Compared to other casino games, baccarat certainly doesn’t reach the same level of popularity. However, in Brazil, this game still delivers the same thrill, surpassed only by classics like blackjack and roulette.
As a team of experts, we believe that underestimating the game of baccarat is a missed opportunity, as it has unique features and high strategic potential, while still maintaining the simplicity of a card game. If you give it a chance, we can guarantee that in less than a day, you’ll get the hang of it.
This last point is especially true at online casinos in Brazil, where you can try out each and every variant of online baccarat and find the one that’s ideal for you. Interested in having an alternative to your favorite games? Then give baccarat a chance and check out what we’ve got 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 — it has enough unique mechanics to make it stand out.
Among these mechanics, the one that truly sets baccarat apart is the ability to bet on the success of other players or on the Banker itself. Some variants even allow you to take on the role of the Banker and enjoy the many advantages of that position. Sounds interesting already?
As for the technical aspects, it’s important to note that it doesn’t differ much from other card games. The most notable points are:
- Baccarat is played with a 52-card deck.
- Multiple players can sit at a single table.
- Bets on the player or the banker pay 1:1, while betting on a tie offers returns of 8:1.
- Due to how hand values are calculated in baccarat, no hand exceeds three cards.
With all that said, online baccarat is an excellent option for lovers of card games.
Types of online baccarat
Interestingly, even though online baccarat is underestimated by many, this game still features numerous variants that enrich its category within online casinos. As we always recommend, try to get familiar with the most popular ones using the information we’ve provided below:
Punto Banco
This is the classic or original version of baccarat, in which the Banker position is fixed to the House. As explained earlier, the winning condition is reaching an 8 or 9, and if the total exceeds this, only the last digit of the sum is considered. For example, a hand totaling 12 becomes 2.
Chemin De Fer
Chemin De Fer represents the more competitive side of baccarat, where not only does the Banker role rotate after each round, but there’s also a strategic element involved. Multiple players can compete against the Banker at the same time, but only the hand of the player with the highest bet on the table is taken into account.
Baccarat Banque
Unlike the previous variant, the Banker position in Baccarat Banque is more stable, as all the cards in the deck must be used before it passes to the next player. In this version, three hands are dealt to each side of the table, and players bet on their success, while the dealer bets on their own hand.
Mini Baccarat
This variant earns the prefix “Mini” because it significantly limits the number of players who can join an online baccarat game. The main advantage here is the possibility of faster rounds, without giving up the chance to take on the Banker role in certain moments.
Live Baccarat
Just like other popular table games in online casinos, live baccarat allows you to play against other participants in virtual rooms. In these rooms, a real dealer conducts the game from a studio streamed in real-time. Here, you’ll find many of the variants mentioned above, along with some exclusive to this format.
Online baccarat rules
As previously mentioned, the goal in baccarat is to get a total equal to or as close as possible to 9. If you’ve never played before, you might confuse its rules with those of blackjack, but here, the values are calculated differently. The total never exceeds 9, as the first digit of any two-digit number is dropped, keeping only the last digit.
To start the game, the dealer deals two face-down cards to each player and two more to themselves. This is a standard rule across all baccarat variants. A third card may also be drawn, but only if the initial hand doesn’t reveal an 8 or 9 — which is known as a natural hand.
From there, your win or loss depends on the outcome you predicted. You can bet on your own cards, another player’s cards (if it’s not your turn), or the dealer’s cards when playing online baccarat. In land-based casinos, even spectators can contribute funds to the pot without directly participating in the round.
Depending on the variant, baccarat can range from being purely luck-based to offering more strategic influence to the players. That’s why it was important to previously introduce the most popular versions around the world.
The Banker’s role throughout the game can be summarized as follows:
- The Banker is responsible for dealing cards to all players at the table.
- If a player assumes the role of Banker, the dealer still manages the table’s funds.
- The player in the Banker position sets the minimum bet that other participants must meet to join the round.
- Bets on the Banker are considered the safest, while betting against it carries a 1.06% disadvantage.
Types of bets in online baccarat
Regardless of the variant, you can only bet on the player, the banker, or a tie. If you’re taking part in the game as the player or the banker, you may only bet on your own hand. Once you’re no longer in turn, all three options become available to you.
Even so, there’s not much to worry about, since betting on either the player or the banker always yields 1:1 payouts in online baccarat, with the difference determined by the value of each hand. Betting on a tie, on the other hand, offers returns of 8:1.
Thanks to its low risk, the minimum betting amount is typically quite accessible. However, there are also exclusive versions designed for high rollers — players who wager large amounts. This is one of baccarat’s greatest strengths: its wide appeal, allowing each player to tailor their experience to suit their personal style.
That said, don’t forget about commissions. Usually, there’s a 5% fee charged to players, while those assuming the role of Banker don’t have to pay any commission during their turn. In some casinos, the Banker may even receive loans to place bets, but this depends on the specific rules of each venue.
Strategies for playing online baccarat
Before coming up with strategies for playing online baccarat, the most important thing is to determine which variant you intend to play. As a beginner, it might be tempting to start with the Punto Banco version, but this variant is known for offering little flexibility in player actions, relying much more on chance.
In this regard, we believe that Chemin De Fer is the best option for new players, as it allows you to get familiar with the Banker role and take advantage of its benefits—like not having to pay a commission. This version requires a bit more skill, but we guarantee it will be satisfying to have influence over the game based on your own decisions.
Other variants, such as Mini Baccarat or Live Baccarat, have different mechanics. That’s why we recommend trying them only after gaining more experience. However, once you feel confident, don’t hesitate to explore them, as they can offer great opportunities and make your experience even more engaging.
To ensure no part of the game catches you off guard, check out the steps of a Chemin De Fer game below—these can also serve as a foundation for other variants:
- The dealer begins by assuming the role of Banker, which will rotate from player to player, starting with the one to their left.
- All players have the option to “go Banker,” meaning they compete against the hand of the player currently in that position.
- The dealer deals two cards to each participant, including themselves.
- Only one card from each hand is revealed. If it’s an 8 or 9, no third card may be drawn.
- After this check, all cards are revealed and payouts are made based on bets placed on the player, the Banker, or a tie.
We recommend carefully choosing which bet to make. It may not seem obvious at first glance, but in baccarat, betting on the Banker is always the safest option, with a winning probability of 45.87%.
Conclusion
Although often underestimated compared to major classics like blackjack or poker, baccarat remains one of the best options for card game enthusiasts, offering several variants that allow players to fully leverage their skill level.
This is especially true in online casinos, where you’ll find the ideal gaming environment to enjoy the best versions of baccarat. Sign up on one of the platforms and experience for yourself everything we’ve mentioned throughout this guide. Give baccarat a try!
FAQ
Where can I play online baccarat with real money?
In our article, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best online casinos to play baccarat with real money. These platforms offer various game variants, attractive bonuses, and secure environments to enjoy to the fullest.
How to play baccarat online?
The goal is to reach a total value close to 9. Two cards are dealt, and if the total exceeds 9, only the last digit is counted. You can bet on the player, the banker, or a tie, and the hand closest to 9 wins.
Which type of bet offers the greatest advantage in online baccarat?
Definitely, bets placed on the Banker are the most advantageous, but not all variants of the game allow this role to be transferred from one player to another.
What are the most popular strategies for playing online baccarat?
Unlike blackjack, where you have more or less influence over your cards, that’s not the case in baccarat. Instead of focusing on card values, you should prioritize the different types of bets available.
Can I play online baccarat with live dealers?
Yes! Nowadays, online casinos offer thousands of rooms where you can enter, place your bet, and be served by highly qualified live dealers from the industry.
What are the odds of winning in online baccarat?
The risk in baccarat is relatively low compared to other card games, especially considering the house edge of 1.06%.