Classic Baccarat

This version follows the traditional rules of the game, with bets on Player, Banker, or Tie, without the additional elements of variants like multipliers or special themes.

Baccarat Squeeze

A version where the cards are revealed slowly to add suspense. The dealer first reveals the cards with the lowest bets.

Speed Baccarat

Designed for players in a hurry, this version speeds up the pace of the hands, reducing the time for each round.

5. Strategies and Tips to Win

The Martingale

A strategy where the bet is doubled after each loss, hoping to recover the losses when a win occurs. However, it is risky and can lead to significant losses.

Betting on the Banker

Statistically, betting on the Banker is the best option due to the slightly reduced house edge compared to the Player. The return to player (RTP) rate is more favorable for the Banker.

Money Management

Setting a budget and sticking to it is essential. Avoid betting more than you can afford to lose.

6. Baccarat Winnings

  • Bet on Player: Payout of 1:1.
  • Bet on Banker: Payout of 0.95:1 (a 5% commission is applied).
  • Bet on Tie: Payout of 8:1 or 9:1 (depending on the platform's rules).

7. Game Providers

Evolution Gaming

A leader in live casino games, offering a variety of baccarat versions, including Live Baccarat and Lightning Baccarat.

Betsoft

Known for its high-quality online games, including virtual versions of baccarat.

Play’n GO

Renowned for its slot machines, Play’n GO also offers online baccarat games.

8. Recommended Casinos

If you are looking to experience an authentic online casino experience, here is a list of the best casinos for baccarat:

No wager
20 €
Min. deposit
EXCLU
No wager
20 €
Min. deposit
No wager
20 €
Min. deposit
35x
Wager
20 €
Min. deposit
40x
Wager
20 €
Min. deposit

9. FAQ

How to Win at Baccarat?

Bet on the hand with the value closest to nine. Bet on Player or Banker for better chances of winning.

How to Play Baccarat Online for Free?

Use the demo mode available on online casinos to play without spending real money.

Is It Possible to Count Cards in Baccarat?

No, baccarat uses a shoe with several decks of shuffled cards, making card counting ineffective.

Is It Possible to Play Live Baccarat?

Yes, many online casinos offer live baccarat tables with real dealers.