Baccarat has always been that card game in casinos for rich high rollers and big spending "whales". Us regular players only got to play if we dressed up nice and went to the VIP sections in Las Vegas. But today we can play real baccarat from our laptops or phones from home, thanks to the many American real money online casinos offering this game.
In this guide, I'll walk through how online baccarat works for beginners. We'll cover the gameplay basics, some winning tips, and the best places to play and maybe win some hard cash. Let's dive in.
Best Casinos to Play Baccarat Online: Our Recommendations #
Based on game variety, user experience, and bonuses, I've selected the best casinos to play baccarat online. These casinos not only offer great baccarat games but also deliver top online gambling experiences overall.
| Where to Play | Welcome Bonus | User Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Super Slots | $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 100 FS | 5/5 |
| 7bit | 200% up to $500 | 4.7/5 |
| Stake | 100% up to $200 + 5% rakeback | 5/5 |
| Jumba Bet | 250% up to $5000 | 4.8/5 |
| Wild Casino | $5000 Welcome Bonus | 5/5 |
How Does Baccarat Work? #
Baccarat is a classic casino game with straightforward rules. Played between two hands, the "player" and the "banker," the objective is to bet on the hand that will end up with a total value closest to nine.
Here's a basic step-by-step guide:
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Starting the Game: Each round of Baccarat begins with a bet. Players can bet on the player's hand, the banker's hand, or a tie.
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Dealing the Cards: After the bets are placed, the dealer hands out two cards each to the player and the banker. All cards are dealt face up.
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Calculating the Score: The value of the hand is calculated by adding the card values. Ten and face cards are worth zero, aces are worth one, and all other cards are worth their face value. If the total is a two-digit number, the first digit is dropped, and the second digit becomes the hand's value. For example, a total of 15 would result in a hand value of 5.
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Third Card Rule: If either the player or the banker has a total of 8 or 9, it's called a "natural," and no more cards are dealt. If not, a complex set of rules determines whether a third card is drawn for either hand.
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Deciding the Winner: The hand that's closest to 9 wins. If you bet on the player and the player's hand wins, you double your bet. If you bet on the banker and the banker's hand wins, you win 95% of your bet (the other 5% is a commission for the house). If both hands have the same total, the game is a tie.
The beauty of Baccarat lies in its simplicity. You don't need any particular skills to play, making it an attractive game for both newcomers and seasoned casino players alike. Whether you play Baccarat online for fun or real money, the thrill of the game remains the same.
How to Play Baccarat in 4 Easy Steps #
Follow these steps to quickly learn the basics of playing baccarat:
Step 1) Understand the objective - In baccarat, you bet on which hand between the Player and Banker will end up with a point value closest to 9.
Step 2) Know the card values - Cards 2-9 retain face value while 10-K have no value. An ace is worth 1 point. The hand with the higher score wins.
Step 3) Learn bet types - There are three types of wagers: Player, Banker, and Tie. You can bet on any or all per round. Banker and Player bets pay out roughly even money while Tie carries a higher house edge.
Step 4) Follow game flow - The dealer deals two cards each to Player and Banker areas to form initial hands. A third card may be drawn based on strict drawing rules. Once hands are settled, payouts apply accordingly.
Comparing Baccarat to Other Top Casino Games #
How does baccarat stand up against casino favorites like blackjack and roulette? Here’s a quick comparison:
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House Edge - Baccarat has a very low house edge, meaning you are more likely to beat the casino. Blackjack's house edge can also be low with perfect play. Roulette's house edge tends to be higher.
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Simplicity - Baccarat has simple rules and procedures for gameplay, especially compared to blackjack which requires strategy. Roulette is also easy to pick up.
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Speed - The fast pace makes baccarat and roulette more exciting than blackjack. Baccarat rounds tend to be quick with results rapidly determined.
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Odds - Your odds of winning per round are similar across the three games in the long run. But baccarat’s low house edge gives you an advantage over the casino.
Baccarat Odds and Probabilities #
And here is a comparison of the odds and probability of winning per round across the three games:
| Game | House Edge | Chance of Player Win per Round |
|---|---|---|
| Baccarat | 1.06% | 44.62% |
| Blackjack | 0.5% (with perfect strategy) | 42-48% |
| Roulette | 2.7% (European) to 5.26% (American) | 46.37% (bets on single numbers) |
As you can see, baccarat offers very favorable odds for players with the lowest house edge. Your probability of winning any given baccarat hand is just under 45% based on the odds.
In Which Countries is Baccarat Most Popular? #
Baccarat enjoys worldwide popularity, but its epicenters of popularity can be found in a few key countries. Due to historical significance, cultural influences, accessibility, and legal frameworks surrounding gambling, baccarat has become exceptionally well-liked in places like the United States, France, and Indonesia.
United States
In the mid 20th century, baccarat was introduced to casinos in Las Vegas as a way to attract wealthy clientele and high rollers. Its aura of exclusivity, low house edge, and simple rules made it a perfect fit for American gamblers looking for glamor and excitement. Over the years, the popularity of baccarat grew from the high roller tables to mainstream casino floors, especially with the advent of online casinos making the game more accessible across the country. Now, it is one of the most played online casino games in the US.
France
As the birthplace of baccarat, France has a centuries-long history with the game that has imbued it with cultural significance. Versions like Chemin de Fer were popular among French nobility as early as the 19th century. Beyond the casinos, baccarat and similar card games have become staple entertainment in social gatherings and home settings. This long-standing tradition tied with national pride for the game has cemented baccarat as an iconic and widely enjoyed activity in France through modern times.
Indonesia
On the surface, Indonesia seems an unlikely hotbed for casino games due to strict anti-gambling laws in the predominantly Muslim nation. However, baccarat and other games thrive mainly through online casinos accessed discreetly via VPNs and other tools to bypass restrictions. Baccarat's simplicity draws in many Indonesian players willing to skirt laws to play, as does the general enthusiasm for the game in Asia. The demand for casino entertainment endures despite religious and legal prohibitions, making Indonesia one of the world's unlikely baccarat strongholds.
Cultural perspectives, legal frameworks, and modern accessibility online all contribute to why baccarat enjoys distinct popularity in countries like the United States, France, and Indonesia. As a globally enjoyed game with regional twists in rules and play style, baccarat adapts to the contexts surrounding its players while maintaining universal appeal.