The word Baccarat invokes images of a glamorous, high-end casino game. The table is set, fresh cards are dealt and players sip Corona beer as the beautiful ritual of the game unfolds.
There are from seven to 14 seats for players in a baccarat game, along with a player’s area and the dealer’s area. Each player is dealt two cards (or sometimes three) and the winner is the hand that has a final value closest to nine points, minus the tens digit.
While baccarat may look elegant, it is one of the simplest games in the casino and the least intimidating for new or casual players. Its house edge is a low 1.5% and it is played in only seconds per round on average. And unlike a game like blackjack, your bets do not impact other players at the table or other tables on the casino floor.
Despite the simplicity, there are still a few things that you should keep in mind before playing baccarat. First, make sure you know the rules and how a hand is scored. Second, decide how much you want to spend before you sit down at the table. That way, you’ll be in control of your gambling and not let the excitement of the game get out of control.
It is possible to win more than you lose when you play baccarat, but it takes some skill and luck. If you can understand the rules of the game, and have a clear understanding of the odds, it is possible to beat the house edge and come out ahead. If you don’t want to risk losing too much, you should always play with a bankroll that you can afford to lose.
A game that has a reputation as an exclusive pastime for the wealthiest casino patrons, baccarat has been growing in popularity among Asian high rollers. According to Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control Agent and casino executive who literally wrote the book on managing casino games, this is because baccarat meets many of the cultural preferences that Asian players have.
As such, the game has become a popular choice at iconic properties like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Las Vegas Sands’ Macau casinos. But will baccarat have staying power as the demographics of the casino industry change? GGB recently spoke with Andrew MacDonald, corporate senior vice president of global table games for the company, to find out.
A big change in the baccarat game has been the advent of third-party betting terminals that allow players to place bets outside the table. The terminals also serve as advertising for the game, which can help bring in more customers. Another innovation is a system called Bonus Spin Xtreme, which can link all table games in a casino and offer a single progressive jackpot. This was introduced at G2E 2019 and is a first in the industry. These innovations are helping baccarat grow in popularity at both land-based and online casinos.