Table of Contents
- How We Rate Online Baccarat Casinos in the UK
- Introduction to the Baccarat Game
- Step to Playing Online Baccarat
- Understanding Baccarat House Edge and Odds of Winning
- Baccarat Casino Payouts
- Tips for Playing at Baccarat Casinos
- Some Popular Baccarat Variants
- Start Playing at the Best Baccarat Casinos!
- Baccarat Guide FAQ
How We Rate Online Baccarat Casinos in the UK
Our recommendations for the best baccarat casinos meet the highest standard of fair play and customer satisfaction. We’ve reviewed these casinos based on a set of strict criteria, including the following:
Variety of Baccarat Games
An exceptional online baccarat casino will flaunt a diverse selection of baccarat variants. This variety ensures players never get bored and can find a game tailored to their preferences.
Quality of Baccarat Software Providers
Top-notch baccarat experiences often stem from reputable software providers. We seek out casinos that collaborate with industry-leading brands, ensuring smooth gameplay and crisp graphics. After all, quality matters in every hand you play.
Baccarat Bonuses
We look for online baccarat casinos offering lucrative bonuses that are playable on baccarat games. We also scan the terms and conditions to ensure these offers are fair and attainable.
Licence and Security
Your safety is paramount where online gaming is concerned. We always only choose baccarat casinos licensed by the UKGC. The best-licensed platforms are the safest casinos, as they utilise advanced encryption methods to protect your data and funds.
Mobile Gaming Compatibility
In today’s digital age, a good game should fit in your pocket, so playing on the go is essential for any top-rated baccarat casino. The best sites should be seamlessly accessible via smartphones and tablets without compromising on features or quality.
Payment methods and speeds
Quick and diverse payment methods speak volumes about a casino’s reliability. So we look for platforms offering a variety of secure payment options and boasting the fastest payouts.
Introduction to the Baccarat Game
Baccarat is the casino game favoured by James Bond, the famous character in Ian Fleming’s 1950’s best seller, Casino Royale. But this game has been around long before then. The widely accepted historical take on this game is that it was founded in the 1400s in mediaeval Italy, where it was called ‘Baccara’, meaning zero in Italian.
It soon made its way to neighbouring France, where the French spelling ‘Baccarat’ was adopted. Baccarat Chemin de Fer was the popular variant here, becoming a favourite of King Charles VIII and the French aristocracy. It then migrated to South America and the Caribbean, where it became known as Punto Banco.
Regardless of the name it goes by, baccarat shares the same fundamental rules. The game’s objective is to get a hand total as close to 9 as possible. Unlink online blackjack, you can’t go bust. Instead, all tens are considered zero, so a total of 12 is taken at the unit value of 2; 13 is valued as 3, and so forth. There are three bet types – Banker, Player and Tie.
Many people are still unaware of the simplicity of this card game because baccarat had long been considered a special high-limit game reserved for the upper class and aristocrats. The reality is that this game is one of the simplest you can play at the casino; it also has one of the lowest house edges. Also, when you play online, there are very accommodating betting limits for all player levels.
Step to Playing Online Baccarat
Learning how to play baccarat will launch you into unique gaming experiences that are simple and entertaining. Below are quick steps for playing a standard baccarat game at internet casinos:
- Select your preferred online baccarat casino.
- Sign up and make a deposit.
- Claim a baccarat bonus if available.
- Launch an online baccarat game.
- Place a bet on either Player or Banker. Tie bets are usually not recommended.
- Watch as cards are dealt to the Player and Banker sides on the baccarat table.
- Whichever hands land a total of 8 or 9 wins.
- A third card is dealt if any hand has a total of 5 or less.
- The winner is the hand closest to 9.
Understanding Baccarat House Edge and Odds of Winning
Baccarat has really low house edges because there are predominantly two outcomes. It’s rare that the game ends in a tie, so it’s either the Player bet wins, or the Banker bet wins.
The baccarat house edge varies depending on the bet type. The Banker bet offers the lowest casino advantage at 1.06%. Next is the Player bet at 1.24%. Finally, Tie bets, being the most unlikely outcome, have a significantly higher house edge of 14.4%. In terms of winning odds, the Banker bet wins 45.86% of the time. The Player bet wins a little less often, 44.62% of the time, while the Tie bet wins just 9.52% of the time.
Here’s an overview of the house edge and winning odds of the different baccarat bets:
| Bet type | House edge | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Banker | 1.06% | 45.86% |
| Player | 1.24% | 44.62% |
| Tie | 14.4% | 9.52% |
Baccarat Casino Payouts
Banker and Player bets pay out even money (1: 1). This means that if you were to bet £10, you’d receive an additional £10 in profits for a total payout of £20. Even money is a common payout rate for many casino table games, and it indicates that there are high chances of winning.
Because the Banker hand has slightly higher winning odds than the Player hand, casinos apply a 5% commission to be deducted from your winnings on a Banker bet. The commission only applies to winning bets, and as you can imagine, it affects the payout rate. Rather than the theoretical even money payout, the casino pays 0.95: 1. Instead of £10 in profits, you’ll receive £9.5.
The tie bet, on the other hand, is a high-risk bet and pays 8 to 1. This means a £10 bet will offer £80 in profits. Tie bets sometimes pay 9 to 1, depending on the table.
Tips for Playing at Baccarat Casinos
Baccarat is a simple game you can easily get the hang of (especially the Punto Banco variant). Nonetheless, it’s always a smart idea to be well-prepared for any casino game experience. If you’re new to the games, here are a few things you should know before you begin playing at online baccarat casinos:
- Understand Baccarat Rules – Before diving into the world of online baccarat, familiarise yourself with the basic baccarat rules. It’s a simple game, but knowing the ins and outs can differentiate between winning and losing. Remember that different variants may have slight rule variations.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Bankroll management is a universal tip for any form of online gambling. It’s tempting to chase losses or get carried away after a win, but disciplined bankroll management ensures prolonged gameplay and reduces the risk of significant losses. Play smart, not hard!
- Bet Strategically – While baccarat is predominantly a game of chance, wise betting can up your odds. Take advantage of the many baccarat betting strategies that are available.
- Avoid the ‘Tie’ Bet – Don’t let the Tie bet lure you with its high payout. The house edge on the Tie bet presents a higher risk than the 8 to 1 reward offered as payouts. As such, it’s not favourable for players.
- Stick to Baccarat Tips – The majority of players falter because they get caught up in the moment and forget to stick to gameplay tips and strategies. So make sure you ride with these tips for the best experience.
- Stay Calm and Enjoy – Online baccarat should be fun, above all. Relax, take a deep breath, and let the cards fall where they may. Win or lose, enjoy the experience and remember it’s all part of the game.
Bonus Tip: Beware of the Gambler’s Fallacy
Just because the ‘Banker’ has won five times in a row doesn’t mean the ‘Player’ is due for a win next. Each baccarat hand is an independent event, and previous outcomes don’t influence future results. Don’t be tricked into believing patterns will continue or reverse; it’s a common pitfall many players encounter. Play with logic, not fallacies!
Some Popular Baccarat Variants
Playing at baccarat online casinos means you get access to many variants of the game, from the oldest classics to the most modern releases. Different variants offer unique twists on the classic game, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a fast-paced game or one that lets you strategize, baccarat online casinos have got you covered.
Punto Banco
This is the most popular version of baccarat in online and land-based casinos in the UK. The game is straightforward: players choose to bet on the “Punto” (player) or “Banco” (bank). Cards are dealt, and whichever hand is closer to 9 wins. The casino plays the bank throughout the game.
Chemin de Fer
This French variant translates to “railroad,” which is a nod to its faster pace. In Chemin de Fer, one player acts as the bank, so players basically compete against each other rather than the house. There’s more strategy involved since players can choose whether to draw an additional card or not. Chemin de Fer is common in European casinos.
Baccarat Banque
Similar to Chemin de Fer, one player acts as the bank, but the difference is that this banker position is more permanent, usually until the cards in the shoe are exhausted. The bank is auctioned off to the player willing to take on the biggest financial risk. A total of three hands are dealt, one Banker and two Player hands, so there’s double the excitement.
Mini Baccarat
Mini Baccarat is the perfect option for those who love the game but want it snappy and on a smaller scale. It follows the standard baccarat rules like in Punto Banco but uses a smaller table with lower stakes. Because of its quick and accessible nature, it’s a favourite among many online players.
Three Card Baccarat
This Asian variant spices things up. Here, both the Player and the Banker get three cards, and the best hand is three face cards. The usual rule of reaching close to 9 still applies. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic and comes with unique side bets like the ‘Three Faces’ that pays 16: 1.
No Commission Baccarat
Tired of paying the 5% commission on winning banker bets? This variant might be for you. As the name suggests, no commission is taken out. However, there’s a catch: if the Banker wins with a ‘6’, you only receive half the regular payout. No Commission Baccarat often comes with a Super 6 side bet that awards a payout of 12: 1 if you correctly predict this outcome.
Live Baccarat
Live dealer baccarat is a fantastic way to enjoy all your favourite baccarat games. The live casino setting replicates land-based casinos, so you get a mix of traditional and online experiences. You can experience human dealers dealing cards, and even chat with other players at the table in real time. There are lots of unique live baccarat variants that you can enjoy as well, such as Squeeze Baccarat and Dragon Tiger.
Start Playing at the Best Baccarat Casinos!
Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far to begin enjoying baccarat games in the UK. Plenty of sites allow you to play baccarat for real money, and you’ll find most variants available. An advantage of playing at online baccarat casinos is that you can try free online baccarat games as well. Baccarat is a simple game, but it doesn’t hurt to try it for free and build up your confidence before you wager real money. If you’ve already played baccarat at land-based casinos, online casino gaming is easier, so you’ll breeze through the gameplay at our recommended sites.
Baccarat Guide FAQ
How do I win in baccarat?
The objective of baccarat is to bet on a hand that gets a total closer to 9. Baccarat is a game of luck, so you simply place your bets and wait to see the outcome.
Are baccarat games rigged?
No, baccarat games are not rigged or manipulated when you play at reliable online baccarat casinos like the ones we recommend.
Is baccarat good for beginners?
Yes, baccarat is suitable for beginners. Punto Banco is the easiest version, where the casino plays the role of the dealer. It also has the standard game rules where you simply bet on either the Banker or Player hand and see which side the cards favour.
Are there baccarat online casinos in the UK?
Yes, there are plenty of UK online casinos with baccarat games. We’ve reviewed them and shortlisted the best sites that offer the best value across baccarat games, bonuses, security, etc.
Which baccarat variant can I play in the UK?
Many baccarat variants are offered at the best online casinos in the UK. However, the most common variant for UK players is the European favourite, Chemin de Fer.
Is the Tie bet a good option in baccarat?
The tie bet is one of the betting options in baccarat, but it’s not necessarily a good bet to place. It has a high house edge of 14.4% and rarely occurs. Besides, bets are a push if the game ends in a Tie. So you have little or nothing to lose if you avoid this bet.