How To Play Online Baccarat?
Baccarat is one of the most popular online casino games. Not only do Dubai players enjoy roulette and slots, but they are also inclined toward Baccarat. The game is famous for its simplicity and favorable odds. So this makes Baccarat a popular choice for online Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah casino players looking for fun. Here are the steps to play Baccarat in an online casino:
- Choose any online casino from the list above.
- Click the “Play Now” button to go to the signup page.
- Create your account by providing all the required information.
- Make an initial deposit to claim your welcome bonus.
- Navigate to the baccarat table in the online casino.
- Place your bet – player, banker, or tie bet.
- Let the online dealer deal the “cards.”
- Play the game strategically to increase your winning chances.
Your betting strategy is directly proportional to scoring and winning in Baccarat. Therefore, you must learn how the game works and how to place bets strategically.
Best Online Casino Sites to Play Baccarat
There are hundreds of casinos where you can play Baccarat. However, not all are licensed and regulated by reputable jurisdictions, such as MGA and Curacao. I have chosen the best online casino sites to play Baccarat based on my research, reviews of casinos, playing the game, and experiences with bonuses, deposits, and withdrawals. Here is a quick overview of the top Baccarat casinos.
Online Baccarat Casino | Bonuses and Rewards |
CosmosWin | $5000 welcome bonus |
RoosterBet | 5000 euros welcome bonus |
Lucky Ones | $20,000 welcome bonus |
Casombie | $500 welcome bonus |
Dream.Bet | 200 euros welcome bonus |
SultanBet | $1,000 welcome bonus |
888 Casino | $1,000 welcome bonus |
Casumo | $300 welcome bonus |
Casino Farouk | $1,000 welcome bonus |
Skycrown | $8,000 welcome bonus |
Variations of Online Baccarat
Whether a beginner or a professional casino player in Dubai, you can play different versions of Baccarat in online casinos. The following table gives you reasonable details about the variations of online Baccarat.
Variant | Key Features | Gameplay | Strategy |
Punto Banco | Simplified version of Baccarat | Players bet on Banker, Tie, or Player | There is no specific strategy beyond betting choices |
Mini Baccarat | Like Punto Banco but played at smaller tables | It uses fewer decks (usually 4-6) with no jokers | It is the same as Punto Banco |
Chemin de Fer | One of the oldest Baccarat variants | Multiple players sit around a table | If the initial cards are 4 or fewer, take a third card; otherwise, keep the first two. |
Baccarat Banque | Multiplayer variant where one player acts as the banker | Only 3 decks are used per shoe (compared to 6 in standard Baccarat) | Players can opt for a third card, peek for 8s or 9s, etc. |
Three Card Baccarat | The simplified version, with only three cards dealt | No drawing of additional cards; winner determined by point total | There is no specific strategy beyond betting choices |
Punto Banco
Do you know Texas Hold ’em is the most popular variation of poker? Similarly, Punto Banco is the most widely played baccarat variation in online casinos. It uses a 52-card deck. The game involves the play between the banker’s and the player’s hand. The primary goal is to bet on the hand with a total closest to 9. The game does not involve dealing the cards if either hand has 8 or 9. On the other hand, a third card may be dealt to either hand based on the total of the first two cards.
Mini Baccarat
Mini Baccarat is a small version of Traditional Baccarat. The rules are the same, but the stakes are usually lower. Although mini-Baccarat uses a 52-card deck, it is played on a smaller table.
Chemin de Fer
Originating in France, Chemin de Fer is also known as the “railway” version of Baccarat. Players take turns being the banker, and others bet against the banker. The cards are dealt differently in this variation.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is an elusive variant. It involves a rotating banker position, where one player acts as the banker for several rounds. The other players bet against the banker, and the game continues until the banker decides to pass the role.
Three Card Baccarat
This variant is popular in Macau. However, it is also gaining popularity among Dubai players who play their favorite games in online casinos. In three-card Baccarat, each hand consists of three cards instead of the usual two. The rules and betting remain similar to Traditional Baccarat.
How To Choose the Best Baccarat Sites?
Choosing the best baccarat sites is a daunting task. The reason is that you have numerous options available online. You must consider various factors to ensure you have the best gaming experience. Let me discuss these factors!
Licensing and Regulation
The first and most important factor is the site’s licensing and regulation. The Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority should license a reputable baccarat site. These licenses ensure the site operates legally.
Game Variety
While your primary interest might be Baccarat, a good site should offer a variety of baccarat games, including variations like Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Mini Baccarat. This variety ensures you never get bored and can switch up your gameplay when desired.
Bonuses and Promotions
Arab online casinos offer various bonuses to players throughout the Middle East, allowing them to play and win more. So, I recommend looking for platforms that provide substantial welcome bonuses, promotions, deposit matches, loyalty programs, and even cashback offers.
Security and Fairness
Ensure the baccarat site uses advanced security protocols. These include the SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. In addition, the games should be tested and certified by independent auditors like eCOGRA to guarantee fairness and randomness.
Live Dealer Options
For an immersive experience, choose sites that offer live dealer baccarat. This feature lets you play with a real dealer in real time, adding an authentic casino feel to your online gaming.
Payment Methods for Baccarat Sites
You can play the demo versions of Baccarat in online casinos. However, if you want to play for real money, you must deposit for betting. Online casinos listed above support various payment methods, including:
Payment Method | Processing Speed | Deposit Limits | Fees |
Credit/Debit Cards | Instant | Varies | Some casinos charge a fee. |
E-wallets | Instant | Varies | Minimal or no fees. |
Prepaid Cards | Instant | Varies | Usually, there are no fees. |
Cryptocurrency | Near-instant | Varies | Variable blockchain fees. |
Bank Wire Transfer | 1-5 business days | Higher limits | Bank fees may apply. |
History of Baccarat
Baccarat was first introduced in Italy around the 14th century. It is often attributed to an Italian gambler, Felix Falguiere (or Falguierein), who invented the game using Tarot cards. The game’s initial version was quite different from what we know today. It involved four players and was played like modern-day Baccarat but with certain distinct rules.
Spread to France
By the late 15th century, Baccarat had made its way to France, where it became extremely popular among the French nobility. King Charles VIII and his court particularly favored the game. During this period, the game began to evolve and take on the characteristics we recognize today. In France, Baccarat was known as “Chemin de Fer” and “Baccarat Banque,” which are still popular game versions.
Evolution in England and the Americas
Baccarat’s popularity spread beyond France to England, where the British aristocracy embraced it. From there, it crossed the Atlantic and arrived in South America and the Caribbean. In these regions, the game underwent further evolution and gave rise to the version known as “Punto Banco.” Punto Banco, which means “Player Banker” in Spanish, is the version that eventually made its way to the United States. It was first introduced in American casinos in the 1950s in Las Vegas.
Baccarat in Modern Times
Today, Baccarat is played in casinos worldwide, both in its traditional form and online. It has retained its reputation as a game of sophistication and elegance, often associated with high rollers and glamorous casino settings. The game’s simplicity, combined with its aura of exclusivity, continues to attract new players.
One aspect of Baccarat’s history that is often overlooked is its influence on popular culture. The game has been prominently featured in various films, especially the James Bond series. In Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel, “Casino Royale,” Baccarat is the game of choice for the iconic spy.
How Online Baccarat Works?
Baccarat compares the hands of the “player” and the “banker.” Each round, known as a coup, can result in three outcomes: the player having a higher score, the banker having a higher score, or a tie.
- Cards 2-9 are worth their face value.
- 10, Jack, King, and Queen are worth zero points.
- Aces are worth one point.
The goal is to get a hand closest to nine. If the hand’s total value exceeds nine, only the second digit is considered (e.g., a hand totaling 15 is worth 5 points). Players place bets on either the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie. The banker and the player get two cards. Depending on the total value of the cards, a third card may be drawn according to specific rules.