Baccarat has European roots and was originally played by the upper classes and aristocracy, lending it an air of privilege and exclusivity. Today, however, you don’t have to be royalty to take part in this exciting and intriguing game.
There are three popular varieties, but almost all online casinos offer the most popular, punto banco, so that’s the one we will focus on here. “Punto” means player while “banco” means, you guessed it, bank. The rules of the game are relatively easy to learn, but there are many underlying strategies and moves to understand before diving in. Read on to learn more about this fascinating game.
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New eligible UK players only. Select Casino offer on sign-up and deposit. 4 deposits of £10, £20, £50, £100 matched with a bonus cash offer of same value (14 day expiry). 35x real money cash wagering (within 30 days) on eligible games before bonus cash is credited. Spins credited upon deposits; under £50 =10 Spins, £50 or over =25 Spins; on Book of Dead only (3 day expiry, winnings paid in cash). Play Responsibly. 18+ begambleaware.org. Click for full T&C’s.
T&C ApplyBest Online Casinos for Baccarat
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New eligible UK players only. Select Casino offer on sign-up and deposit. 4 deposits of £10, £20, £50, £100 matched with a bonus cash offer of same value (14 day expiry). 35x real money cash wagering (within 30 days) on eligible games before bonus cash is credited. Spins credited upon deposits; under £50 =10 Spins, £50 or over =25 Spins; on Book of Dead only (3 day expiry, winnings paid in cash). Play Responsibly. 18+ begambleaware.org. Click for full T&C’s.
T&C ApplyEnjoy the Thrill of High-Limit Baccarat
Baccarat is a serious passion for many millions of people. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this game offers thrill and excitement to those who play it. It’s ideal for high-stakes gaming, as it’s truly a game of chance and luck. Before becoming one of the most popular games in online casinos, baccarat was already one of the most popular games in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s loved by high-limit players everywhere.
Enjoy maximum betting limits of up to tens of thousands of pounds and hundreds of thousands in payouts from the casinos we’ve reviewed for you. In addition to regular games, there are special events and tournaments in which players are given a chance to compete on a bigger scale. High-rollers, these casinos are the place to be if you are seeking a high-stakes game.
Live Baccarat Has Never Been Better!
While playing baccarat in a brick-and-mortar casino is undoubtedly thrilling, the chance to play at one isn’t always possible. In today’s busy world, players just don’t have the time to pop down to the casinos when they feel like playing. Fortunately, today’s online casinos not only have superior software to ensure ease of play but also beautiful and captivating graphics that enhance your online experience. Baccarat has been a part of online gaming since its inception many years ago, and the user experience and software have only improved since, making it one of the most enjoyable games to play.
Players can choose to play with a live dealer to feel the same excitement that a land-based casino offers. There’s an added drop of excitement when you’re playing with real players and knowing that it’s not just a computerised random number generator behind the results. The dealers at the casinos we’ve reviewed are professional, knowledgeable and friendly, and they ensure a smooth and fun game.
Best Casinos to Play Baccarat
Casino
Bonus
Our Score

New eligible UK players only. Select Casino offer on sign-up and deposit. 4 deposits of £10, £20, £50, £100 matched with a bonus cash offer of same value (14 day expiry). 35x real money cash wagering (within 30 days) on eligible games before bonus cash is credited. Spins credited upon deposits; under £50 =10 Spins, £50 or over =25 Spins; on Book of Dead only (3 day expiry, winnings paid in cash). Play Responsibly. 18+ begambleaware.org. Click for full T&C’s.
T&C ApplyBaccarat Through the Ages

Since it’s one of the oldest casino games in the world, the history of baccarat has an air of mystery about it. The game dates back to the 14th century when it was brought from Italy to France. It came to France with the soldiers of Charles VIII, and it was in France where it took on the names Chemin de Fer and Baccarat en Banque. These original French games were somewhat different than the Baccarat we know today. The few notable changes were that the casino would bank the game at all times, making it unnecessary for players to bank large amounts of money. Secondly, the banker would control both the player and banker’s hands and follow strict rules on how to play both.
The game wasn’t introduced to America until the late 19th century when French and British immigrants brought it with them. As it had to compete against games like blackjack and poker, baccarat remained fairly obscure. The game was then introduced to Cuba, and that’s where it got the name punto banco.
Years later, the game was brought to Las Vegas from Cuba by Tommy Renzoni, ensuring the game’s success in the United States. Today, most people know baccarat as the casino game of choice of James Bond.
The game became particularly popular in China, due to its fast style, and because it’s not too heavily weighted in the casino’s favour. Players there rely on strategy but also on some interesting superstitions when playing, particularly the importance of the number 8. Traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity, this number’s importance in the game of baccarat makes it appealing to Chinese players, further fuelling the game’s popularity.
Today, the game of baccarat continues to develop, and online gaming has only added to its popularity. The latest developments are in live baccarat tables at online casinos where you can play at real tables in real time from the comfort of home.
Final Say on Baccarat
The game that had noble beginnings rose to become well-loved around the world, not only played by royalty as it once was but by players from all walks of life. Newcomers and high-rollers alike can enjoy the beauty of its simplicity. Uniting players against the house, baccarat brings with it an air of mystery and glamour.