Best Online Casino Baccarat Guide - Casino Sites to Play for Free or Real

How We Rate and Review Baccarat Casinos

When we evaluate the best online Baccarat casino sites, we do so using our proprietary approach that takes into consideration a number of different attributes. This allows us to give a balanced review of what these locations bring to the table in a way that makes it easy for all players to figure out if each site will be a good fit or not. We like to be open about which criteria we focus on, and we have a list with a bit of a breakdown of each in what follows.

• Licensing : We absolutely require that both paid and free online Baccarat casinos be completely licensed in a jurisdiction that's reputable before recommending them.
• Safety & Security : Our recommended brands have proper security measures in place to keep your personal and financial information safe.
• Generous Bonuses : Good deals are a must when it comes to bonus offers, and the more free bets they give you, the better.
• User Experience : It should be easy for players to enjoy the games, and this includes a simple no download platform with a fully variety of the newest titles.
• Game Variety : We really need to see a full selection of online Baccarat casino games, including live dealer tables, in addition to plenty of other titles.
• Mobile Compatibility : Having an app available for both iOS devices and Android phones and tablets is something we think all sites should have in the modern era.
• Banking Options : The ability to make both deposits and withdrawals with a variety of options like credit & debit cards, e-wallets, cryptos like bitcoin and whatever else is allowed locally is critical.
• Fast Payouts : Getting your money as quickly as possible is the main thing that most players look for in the cash out process.

What Makes Baccarat so Popular?

If there's ever any doubt about the popularity of this game, all you have to do is look at how full the free online Baccarat casino tables stay all the time. If the free games are full, then you know the real money tables also have plenty of action. Players so frequently choose to gamble at these tables over others because it's such a classic game that's easy to learn with a low volatility and a high payout rate, especially when compared to other card games that don't use much strategy.

How to Play This Card Game

The gameplay and rules for real money and free Baccarat online casino games is actually pretty easy to learn because there's not a lot to keep up with. All of the more difficult procedures are performed by the house, so it's really optional to learn all of that and completely up to you whether you want to or not. Most players don't care to learn all of the ins and outs, but down below, we'll show you the way the game procedure works and what you need to know to get started.

1. Cards in Baccarat are their face value with aces always being worth one and face cards always being worth zero.
2. You start in Baccarat by placing a bet on the banker, player or tie spots. Other side bets can also be available.
3. Two hands are dealt, which are known as the "banker" and "player" hands, but you don't control either of them.
4. Baccarat hands are scored based on the "ones" digit of the total of the cards. If that score is 8 or 9 for either hand, the round is instantly over. This is known as a natural hand.
5. If not, then the player hand receives one additional card with a total of 5 or less.
6. If the player doesn't receive a third card with a total of 6 or 7, then the banker draws with a total of 5 or less.
7. In cases where the player gets a third card, whether the banker gets a third card depends on a chart available at the table based on the banker's score and the value of the player's third card.
8. Once all of this is decided, the side with the higher total wins in Baccarat unless it's a tie.
9. Any payouts owed to the player are then awarded based on the wager's respective payouts.

Popular Online Baccarat Games at Real Money Casinos

Each online Baccarat casino site will have their own selection of different variations to choose from. However, the basic process on how to win at each of them is mostly the same, so there's a lot of incentive to hop around to figure out what you like the most. Here we'll introduce you to some of the more popular option that you can run into.

• 

  Punto Banco - Classic

  This is the standard version of the online casino Baccarat that you'll see the most often. There aren't really any bells or whistles with this option, and instead, it's all about straightforward gameplay with the banker, player and tie betting options. With that said, you can see some variation in how many decks are used, which also slightly changes the payout rates for the different available wagers.

• 

  Chemin de Fer

  Chemin de Fer isn't really found online and is instead more of a brick and mortar style of table. The idea here is that the players go up against each other instead of against the house, and you essentially go around in a circle taking turns being the "dealer." This provides a different style of experience, but the gameplay is largely the same as Punto Banco if you are not the person dealing.

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  Baccarat Banque

  A close cousin of Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque is a very similar game that either uses one larger table or two smaller tables combined to allow as many as 16 players to get in on the action at once. This is a particularly social game that really does not translate to the online environment, so no software providers have ever really tried to pick it up. Nonetheless, it does show just how flexible this genre can be.

• 

  Mini Baccarat

  The mini Baccarat tables were based on the idea of speeding things up a bit in a land-based casino environment. Fewer players were allowed than at the traditional tables, and the overall idea was to make things more accessible with a quicker style of play. This is actually closer to what's found online in the RNG section of different sites in the sense that you can play for a wider range of stakes without much time between hands.

• 

  Live Baccarat

  A variety of live dealer titles are available, but it's worth noting that they cannot be played at free Baccarat casinos online in most cases and are instead reserved for real money play. In any event, these typically follow the traditional Punto Banco rules except for special variations like Lighting Baccarat that have additional rules and side bets. You get to play with a real human dealer over a high definition audio and video feed while chatting up other players, which helps to make this particular format incredibly popular.

Real Money Baccarat Bonuses from Top Online Casinos

Virtually all online Baccarat casino sites have different bonuses and promotions that players can take advantage of. However, the variety depends on where you're playing at, so many players actually choose where they play based on the promo options. Here we'll show you all of the major options that allow you to get paid for playing this game and how viable they are in general.

Welcome Bonuses

When you first get started at a given location, you'll be hit with options for welcome bonus packages. These can consist of different combinations of offers across your first several deposits just depending on what that specific site has available. Most of the time, these are percentage match-based, which means you get a bonus based on a percentage of the amount you have deposited. If you want to play on a smaller budget, it's worth looking out for smaller minimum deposit deals as well.

No Deposit Bonus

You can sometimes find no deposit offers available at free Baccarat online casinos that allow you to play for real money prizes. Keep in mind, however, that many no deposit bonuses are only for slots, so you need to check the terms and conditions before you commit to see which titles are allowed. In any case, this is a solid option especially if you like the idea of trying to build up a bankroll from nothing, which is an appealing proposition for many players.

Cashback

There are a few different ways that you can get rewarded with cashback at online Baccarat casino sites. However, the most common approaches are getting a percentage back of your previous deposit or getting back a percentage of your losses over the past week of play. In either case, you're essentially getting a free chance to run up winnings, and that's the kind of thing that players can really appreciate. Since cashback offers often run in tandem with other deals, it's a good way to get paid multiple ways.

Reload

After you've been established as a player at a site that has the online Baccarat casino games that you like, you can often claim reload bonuses over time that give you a chance to top off your account with some extra value. While these typically have a lower match percentage rate than welcome deals, they also have lower wagering requirements to go along with that. Many locations have regular offers to get reloads each week, which is nice for Baccarat players who want a predictable promotional schedule as well.

Loyalty Rewards and VIP Programs

Another good way to get value for your real money play is with VIP or loyalty programs. These are programs that reward you with points that are earned over time with your play, and those points are available to be exchanged for different things like bonuses or real world goodies. The Casino Rewards group of sites is a great example of this because they have one program that keeps up with your play across all of their brands to give you rewards along these lines.

Free Baccarat vs Real Money Games

The decision to choose between real money and free online Baccarat casino games is one that each player has to make for themselves based on what they're looking for in their own individual experience. With that said, it's also important to understand that many people like playing both at least some of the time. To make this decision easier, we have a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each format in what follows.

• Pros and Cons of Free Baccarat

  • We believe that the easiest way to learn to play the game is by enjoying the demo versions.
  • If you just want to enjoy the gameplay without trying to win anything, this is a good option.
  • No risk is involved, so there's less pressure to play correctly from a strategic point of view.
  • Free money games generally cannot give you real money payouts except with certain no deposit offers.
  • No live dealer tables are typically available for free players.

• Pros and Cons of Real Money Baccarat

  • You can get paid with a lot of different types of promotions when playing for real.
  • Several types of live dealer games are available for real money players.
  • Many players do not enjoy playing without the chance for actual payouts.
  • Risk is a natural part of playing with actual money.
  • Not as many bonuses are available for table game players.

Top 10 Best Online Baccarat Casinos By Specialty

When we make recommendations for online Baccarat casino sites, we recognize that not all players are looking for the exact same thing. As such, we don't really focus on "one size fits all" style ratings. Instead, we like to recommend Baccarat locations based on different specific things that players may be looking for. This makes it much easier to find a customized pick that will be a better fit, as you can see in our following 10 favorites.

Top Online Baccarat Sites by Country

It's not exactly a secret that players enjoy online Baccarat casino games all over the world. However, it's interesting to see how there can be some significant differences between regions. This includes both the sites that are available as well as the preferences of players. We have coverage of locations all over the globe, and down below, you'll see some of the areas of the world that we really focus on.

Canada

Canadian players love real money and free online Baccarat casinos, especially when it comes to bonuses and promotions. That's where a lot of the competition happens between the different locations, so we recommend players in Canada make sure that they're getting an excellent deal. Payouts are also processed quickly with the special Interac option for players who have a Canadian bank account, which isn't really available on a larger scale.

UK

With the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, you get one of the strictest set of regulatory rules of any major licensing entity. Because of this, any online Baccarat casino with the UKGC license can be considered particularly legit, and you get an added peace of mind in that they have been known to heavily fine and penalize any locations that get out of line with how they handle players.

New Zealand

Despite the love for pokies in this part of the world, Kiwis also enjoy Baccarat quite a bit. Our recommendations for NZ often focus on game variety since players here tend to prefer more options to play with when compared to other regions. Along with that, you'll find promotions that allow play with a wide range of games, including online Baccarat, even if the contribute percentages vary.

Europe

The way we rank the top European casinos is all about using our proprietary review system to look at the major things all players will be looking for. This includes things like a strong licensing and solid customer service. Since the competition among online Baccarat casino sites is so fierce in Europe, players get the benefit of a lot of sites trying to outdo each other with promotions and the quality of the overall experience.

International

The general online Baccarat genre is so loved all over the world that all of the best international sites have a solid selection to pick from. As a result, no matter where you're located, you'll have a solid selection of Baccarat casino games to pick from. Using our reviews, you can pick out the options that will fit the type of experience you're looking for the best, and that makes it much easier to get started off on the right foot.

Online Baccarat Strategies and How to Win Tips

Tons of strategies have been tried with Baccarat, but since your bet sizing is the main strategic option you have in most cases, many of these approaches are based on manipulating how much you're wagering at a time. In what follows, we'll check out the most popular of these systems and give you an idea of how they are used.

Martingale System

The classic Martingale System is set up based on the idea that you will double your wager after every loss. Once you win, however, you go back and start over with your original bet size. The premise is that you'll eventually win everything back that you lost on that streak plus one additional bet, but there are some limitations to this system. Eventually, you can have a losing streak that runs into the maximum bet size allowed at the table or the maximum you can wager based on your remaining bankroll.

Paroli System

When the Paroli System is used in online Baccarat, you're focused on changing your bet size after wins instead of losses. You start with a given bet size, and after any loss, you go back to that size. However, after a win, you double your bet size up to three times. If you win three times in a row, your bet resets back to the starting amount. The idea is to get more from winning streaks than you lose from losing streaks.

Fibonacci

Another common betting strategy that many players like to use at online Baccarat casino sites is based on the Fibonacci sequence of numbers that goes 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and so on, adding the previous two numbers to generate the next. Again, you'll increase your bet size along this sequence when you win, and you'll start over when you lose. This is another approach based on the idea of trying to get more from your winning streaks than what you lose in your losing streaks.

1-3-2-6

While there's a lot of speculation over who created the 1-3-2-6 System, there's no denying that it's fairly popular in a wide variety of casino games, online Baccarat included. You start this system with a starting wager, and if you win, you go to 3x, 2x and 6x that given amount if you continue winning. If you lose, or if you go through the cycle of bet sizes, you start back over at your 1x amount.

Labouchere System

The Labouchere System is sometimes called a Split Martingale, and both terms refer to the same approach. While it's typically used in roulette, some modified versions can be used in online Baccarat instead. You start by adding up a number of bet amounts (ie: on a sheet of paper) that combine to form the amount that you aim to win overall. From there, you make wagers based on the total of the initial and final numbers on the list. If you win, those numbers are removed, and if you lose, you add that total loss to the end of the list before repeating.

D'Alembert System

While most of the betting strategies we've looked at are based on changing your bet size with winning wagers, the D'Alembert System is focused on the losing rounds. When you lose, you increase your bet size, but if you win, you keep your bet size the same. It's a "loss chasing" strategy based around trying to even out any losses while running together a number of small wins at the same time.

Top 10 Winning Tips

Whether you're trying to run up some payouts with real money play, or you're just learning how things work with free online Baccarat casinos, we have a number of tips that you can use to have a better time of it. Down below, we'll walk you through a number of different things that you can keep in mind to maximize your chances of getting wins and having the best experience that you can.

1. We strongly recommend learning the rules of these games to the point of understanding how the card draws work in particular so that there is no confusion on the play procedure.
2. Make sure to check over the payouts for the particular table you're playing at. These can vary a bit between variations, and we don't want you to have mismatched expectations after a win.
3. Avoid the tie wager because it's typically the bet that offers the worst payout rate by far in traditional games.
4. Focus on the banker bet in most cases because it's generally the option with the lowest house edge.
5. Games that use fewer decks than the typical eight-deck tables actually have a slightly better payout rate for the banker bet.
6. In games that use a commission structure, meaning it pays 0.95:1 instead of 1:1, learn how they round this amount before you start playing.
7. Use Baccarat casino bonuses and other promotions to maximize your chances of coming out ahead overall.

Betting Options for Online Baccarat

The exact betting options you have available will vary from table to table. With that said, the three most common wagers are found everywhere, and they're the "bread and butter" that virtually all players focus on because they include the best-paying bets pretty much anywhere you go. Down below, we'll break these down for you in a bit more detail to give you a stronger understanding of how they work.

Player Bet

When the player hand wins, you get paid at 1:1 in all versions of the game. This is typically the second-best paying wager at the tables found at most online Baccarat casino sites, however, coming in at having a 1.2% house edge in traditional eight-deck games. With that said, you never have to worry about any changes in payout due to commission structures.

Banker Bet

A payout with the banker bet traditionally pays out at a rate of 0.95:1, or even money minus a 5% commission. Overall, this leads to a low 1.1% house edge, but there's a catch. If this 5% commission is rounded in a way that is unfavorable, particularly on smaller bets, then you can effectively have a higher commission that then translates into a lower payout rate. Non-commission versions like EZ Baccarat change some minor things around to avoid this potential issue, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Tie Bet

In most cases, the tie bet is awful for players. It traditionally pays 8:1 when the banker and player totals are the same, which is the highest pure payout, but this translates to a 14.4% house edge in eight-deck scenarios, which is enormous. You may see 9:1 wins instead, but the payout rate is really bad on those as well, and we believe players should avoid it overall because of this.

Betting Odds and Payout Rates

Other Betting Options

A number of other types of wagers can be found in these games as well, but the exact ones available just depend on which specific title you're playing. If you aren't familiar with them, then the tables at free online Baccarat casinos will usually have at least one style that uses each option so that you can see how it works in actual play. In any case, the following shows what you need to know about each before deciding to wager on them.

• Player Pair : This wins when both of the player hand's cards have the same rank, and it typically pays at 10:1.
• Banker Pair : Two cards of the same rank starting in the banker hand wins at 10:1 for this wager.
• Perfect Pair : A perfect pair is two cards of the same rank and suit, and these usually pay at a rate of 30:1.
• Either Pair : This is a more general wager that wins if either hand makes a pair, and the payout varies based on where you're playing.
• Small : If neither hand gets a third card, this payout wins, typically at a payout rate of 3:2.
• Big : If either hand adds a third card, the big side bet pays out, and you'll usually get paid 1:2.

Play Online Baccarat with Live Dealers in 2024

The live dealer games are typically among the most popular at real money Baccarat casino sites online. This is because they offer up a number of different variations that aren't available in the RNG format, and they also tend to have a better presentation with audio and video that's streamed in high definition.

Live Dealer Baccarat vs Online Casino RNG Variants

Different players like different things, and everyone has their own favorites. To help you figure out which of the two formats might work the best for you, we have an overview of the pros and cons of each below.

• Pros and Cons of Live Dealers

  • Players can chat with each other in real time using the chat interface.
  • Atypical variations are typically available that you can't get in the RNG format.
  • The overall atmosphere is much closer to what you find in a brick and mortar establishment.
  • Minimum bet sizes are typically larger in live games than in their RNG counterparts.
  • The game moves along more slowly than if you are playing alone.

• Pros and Cons of RNG Games

  • Quick turnaround times and fast animations let you get in more hands per hour.
  • If you don't care about the social aspect of things, the RNG format can be a better pick.
  • A slightly larger availability of bonuses and promotions can sometimes be had at these tables.
  • The presentation quality is generally low than what you see at the live tables.
  • A lot of side bets are missing at the RNG tables when compared to their live counterparts.

Best Mobile Apps - Play On The Go in 2024

In the modern era, players can enjoy all kinds of online Baccarat casino games on their mobile devices. This includes both live and RNG format online Baccarat tables. Additionally, it includes both Android and iOS devices in both the tablet and smartphone sizes. This is a game that fits on these screens really well because it doesn't require a lot of space, so it's incredibly easy to take your play with you while you're out and about.

Facts You May Not Know About This Game

The history of Baccarat is super interesting, and it has more of a depth than many other titles because of how old it is. Down below, we'll show you some of the cool facts that have emerged from this history and give you a bit more background into what has helped to make this title so popular over the years from a cultural standpoint.

Baccarat is Popular with High Rollers

While many people like to enjoy the free online Baccarat casino options, on the other end of the spectrum, you'll find that this is one of the most popular high roller games in the world. Incredibly high stakes tables are running pretty much 24/7 at all major land-based casinos because of the demand for play from high rollers.

Baccarat has a Unique scoring System

The scoring system used in Baccarat isn't really found anywhere else. Some people mistakenly think it's the same as blackjack, but it has two major differences. First, the ace is always worth one point. Additionally, the final score is just the "ones" digit of the total of the cards. For example, if you have 99, that's actually a score of 8 instead of 18.

Baccarat Means the Worst Possible

The root word behind this game is the Italian word "baccara," which means zero or the lowest possible. Interestingly enough, the title of the game is also considered a proper noun, which means it's always capitalized.

Baccarat was Extremely Popular in 19th Century France

A lot of the history of this game comes down to the fact that it was super popular during the 19th century in France and surrounding European countries. The fact that it didn't need any special equipment other than the traditional 52-card French deck, which is used today in many titles and is different than the 48-card Spanish deck used in titles like Spanish 21, is a big part of why.

James Bond's Favourite Game is Baccarat

The more recent films have James Bond playing blackjack and poker, but in the original version of stories like Casino Royale and GoldenEye, his game of choice was Baccarat. When you mix in large table versions where the players are dealing to each other, it allowed for a lot of social interaction, which in turn leads to dialogue that would move the plot along in many ways.

FAQs

• Which game has the best odds for winning?

  Any title in this genre with the traditional banker bet has about the same odds.

• Is online baccarat easy to play?

  This is one of the easiest table games to learn.

• How many decks are used in this card game?

  Eight decks are used traditionally, but six-, four- and single-deck tables are sometimes available.

• Are no deposit bonuses available for real money games?

  Some no deposit offers are available for these games in less common cases.

• Are these games compatible with mobile devices?

  Yes, you can play on the go with iOS or Android.

• Can I play live casino baccarat online for free?

  Free versions of the live games are typically not offered.

• Do baccarat strategies guarantee a win?

  No, but they can help to maximize your chances of winning.

• How do no commission games work?

  Banker wins pay 1:1 except when it's with a three-card total of six, in which case it's a push.

• What's the best bonus that can be used on this game?

  Some good welcome bonuses are available that are the best for most players.

• Which Is better casino baccarat or blackjack?

  Blackjack is better for strategically minded players, and Baccarat is better if you just want a game of chance.

Written by

Bonnie Gjurovska - Lead Editor

Bonnie Gjurovska has been professionally involved in iGaming for over 5 years. She is passionate about online casinos, testing software and finding the best promotions. Her passion makes Bonnie the perfect candidate to help guide players from around the world and to oversee the content published on Top10Casinos.com.

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