Why Baccarat Is the Best Live Casino Game

Author:
Joe A.
Date:
21st December, 2022

The classic card game of baccarat is has been enjoyed by casino visitors for centuries and is also a big hit in the modern live casino. Despite its reputation as a high roller game, baccarat is actually quite simple to learn and play.

In this article, we’ll delve into the history of baccarat and show you why this game is actually the favourite of so many live casino players. We will explain the basic rules of the game and discuss the different game variants available. We will also examine the odds of winning at baccarat and show you what sets the live version of this game apart from virtual baccarat.

Of course, we will also show you the best live casino websites where you can play baccarat. If you sign up at these online casinos you can even benefit from a fantastic welcome bonus – so make sure you do read on!

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Live casino baccarat

Baccarat can be enjoyed in land-based casinos as well as in online casinos, where you can play the game virtually or as a live dealer game. There are several reasons why live baccarat is generally considered the best option of them all. Of course, there is the convenience of being able to play from anywhere. The level of immersion and excitement of the live casino also nears the experience of visiting a casino in person.

To understand the appeal of live casino baccarat, we do however first need to take a look at the history of the game.

Baccarat history

Baccarat has a long history, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the game originated in Italy, from where it was later introduced to France. In France, baccarat quickly became a favourite among the aristocracy. Baccarat was eventually introduced to the United States in the 20th century, where it gained a reputation as a high roller game. Baccarat has been featured in numerous films, books TV shows such as the James Bond franchise, further adding to its allure and mystique.

Today, baccarat can be found in casinos around the world and is enjoyed by players of all levels. Small-time gamblers and high rollers alike play the game with pleasure at both land-based and online casinos.

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Game rules

Baccarat is a relatively simple game to play as there are only three possible outcomes: Either the player hand wins, the banker hand wins, or the game results in a tie. The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. To start the game, players must place their bets on the player, banker, or tie spot on the table. The dealer then deals two cards to both the player and banker hands.

The value of a baccarat hand is determined by the sum of the cards, with face cards and tens having a value of zero and all other cards being worth their face value. If a hand’s total value is greater than 10, the tens digit is dropped, so a hand with a value of 15 would be worth 5. The highest possible hand value is 9.

Once the cards have been dealt, the player and banker hands are evaluated to determine the winner. If either hand has a total value of 8 or 9 (a “natural”), that hand wins automatically. When neither hand has a natural, the player hand must follow certain rules based on its total value. If the player hand has a value of 0-5, the player must draw another card. However, if the player hand has a value of 6 or 7, the player must stand.

The banker hand also follows certain rules based on the player hand’s value and the value of its own two cards. That means that unlike blackjack, most of the action is pre-determined.

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Baccarat pay-outs

If you bet on the player’s hand and it wins, you will be paid even money, or 1-to-1. When you bet on the banker’s hand and it wins, you will be paid even money minus a commission of typically 5%. If you bet on the tie and it happens, you will be paid 8-to-1 or 9-to-1, depending on the rules of the specific game.

It is important to emphasise that in baccarat, the rules for drawing additional cards for the player’s and banker’s hands are predetermined, so you don’t have any control over the outcome of the game. Your only decision is which hand to bet on.

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Baccarat house edge

One of the reasons baccarat is considered the best game in the casino is because it has some of the lowest house edges of any casino game. The odds of winning at baccarat depend on which bet you place. If you bet on the player’s hand, the house edge is 1.24%.

If you bet on the banker’s hand, the house edge is slightly lower at 1.06%. However, if you bet on a tie the house edge is much higher at 14.4%. Therefore this bet is usually considered to be disadvantageous and professional gamblers will usually avoid it.

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Baccarat game variants

While the basic rules of baccarat remain the same across all game variants, there are a few different versions of the game that are popular in different parts of the world. These include:

Chemin de Fer

This is the original version of baccarat, which is still popular in France. In this version, players take turns being the “banker” and can choose to accept or decline bets from other players.

Punto Banco

This version of baccarat is popular in North and South America. In Punto Banco, the casino acts as the banker and all players bet against the house.

Mini Baccarat

This is a faster-paced version of baccarat that is played on a smaller table. Mini Baccarat is popular in casinos around the world and is often considered more approachable for beginner players.

Baccarat Banque

In this version of the game, the banker is chosen by the player who bets the most. The banker then plays against all other players, with the goal being to have the highest score.

live baccarat punto banco

Baccarat as live casino game

Although baccarat can be played in both live and land-based casinos, there are several reasons why most gamblers prefer to play the game online in a live casino.

First and foremost, live casinos offer the convenience of being able to play from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that you can enjoy a game of baccarat from the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel to a land-based casino. This is especially useful for those who live in areas where there may not be a convenient land-based casino nearby, or for those who simply don’t have the time or resources to make the trip.

Another advantage of playing baccarat in a live casino is the level of immersion and excitement that it provides. Live casinos use high-quality streaming technology to bring the action of the casino directly to your device, complete with live dealers, multiple camera angles, and interactive features. This creates an engaging and authentic experience that rivals playing baccarat at a land-based casino – and sometimes might even be better!

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Other live casino advantages

Live casinos typically offer a wider range of baccarat games and variations to choose from than land-based casinos. In a land-based casino, you are usually limited to the one or two versions of the game that are offered, whereas in a live casino you can often find several different variations, including mini baccarat, speed baccarat, and baccarat squeeze. This means that you have more options and can find a game that fits your preferences and budget.

An advantage of playing baccarat in a live casino instead of opting for a virtual game variant in an online casino is the ability to interact with the other players and the dealer. In a live casino you can always chat with the other players and the dealer if you like, creating a more social and interactive experience.

Another reason why it is generally considered best to play baccarat in a live casino is the level of security and fairness that it provides. Live casinos use advanced encryption technology to ensure that all transactions and gameplay are secure and fair. This gives players peace of mind that their personal and financial information is safe, and that the games are being played fairly.

A final reason why baccarat is best enjoyed in a live casino are the fantastic casino bonuses you can get.

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The best casinos to play baccarat

At our website High Rollers Casino we have made an overview of the best live casino websites in Canada and beyond. If you love gambling in a live casino, you will certainly like the live casino gaming experience at these websites!

Our featured online casinos all use the most exciting live casino games from the best software studios such as Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live. As the world’s most renowned live casino game developers, you are assured that all live dealer games are absolutely honest. A professional and fun-loving dealer will lead your game of baccarat, which will always be set in a beautiful décor. The excitement and immersion levels of these live casino games is as good as visiting a land-based casino!

Don’t forget that you can claim a welcome bonus when you sign up for a new player account at these live casinos. For Canadian players such a live casino welcome bonus can easily top C$1,000. That’s a lot of free bets you can place at the baccarat table!

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Conclusion

There are good reasons why high rollers think baccarat is the best live casino game of them all. First of all there is the simple gameplay. Despite its reputation as a high roller game, baccarat is actually quite simple to learn and play. The rules are easy to understand and there is no need for complex strategy or calculations.

Then there is the low house edge of baccarat. As mentioned earlier, baccarat has some of the lowest house edges of any casino game. This means that players have a better chance of winning at baccarat compared to other games like slot machines or roulette.

Perhaps most important is the exciting atmosphere when you play baccarat in a live casino. Baccarat is often played in a separate, more exclusive area of the casino, adding to its aura of sophistication and exclusivity. The same counts for the live casino version of baccarat. The fast-paced nature of the game also adds to the excitement and thrill of playing.

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