The Ultimate Guide to Online Baccarat of 2023

Dive into one of the most amazing Jamaican casino games in minutes. Learn everything from basic rules to advanced strategies and terminology. Have a gander at our baccarat overview, variant explanations, tips, free baccarat games, and the best online real-money baccarat casinos in Jamaica. Have the ultimate baccarat gaming experience today with this amazing guide!

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Overview

Baccarat is a seemingly immortal game that has been known under multiple names. Its most-commonly accepted history starts in 15th century France, where it became known as ‘Chemin de Fer’ or ‘Chemmy’, which means railroad and is a nod to the swift movement of the banker. It later migrated to America, where it took up the name 'Punto Banco' and slowly crept into the local gaming culture. It then made its way online and branched into countless variants and themes.

The Goal and The Gameplay

The basic premise of baccarat is very simple; you have to get as close to 9 as possible. Most of you will be familiar with this concept thanks to blackjack, but you will definitely not expect the following twist. Baccarat’s twist is that aces are worth 1, cards from 2 through 10 are worth their face value, and 10s and face cards are worth 0.

Your dash to 9 is accompanied by the banker who has the same ambition. Additionally, a total of 8 or 9 is referred to as a ‘natural’ and it ends the game. The game ends in a tie if the point count is equal. If neither hand achieves a natural, a third card is drawn, and the hand closer to 9 is victorious.

The Bets

Jamaican punters are often shocked by the simplicity of baccarat's bets. All you have to do is choose between betting on the player, the banker, or the tie. While betting on the player fills you with pride, it gives you lower chances than betting on the banker. However, betting on the banker usually incurs a 5% commission. Check out our tips section to learn more about placing the perfect bet. Moreover, remember that different baccarat variants encompass different betting options, which you can learn more about in the baccarat variants section.

Pros & Cons

Pros
The wagers are easy to memorize
You interact with the dealer and punters
The house edge is low
Cons
Skill does not impact gameplay
Minimum bets are relatively high

History

The game of Baccarat goes all the way back to France in the 1400s, which arrived there from Italy at some time in the Middle Ages. The game was played mostly by French royalty, and until today it is known as a game for high rollers. The word Baccarat is derived from the Italian word for zero, named so because in the game of Baccarat, the kings, queens, jacks and tens are all worth zero. The zero of Baccarat also refers to any hand in which the player's dealt cards equal zero; meaning, if a player is holding a seven and three, a total of ten, the hand is worth zero because all tens have a value of zero.

Baccarat eventually made its way to the United States through the hands of British colonists, and it became very popular in the USA in the 1900s, especially among high rollers. (In fact, almost any European card game that has survived until today has done so largely due to American popularity.)

There are three versions of Baccarat: Punto BancoBaccarat Chemin de Fer, andBaccarat BanqueChemin de Fer was the game preferred by French Royalty, but it was actually Punto Banco that was brought by British colonists to South America, which then made its way to North America.

Today, the main version played in casinos in the United States is either Punto Bancoor Mini Baccarat. Mini Baccarat is a modern adaptation of Baccarat and is popular because the bets are lower than the larger Baccarat tables, making it more accessible to the masses and not just the high rollers. Online casinos all over the world offer at the very least a version of Mini Baccarat. Mini Baccarat follows the American rules as played in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. The main difference today between the three versions of Baccarat is the way the cards are dealt.


Terminology

Because of Baccarat's origins in Europe and popularity in America, many of the terms in the game are either derived from Italian or French, and today have their English vernacular. Here are some of the terms that all Baccarat players should be familiar with:

Baccarat: As we said, this means zero. Since the goal of the game is to get nine points, or the closest to it, having a total point value of zero is not a good thing!

Banker: The banker is sometimes the dealer, but not always. One of the three standard Baccarat moves is betting on the Banker's hand (the other moves are betting on the player or a tie).

Coup: One round of the game, which means that the banker and the player receive two or three dealt cards.

Croupier/Dealer: The person dealing the cards to the players.

Natural: When the player's first two cards in a hand equal eight or nine. In Punto Banco, when the player has a natural, he is not allowed to receive a third card.

Mini Baccarat: The most popular version of Baccarat today, due to its lower betting standards. In Mini Baccarat, the dealer deals all the cards.

Player: The person playing against the banker, either in an actual casino or online. The payout odds are 1:1 with a slight House advantage.

Run: A side bet you can make on whether the player or banker will have successive winning hands, or if there will be successive ties.

Standoff: When the player's cards and the banker's cards have the same value.

Tie: A bet you can place on a standoff. This bet is rarely placed because ties themselves are rare and the House has a sizable advantage.


Rules

Baccarat is played with six to eight decks of cards at a time, with twelve to fourteen players at a table. At the start of the hand, players choose to bet either on the banker (banco) or the player (punto). They bet on who they think will get the higher hand. They can also choose a third option, which is to bet that the banker and player will tie – but this is an option that is rarely used.

All the number cards are worth their given amount of points; tens, jacks, queens and kings are worth zero, and aces are worth one point. The total value of the cards is what counts at the end, not the individual numbers. For example, a two and eight is worth 10, which equals zero. A seven and eight is worth 15, but only the second digit of the number is counted, which means your 15 is really a 5. Each hand consists of two to three cards. If a player has a total of eight or nine, he cannot receive any more cards. Nine is the highest hand a player can get.

While there is a banker is the game of Baccarat, the actual dealer rotates around the table, using a dealer “shoe.” In each version of Baccarat the rotation occurs at different points in the game (for example, when the banker loses, or when all the cards have been dealt).

Mini Baccarat is the same game but the betting amounts are lower and the dealing methods are slightly different than regular Baccarat. In Mini Baccarat, the dealer (not the banker) deals from a six deck “shoe” and flips over all the cards.


Strategy

Punto Banco is a game of total chance, governed by pre-determined rules. For example, if a player’s first hand is worth 0-5 points, the rules dictate he must draw a third card. In Chemin de Fer and Banque, the player can decide for himself what he would like to do, using thought and common sense (still, the outcome is largely determined by luck). Most players enjoy Punto Banco, since the whole draw of the game is its simple rules.

If you are playing Punto Banco (which you probably are if you are playing in the United States or online), there are still some things to keep in mind that can help you with your strategy.

First, remember that ties are rare, so unless you have money to spend, don’t bet on them. Second, the odds in the beginning of the game are 1:1, but the banker deducts a 5% commission. This means that if you are starting out playing with six decks of cards, the banker has a 48.9% chance of winning the player will have a 44.6% chance, and a tie will have a 9.1% chance. The game of Baccarat has one of the lowest House advantages out of all casino games, which means that players have the advantage.

The third thing to keep in mind is that when you are playing Baccarat in a real casino, the less decks of cards you use, the better your chances are of winning. However, when you are playing online, it doesn’t matter how many decks are being used because the computer reshuffles automatically.

And the final thing to keep in mind when playing Baccarat: Baccarat is a game of luck, and most players play for the fun of it. So before you start, make sure you know how much of a budget you have, and stick to it. This way, you can keep track of what you are winning and losing without getting a shock once the game is over.

And then, you can let the good times roll!

Keep in mind:

  • Make sure you pronounce it correctly: bah-kuh-rah!
  • If you're a beginner, start with Mini Baccarat. This is a good introduction since there are less players and there are lower table limits.
  • Don't bet on a draw. A better bet is to bet on the banker.
  • Baccarat is a game of chance. The House Advantage will always stay the same no matter what the casino. However, some casinos offer better deals than others. A casino with better baccarat promotions gives you a better chance to win more money.
  • Keep practicing! If you're new to the game, it's a good idea to keep playing so you get the hang of it.
  • Set your limits and bet responsibly. Words to keep in mind for all your online gaming!

Tips

Playing baccarat is very easy; playing it well is hard. Take the following tips into account when diving into your next baccarat session:

Kicking Things Off

Newcomers to the world of online baccarat might find it a bit daunting. We want everyone to feel comfortable when gaming, which is why we have prepared the following simple tips that will help you ease into the action.

1 Pick a Reliable Venue

A reliable venue is not only basic peace of mind, it is also your guarantee for online gaming fun. We recommend that you choose reliable, licensed, audited, and reputable venues, preferably ones that our in-house experts have ranked and reviewed. Check out our list of recommendations to learn more.

2 Consider a Bonus

A bonus is a great way to prolong your gaming fun. We recommend that you choose a bonus that aligns with your ambitions. However, you should only ever claim bonuses that have reachable wagering requirements.

3 Study the Game Library

Your average Jamaican online casino will offer a myriad of exciting online baccarat titles. These come in a variety of themes and boast various exciting mechanics. We recommend that you take your time and find the variant that aligns perfectly with your needs and wants.

4 Study the Bets

Baccarat is very simple when it comes to bets. You essentially choose between the player, banker, and tie bets. While the banker bet has the lowest house edge of 1.06%, it does have a 5% commission fee. Study these nuances in the terms and conditions of your chosen game and make sure that you know what you are locking yourself into.

5 Always Withdraw

We recommend that you, regardless of how your gaming session ends, withdraw your funds. This should be done even if you experienced horrendous losses and especially if you managed to land enormous wins. The withdrawn funds are capital for your next deposit. Moreover, they are far better off in your bank account or online wallet.

Terminology

Becoming a baccarat pro is not just memorizing the rules and placing a few wagers. The backbone of any professional is a deep understanding of terminology and jargon. You can expect the latter to appear around every corner, especially when playing with veteran punters. Check out this handy baccarat glossary and pick up all the slang that you need to compete with the pros.

Baccarat Glossary

Baccarat Variants

Most Jamaican punters expect to encounter a few baccarat variants at best, which is why they are in shock and awe when they are greeted by dozens of amazing variants, each boasting better graphics, themes, and mechanics than the last. We invite you to check out the following rundown of the most popular baccarat variants that you might encounter during your online gaming journey.

Baccarat

This is the classic variant that has remained largely the same since the 15th century. Punters get to bet on the player, banker, or tie.

Live Baccarat

Experience an authentic baccarat session from the comfort of your home. Enjoy high-fidelity live streams and place wagers in a digital Las Vegas.

Dragon Tiger

Try out this eastern sensation that offers unique betting options, such as the dragon and the tiger. Bet on which of these hands will have a higher value and enjoy an unforgettable display.

Live Dragon Tiger

Experience Dragon Tiger in the most authentic setting available to modern online gaming. Simply choose your preferred gaming device, load up a site, and have fun.

Lightning Baccarat

Get a shock as you discover special multipliers that are attached to various cards. Experience an increased payout that will leave you jumping for joy.

Punto Banco

Play baccarat the American way with Punto Banco. Forget about handling the cards; sit back and let the dealer do all the work.

Baccarat Banque

This baccarat variant features a dynamic banker role that takes care of all bets. It is a great choice for punters that love to be in control.

Baccarat Squeeze

Do you want a Hollywood-style gaming experience? Then try out baccarat squeeze and see how the dealer builds up tension with slow card reveals.

Speed Baccarat

Forget about waiting for the next round. Jump into the action in seconds with speed baccarat. Play rapid baccarat and have more fun faster.

Mini Baccarat

Give your wallet a rest by playing this lower-stake baccarat variant. Note that the underlying rules are the same as in traditional baccarat.

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FAQ

Baccarat is one of the most fun online casino games in Jamaica. This is largely due to its competitive nature, which is based on you trumping the banker’s hand. Note that you can also bet on the hands of your fellow punters or even on a tie.

Online baccarat games are only as safe as the venue at which you play them. We recommend that you stick to licensed, regulated, and audited online casinos. Preferably ones that possess OCR's Seal of Approval.

You can find them in almost every online casino. However, not every venue is worthy of your time and energy, which is why we suggest that you check out our recommended online baccarat casinos.

Yes, you definitely can! Numerous operators offer free or demo versions. These are a great way to get familiar with the game before you put real money on the line. We at OCR actually recommend that you do so before you claim a bonus and deposit real funds.

Yes, there are actually plenty of online baccarat bonuses. You will encounter a plethora of bonuses, the likes of welcome, deposit, no deposit, and cashback bonuses. Moreover, if you are a VIP or a loyal punter, you might have additional bonuses coming your way.

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