When compared to other casino games, baccarat certainly does not reach the same level of popularity. However, in the UK, it still provides the same thrill, surpassed only by classics such as blackjack and roulette.
As a team of experts, we believe that underestimating baccarat is a missed opportunity, as it has unique features and high strategic potential while maintaining the simplicity of a card game. If you gave it a chance, we could assure you that in less than a day, you would get the hang of it.
This is especially true at UK online casinos, where you can try out all the different variations of online baccarat and find the one that suits you best. Interested in an alternative to your favourite games? Then give baccarat a try and read on to see what we have in store for you!
Best online casinos to play baccarat
What is baccarat?
Baccarat is a card game with a premise very similar to Blackjack. Players compete against the Banker or the House, and just like its counterpart, the winner is the one with the best hand between the two. But the game doesn’t stop there, as it has enough unique mechanics to set it apart.
Among these mechanics, the one that truly makes baccarat its own game is the ability to bet on the success of other players or the Banker itself. Certain variations even allow you to take on the role of the Banker and enjoy the numerous advantages that come with this position. Interested yet?
From a technical standpoint, baccarat doesn’t differ much from other card games, with some of the most notable aspects being:
- Baccarat is played with a 52-card deck.
- It can accommodate multiple players at a single table.
- Bets on the player or banker pay 1:1, while betting on a tie offers an 8:1 return.
- Due to how hand values are calculated in baccarat, no hand ever exceeds three cards.
With all that said, online baccarat is an excellent choice for card game enthusiasts.
Types of online baccarat
Interestingly, despite how underrated online baccarat may be, this game still boasts countless variations that fill its category within online casinos. As we always recommend, try to familiarise yourself with the most popular versions using the information we provide below:
Punto Banco
The classic or original version of baccarat, where the Banker position is fixed for the House. As explained in previous sections, the victory condition is reaching 8 or 9, and if this number is exceeded, only the last digit of the total is considered. For example, a hand of 12 would become 2.
Chemin De Fer
Chemin De Fer represents the more competitive side of baccarat, where not only does the Banker position rotate after each round, but an element of skill is also introduced. While multiple players can compete against the Banker simultaneously, only the hand of the bettor with the highest stake on the table is considered.
Baccarat Banque
Unlike the previous variant, the Banker position in this version is much more stable, as the entire deck must be used before it is passed to the next player. Here, three hands are dealt to each side of the table, and players bet on their success, while the dealer plays their own hands.
Mini Baccarat
This version earns the “Mini” prefix because it significantly limits the number of players who can join a baccarat casino game. The main advantage here is the ability to enjoy faster gameplay while still having the privilege of potentially taking on the Banker role.
Live Baccarat
Like other popular table games at online casinos, baccarat can be enjoyed alongside other players via virtual rooms. In these, you will be attended by a real dealer who leads the game from a live-streamed studio. Here, you’ll find many of the previously mentioned variants, along with exclusive ones unique to this format.
Online baccarat rules
As previously mentioned, the objective of baccarat is to achieve a number equal to or as close to 9 as possible. If you haven’t played before, you might confuse it with Blackjack, but here, the values are calculated differently. Hands never exceed 9, as the first digit of a double-digit total is removed, leaving only the remaining number.
To begin, the dealer deals two face-down cards to each player and two to themselves. This rule remains consistent across all baccarat variations, in which a third card may also be drawn—but only if the initial revealed hand does not contain an 8 or 9, also known as a natural hand.
From this point, your victory or defeat depends on the outcome you predicted. You can place bets on your own hand, another player’s hand (if it’s not yet your turn), or the dealer’s hand when playing online baccarat. In physical casinos, even bystanders can contribute to the betting pool, despite not actively participating in the game.
Depending on the variant, baccarat can range from being a purely luck-based game to one where players have a greater influence over gameplay. This is why it was important to familiarise yourself with the purpose of its most popular versions worldwide.
As for the Banker’s role and responsibilities throughout the game, here’s a summary:
- The Banker is responsible for dealing the cards to all participants at the table.
- If a player takes on the Banker role, the dealer still manages the funds on the table.
- The Banker sets the minimum bet that other players must meet to participate in the game.
- Betting on the Banker is considered the safest option, while betting against it carries a 1.06% disadvantage.
Types of bets in online baccarat
Regardless of the variant, there are only three betting options in baccarat: betting on the player, the banker, or a tie. Of course, if you are actively participating in the game as the player or banker, you can only support your own hand. Once your turn is over, all betting options become available to you.
That said, there’s not much to overthink, as betting on either the player or the banker always yields 1:1 payouts in online baccarat, with winnings determined by the value of each hand. Betting on a tie, on the other hand, offers a much higher return of 8:1.
Thanks to its low-risk nature, the minimum betting amount in baccarat is relatively low, though you’ll also find certain versions tailored for high rollers. This is one of the key advantages of baccarat—it offers a much broader betting range compared to other casino games, making the experience highly customisable.
That said, don’t forget about commissions. Typically, a 5% fee applies to player winnings, whereas the participant acting as the banker does not have to pay any commission during their turn. In fact, some establishments even loan funds to the banker when making bets, though this depends on the specific game’s rules.
Strategies for playing online baccarat
Before developing strategies for playing baccarat at online casinos, the most important step is to determine which variant you will be playing. As a new player, you may be tempted to choose Punto Banco, but this version is known for offering little flexibility to the player, relying heavily on luck.
In this regard, we believe Chemin De Fer is the ideal option for new players, as it allows you to familiarise yourself with the banker role while enjoying its advantages—such as not having to pay commission. It requires a degree of skill, but we are confident you will appreciate having more influence over the game based on your own decisions.
Other versions, such as Mini Baccarat or Live Baccarat, introduce unique mechanics, so we recommend trying them only after you gain more experience. Once you feel confident, don’t hesitate to give them a go, as they can offer exciting opportunities and potentially high rewards, befitting a skilled player like yourself.
Now, to ensure you are fully prepared for every stage of the game, here’s an overview of how a typical baccarat round unfolds, using Chemin De Fer as a reference:
- The dealer starts as the banker, a role that passes from player to player, beginning with the person seated to their left.
- All players then decide whether to “go banker” or not—essentially, choosing to challenge the current banker’s hand.
- The dealer deals two cards to each participant, including themselves.
- Only one card from each hand is revealed at first, and if it is an 8 or 9, no third card can be drawn.
- After verification, all hands are revealed, and payouts are made based on whether the bet was placed on another player, their own hand, the banker, or a tie.
We encourage you to carefully consider your betting strategy. While it may not be obvious at first, in baccarat, betting on the banker is statistically the safest choice, with a winning probability of 45.87%.
Conclusion
Although baccarat may sometimes be overlooked compared to casino giants like blackjack or poker, it remains one of the strongest options for card game enthusiasts, offering variations that cater to different skill levels.
This is especially true at online casinos, where you’ll find the perfect gaming environment to enjoy the best baccarat variations. Sign up for one of the platforms and see for yourself what we’ve been discussing throughout this guide. Give it a chance!
FAQ
Where can I play online baccarat for real money?
In our article, you’ll find a carefully selected list of the best online casinos to play baccarat for real money. These platforms offer various game variants, attractive bonuses, and secure environments for maximum enjoyment.
How do you play online baccarat?
The objective is to reach a total value as close to 9 as possible. Two cards are dealt, and if the total exceeds 9, only the last digit is considered. You can bet on the player, the banker, or a tie, with the winning hand being the one closest to 9.
Which type of bet has the biggest advantage in online baccarat?
Bets placed on the banker’s position are the most advantageous, but not all variants of the game allow this role to be transferred between players.
What are the most popular strategies for playing online baccarat?
Unlike Blackjack, where you have a greater influence on your hand, baccarat does not offer the same level of control. Instead of focusing on card values, you should prioritise the different betting options available.
Can I play online baccarat with live dealers?
Yes! Online casinos now offer thousands of live dealer rooms where you can place bets and interact with professional live dealers from the industry.
What are the chances of winning in online baccarat?
The risk in online baccarat is relatively low compared to other card games, especially when considering its house edge of just 1.06%.