Globally, baccarat is one of the most popular Casino games. This is especially the case in Asia where baccarat dominates casino floors. However, it has been gaining traction here in Canada and in the US. Online baccarat has also increased in popularity.
VIPs have a preference for baccarat with many baccarat rooms in casinos dedicated to high staking customers. Players who don’t fall into the VIP category can play mini-baccarat which has lower table minimums and maximums. Normally you will find mini-baccarat on the casino floor and not in a separate room.
Online baccarat has become more and more popular. The minimums are normally lower than physical casinos.
Therefore, many players play baccarat online first to learn the game before venturing out onto the casino floor.
How to Play Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the simplest games in the casino. The version most common is “punto banco.”
You have a number of betting options.
- The Bank (Pays 1/1 less commission)
- The Player (Pays 1/1)
- Tie (Pays 8/1)
Essentially your objective is to get closer to nine than the other hands.
10, J, Q, K have zero value and A has a value of 1, while cards 2-9 have their face value.
What happens when the cards add up to greater than nine?
In the case when cards add up to greater than nine, for example, 16, the 1 is dropped and the total now becomes 6.
Commission on Banker Hand
It is common for Banker bets to bet charges a commission, typically 5%. This is because the banker is actually the slight favourite to win.
Drawing Rules Baccarat – Punto Banco
If neither the banker or player gets either an 8 or a 9 when the first two cards are totaled then the tableau of drawing rules comes into play.
Player
So first the rules for the player are applied. For example, if the player total is 5 or less then another card is drawn. If the player total is a six or a seven the player stands.
Bank
If the player stands then the banker reacts based on their own cards.
However, if the player takes a third card then the banker operates under a more complex set of rules depending on the banker’s total and the third card drawn by the banker.
How to Play Baccarat for Real Money Online in Canada
You can play live casino baccarat online for real money at Can Play Casino. Simply sign-up, make your deposit and start playing.
Set up an account with Can Play Casino.
We offer a great live baccarat experience online. We believe that given the VIP nature of baccarat in land-based casinos the game translates very well into an online live casino experience.
House Edge
The reason why the game is so popular across the world is that it has a low house edge. For example, a typical with the eight-deck shoe the house edge is as follows
House Edge – Eight Deck Shoe
Banker – 1.06%
Player – 1.24%
Tie (8/1) – 14.36%
House Edge – Six Deck Shoe
Banker – 1.06%
Player – 1.24%
Tie (8/1) – 14.44%
Conclusion – Online Baccarat
All in all, baccarat is an easy game to learn. It is quite fun as you can relax while playing it. However, there is not much of a skill element. This is definitely not a bad thing as the house edge is quite small compared to other games.
Baccarat is a good option for players who want to try something different from blackjack, roulette, and craps.
As a result, it often becomes one of the favourite table games for those who try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baccarat?
Baccarat is a casino card game popular with VIPs. Bets are placed on the player or banker to see who can get closer to eight when all cards have been drawn.
Where can I play baccarat online in Canada?
You can play baccarat online with a Kahnawake Gaming Commission Licenced casino like CanPlayCasino.com.
What is the difference between baccarat and mini-baccarat?
Baccarat is often played in separate areas for VIPs with high table minimums. Mini-baccarat is located on the casino floor and has lower minimums.
