Play Baccarat Online: Rules, Tips, How to Play
Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games played at land-based casinos and online baccarat casinos. Players who play baccarat online should find multiple versions of the game, along with bonuses that apply to baccarat. Table game bonuses let you learn baccarat rules and gameplay without risking too much cash.
The best US online casinos feature at least one version of online baccarat and live dealer baccarat. Live baccarat studios offer a second version of the game: either Live Super 6 or Live Dragon Tail. Keep reading to learn how to play baccarat online. We provide baccarat rules, betting tips, and an explanation of how to sign up at US online baccarat casinos.
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Overview of Baccarat
No baccarat strategy exists in Punto Banco, which makes the game fun for new players. You’ll bet on the outcome of a hand between the player and the banker. Knowing the bet with the best odds (banker bet) is the key factor.
- Baccarat Rules Overview: The objective of baccarat is to get a hand value as close to nine as possible. Face cards and tens count as 0, while the count starts over once it reaches 9.
- Fast-Paced Game: Baccarat is known for its simplicity and fast-paced nature, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced players. It is easy to learn. There are no complicated strategies to follow. The player only needs to make one decision during the game: whether to bet on the player or the banker.
- Low House Edge: Baccarat has the lowest house edge of any casino table game without strategy elements, which means that players have a higher chance of winning. The house edge for the banker bet is around 1.06%, while the player bet has a slightly higher house edge of 1.24%.
- Baccarat in Asian Casinos: Baccarat is most popular in Asian countries like Macau, where players believe in the flow or chi of the game. Asian gamblers believe that luck is a significant factor in baccarat, and a winning streak can be influenced by positive energy.
- High Roller Baccarat: Baccarat is also a favorite game of high rollers due to its fast-paced nature and the potential for large payouts. In some casinos, the minimum bet can be quite high, making it accessible only to wealthy players.
Rules of Baccarat
The objective of the game is to predict which hand will have a higher total value of cards, or if the game will end in a tie. The game begins with the player placing a bet on either the “player” or “banker” hand or a tie.
- Two cards are dealt to both the player and the banker. The cards are face-up.
- The value of each card is determined as follows: aces are worth 1 point, face cards, and 10s are worth 0 points, and all other cards are worth their face value.
- If either the player or the banker has a total hand value of 8 or 9, the game is over and the hand with the higher value wins.
Player’s Hand Rules
- If neither the player nor the banker has a natural 8 or 9, additional rules apply. The player’s hand is played first and the rules are as follows:
- If the player has a total hand value of 0-5, they draw another card.
- If the player has a total hand value of 6 or 7, they stand.
Banker’s Hand Rules
After the player’s turn is complete, the banker’s hand is played according to the following rules:
- If the banker’s hand value is 0-2, they draw another card.
- If the banker’s hand value is 3, they draw another card unless the player’s third card is an 8.
- If the banker’s hand value is 4, they draw another card if the player’s third card is 2-7.
- If the banker’s hand value is 5, they draw another card if the player’s third card is 4-7.
- If the banker’s hand value is 6, they draw another card if the player’s third card is 6 or 7.
How to Win a Hand of Baccarat
Once both the player and banker have completed their turns, the hand with the higher total value wins. If both hands have the same total value, the game ends in a tie.
Baccarat Bet Types
In baccarat, there are three betting options: Banker Bet, Player Bet, and Tie Bet. Here is a breakdown of each bet and its corresponding house edge:
- Banker Bet: The Banker Bet is the most popular bet in baccarat and is known for having the lowest house edge. When you place a Banker Bet, you’re betting that the Banker hand will win. The house edge for this bet is approximately 1.06%. This means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose about $1.06 in the long run.
- Player Bet: The Player Bet is the second most popular bet in baccarat and is also known for having a relatively low house edge. When you place a Player Bet, you are betting that the Player hand will win. The house edge for this bet is approximately 1.24%. This means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose about $1.24 in the long run.
- Tie Bet: The Tie Bet is the least popular bet in baccarat and is known for having a much higher house edge than the Banker and Player bets. When you place a Tie Bet, you’re betting that the Banker and Player hands will tie. The house edge for this bet is approximately 14.36%. This means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose about $14.36 in the long run.
It is important to note that the house edge for each bet may vary slightly depending on the specific rules of the baccarat game you’re playing. However, in general, the Banker Bet is the best bet in terms of the house edge, while the Tie Bet should be avoided due to its high house edge.
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Baccarat Variants
Baccarat has several variants played around the world. Below are the descriptions of the most popular variants of baccarat:
- Punto Banco: Punto Banco is also known as American baccarat. It is the most popular version of real money baccarat in North America. The game is played between the player (punto) and the banker (banco). The objective of the game is to have a hand value that is closest to 9. The player and banker are dealt two cards each, and a third card is drawn under certain circumstances.
- Chemin de Fer: Chemin de Fer is a French version of baccarat that is popular in Europe. In this version of the game, players take turns being the banker, and the banker plays against the other players. The objective of the game is to have a hand value that is closest to 9. Players can either choose to bet on themselves or the banker.
- Mini Baccarat: Mini Baccarat is a smaller version of Punto Banco that is played with fewer players and a smaller table. The game is played with the same rules as Punto Banco, but it has lower stakes, making it ideal for beginners. Also, the casino provides a dealer to deal with the cards, which makes Mini-Baccarat play faster than traditional Punto Banco. Because the game has a house edge, this gives the casino an advantage over traditional baccarat.
- Midi Baccarat: Midi Baccarat is like Mini Baccarat, but it is played with a larger table and higher stakes. The game is played with the same rules as Punto Banco.
- Online Baccarat: Online Baccarat is a digital version of the game that is played on a computer or mobile device. The game is played with the same rules as Punto Banco, but it is automated, and players can play at their own pace.
Live Baccarat and Its Variants
Live Baccarat is a version of the game that is played with a live dealer in a physical casino or online. The game is played in real time, and players can interact with the dealer and other players through a chat function.
The most popular variants of Live Baccarat are:
- Live Super 6 Baccarat: Live Super 6 Baccarat is a version of Punto Banco where players can make an additional side bet on whether the banker will win with a total of 6. If the banker does win with a total of 6, the side bet pays out at 12:1.
- Live Dragon Tail: Live Dragon Tail is a version of baccarat that is played with a simplified set of rules. Instead of the traditional baccarat table, the game is played on a digital board with a dragon-shaped line. Players bet on which side of the line the winning hand will be on. The game is fast-paced and straightforward, making it ideal for beginners.
The History of Baccarat
Baccarat is a popular card game that originated in Europe and has since spread throughout the world, including North America and Asia. The game has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, and its popularity continues to grow to this day.
Baccarat’s Origins in Europe
The origins of baccarat are somewhat unclear, but most historians believe that it was first played in Italy during the 15th century. The game quickly spread throughout Europe, becoming popular with the French nobility in the 19th century. It was during this time that the game began to take on its current form, with the introduction of the punto banco variation of the game.
Baccarat Introduced to North America
Baccarat was first introduced to North America in the early 20th century, where it quickly gained popularity among the wealthy elite. In fact, the game was so popular in the United States that it was even featured in the James Bond novel “Casino Royale.” Today, baccarat is still a popular game in many casinos across North America.
Baccarat’s Huge Popularity in Asia
Baccarat’s popularity in Asia can be traced back to the 1960s when it was introduced to Macau, a small peninsula in China that was then under Portuguese control. The game quickly became popular with both locals and visitors, and it soon spread throughout the region. Today, baccarat is the most popular table game in many Asian casinos, particularly in Macau.
Online and Mobile Baccarat
In recent years, online baccarat has become a major table game in online casinos. This is due in part to the game’s popularity in Asia, where many players prefer to gamble online rather than in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Online baccarat is also popular among players in other parts of the world, as it offers the convenience of being able to play from the comfort of one’s own home.
How to Find Baccarat at an Online Casino
In an online casino, you can typically find Baccarat in the “Table Games” or “Live Casino” sections. Here are the steps to find Baccarat in an online casino:
- Go to the online casino website and sign in to your account.
- Click on the “Table Games” or “Live Casino” section of the casino.
- Look for the Baccarat game in the list of available games.
- Click on the Baccarat game to open it.
- Place your bets and play the game.
Some online casinos may also offer variations of Baccarat, such as Mini Baccarat or Speed Baccarat, which can be found in the same sections as the regular Baccarat game.
Conclusion
Today, baccarat remains a popular game in casinos around the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Whether playing in a traditional casino or online, baccarat offers players the chance to experience the excitement of this classic card game.
Players prefer baccarat because it is a fast-paced game with a low house edge, making it easier to win. It is also popular in Asian countries where players believe in luck and positive energy, and it is a favorite of high rollers due to its potential for large payouts.
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Online Baccarat FAQs
How to play baccarat online?
Play baccarat online at the best online casinos. Virtually any online casino offers at least one version of baccarat because it’s one of the most popular casino table games. In fact, baccarat is the casino game with the lowest house edge that doesn’t require strategy. A new player can step up to a baccarat table, making the banker bet, and have odds as good as the world’s greatest casino game expert.
That’s why baccarat traditionally has been the game in the roped-off section of the casino with the people in suits and evening gowns. Casinos often reserved it for high rollers, because it’s got the best odds if you don’t want to study the game. That’s why it’s so popular in Macau and Singapore, where baccarat is the most popular casino game. Players don’t have to learn methods of winning but still have a good chance of walking away with winnings.
They might create their own (bogus) systems for winning. They might study the baccarat tables for a time to see which one has the best chi (“energy flow”). But at the end of the day, baccarat has good odds and no strategy, so even people with different ideas on how to win still have the same odds.
Thus, online casinos almost always have online baccarat, Live Baccarat, and Live Super 6 Baccarat. Visit any legit online casino and it’s an option.
How do I play baccarat online with no download?
Play at an instant-play online casino. Nowadays, people can play at online casinos and mobile casinos without a download. You simply click on the game icon and play in the web browser. This avoids the need for a download that takes up space on your hard drive or eats up CPU while you play. It also assures younger family members can’t log into a casino account through their computers.
Top sites now don’t require a download to play baccarat and other table games. Sites like Bovada, Ignition, Cafe Casino, and Slots LV long have been that way. Now, more sites like Super Slots, Wild Casino, and Comic Play Casino don’t require a download.
Does online baccarat clear the wagering requirement of online casino bonuses?
Often, baccarat does not clear the wagering requirement. Even when it does, the contribution rate is limited to a rate of 5% to 20%. If online slots contribute at a 100% rate, then baccarat would contribute at 1/5th to 1/20th of the rate.
Whether or not online baccarat clears the wagering requirement of online casino bonuses depends on the specific terms and conditions of the bonus and the casino in question. Some online casinos may exclude certain games, including baccarat, from contributing towards the wagering requirement of a bonus.
Other casinos may allow baccarat to contribute but at a reduced rate compared to other games like slots or blackjack.
How do I know online baccarat’s contribution rate to a welcome bonuses’ wagering requirement?
It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of any bonus offer before accepting it, and to check if baccarat is included or excluded from the list of eligible games. If you’re unsure, you can always contact the casino’s customer support team for clarification.
Do online casinos offer special bonuses for baccarat play?
Yes, though these are rare. Players should look for table game bonuses or baccarat bonuses.
Are online baccarat games rigged?
In the vast majority of cases, absolutely not. Online casinos don’t need to cheat to win. Games like baccarat have a house edge — either 1.06%, 1.24%, or 14.36% depending on the bet — which means the casino wins more than it loses over a long period of time. On those first two bets, the margin is small enough that variance gives players an almost 50% chance of winning on each hand. The player can walk away a winner if they lock in winnings and don’t prolong play sessions.
They can have a long winning streak, in fact. Probability works on truly large samples, so a few hundred hands or a few thousand hands isn’t considered a large sample. The more hands are involved, the more the results converge with probability. If you play a million hands of baccarat — or a billion hands — the likelihood is the results and the mathematical probabilities will look quite similar. Since chance plays a role, it doesn’t assure they will.
Thus, legitimate casinos have no reason to rig the game, whether it’s in online casinos or land-based casinos. Rogue online casinos exist, but they are not the famous ones. Stick with the respected online and mobile casinos with a longstanding reputation for fairness, safety, and reliable payouts. Read our casino reviews to find trusted casino sites that offer real money baccarat.
How do I play online baccarat for free?
Ironically, the best way to play online baccarat for free is to play at a real money online casino. If you want the biggest selection of games that are the most like Las Vegas games (but played online), it’s at an online casino. These sites have at least one version of baccarat but often have multiple versions of online baccarat, Live Baccarat, and Live Super 6 Baccarat.
These sites want players to try their games for free, and then sign up to play for real money. To facilitate that, casinos allow players to play 100% of their online casino games in practice mode. Pick “practice” instead of “real money” and you can play online baccarat for free. That doesn’t work for most live dealer baccarat games, of course, because the site has labor costs on those games.
Can I play online baccarat for real money?
Yes, you can. You can play online baccarat for real money at hundreds of offshore online casino sites. All you have to do is create a player account, fund it using credit cards or crypto payments, and start playing for real money. Also, the best online baccarat casinos offer welcome bonuses between $1000 and $9500, depending on the site. Read our casino reviews to find the site that works best for you.
Beyond that, some online baccarat casinos offer reload bonuses for table games. While many welcome bonuses require people to clear the requirement using slots, scratch cards, and Keno, that’s not the case with many daily, weekly, or monthly bonuses. Look for “table games bonuses” or “Slots and Cards” bonuses at sites and these may allow baccarat play. If not, you don’t have to accept casino bonuses. Instead, put your money on the line by playing online baccarat or live baccarat.
