Play baccarat online – for free or with real money
Are you looking for a simple yet elegant way to try your luck at an online casino? Then baccarat is the perfect choice. This iconic card game has long earned a reputation as the game of kings and is now available to everyone in online form.
In our overview, you will find everything you need: from the basic rules and popular bets to strategies that can increase your chances of success. We have compared the best licensed online casinos offering baccarat, analysing betting limits, live modes, and overall user experience. This makes it easier to choose the right platform for a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Basic rules of baccarat
There are two sides in baccarat: the player and the banker. Players bet on one of the two sides or on a tie. Each side receives two cards. Cards from 2 to 9 count at face value, tens and picture cards count as 0 and aces as 1. If the total of the cards exceeds 9, only the last digit is taken into account. For example: 7 + 8 = 15, which gives a final value of 5.
If either side receives 8 or 9 points, this is considered a ‘natural hand’ and the round ends without further cards being drawn. In all other cases, a third card may be drawn automatically according to pre-determined rules.
Important terms in baccarat
To feel confident at the table, it is important to know and understand the common terms:
- Player – Bet on the player’s hand, not on you personally;
- Banker – Bet on the banker’s hand, also not necessarily on the dealer;
- Tie – Bet on both hands having the same score (usually pays 8:1 or 9:1, but is rare);
- Natural – A score of 8 or 9 on two cards, which means the round ends automatically without any further cards being dealt;
- Coup – a round of play;
- Vigorish (vig) – casino commission, usually 5%, which is retained from winnings on bets on the banker;
- Draw – automatic action according to the rules when a third card is required;
- Monkey – slang for 10, J, Q or K – cards that are worth zero points;
- Stand and Draw – automatic actions according to the rules of the game for players and the banker.
These terms often appear in live casinos and in materials about baccarat, and if you understand them clearly, you will find it easier to navigate the rules and interface of the game.
How to play baccarat online – for free
Many online casinos offer demo versions of baccarat, which you can use to practise without any risk. You can place real bets with chips without making a deposit, try out different game scenarios, learn the mechanics of drawing a third card and assess how well the rhythm of the game suits you. This is an excellent way to learn the basic principles, especially if you are just starting out.
On this page, you can try out different variants of the baccarat game for free.
Baccarat strategies for players
In baccarat, strategy plays a slightly different role than in most other casino games. Unlike roulette or poker, where your decisions can significantly influence the outcome of the game, baccarat focuses more on betting strategy. The game is largely beyond the player’s control, as most actions are automated according to strict rules. Nevertheless, the right betting strategy can significantly increase your chances of success.
Betting on the banker
Statistically speaking, betting on the banker is considered the most advantageous bet in baccarat. This is because the banker’s probability of winning is slightly higher than that of the player. Normally, the casino charges a 5% commission on winnings from bets on the banker. Despite this commission, the house edge on such bets is usually the lowest compared to other types of bets.
Avoid betting on ties
Betting on ties is considered unreasonable due to the high house edge. Yes, the payouts for such bets can be very attractive, often in the range of 8:1 or even higher. However, the probability of such an outcome is extremely low, making this type of bet risky and ineffective in the long run.
Advanced strategies in baccarat
In baccarat, as in any other online casino game, there is room for advanced strategies. These methods are intended for more experienced players and may include various betting systems and pattern tracking. In this section, we will look at some of these strategies in detail.
Pattern tracking and trend recognition
Some players track previous results to predict future outcomes. There are various tools for this, such as Big Road, Big Eye Road, Small Road and Cockroach Road.
Betting systems
Martingale system
In this system, the stake is doubled after every loss. Although this may seem attractive, this approach is risky and can lead to significant losses.
Paroli System
This is a positive progression system in which players double their bet after each win. Unlike the Martingale system, it is considered safer.
The Fibonacci System
This system is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence and is a mixture of the Martingale and Paroli systems. It is complex to use and may not be suitable for beginners.
The best online casinos for baccarat
Choosing the right online casino for real money baccarat is a crucial factor that can significantly influence your perception of both the online casino itself and the game. Below is a list of licensed casinos that offer fair games, transparent conditions, and attractive bonuses for players worldwide.
225% Bonus up to $1,500 + 100FS
- Withdrawal speed: 0–3 hours;
- Casino games: over 11 000;
- RTP: 97.80%.
Only 18+ • Minimum Deposit $10
Up to $1000 + 200FS
- Withdrawal speed: 0–3 hours;
- Casino games: over 11 000;
- RTP: 97.50%.
Only 18+ • Minimum Deposit $10
100% up to €500 + 10FS
- Withdrawal speed: 0–3 hours;
- Casino games: over 8 000;
- RTP: 97.80%.
18+ only • Minimum deposit €10
200% up to $2000
- Withdrawal speed: 0–3 hours;
- Casino games: over 1500;
- RTP: 97%.
Only 18+ • Minimum Deposit 15$
€/$500 + 200 Free Spins
- Withdrawal speed: 0–3 hours;
- Casino games: over 1700;
- RTP: 97.10%.
Only +18 • Minimum deposit 10€
How to play baccarat online
Depending on which casino you choose, the conditions for playing online baccarat may vary. However, in general, you need to follow a few simple steps to get started.
1. Selecting a platform
Choose an online casino with a good reputation that has a licence. Online casinos that offer more variants of baccarat have more advantages.
2. Registration
Go through the quick registration process on the selected platform and make a deposit if necessary.
3. Learn the rules
Before placing a bet, familiarise yourself with the basic rules and strategies of baccarat.
4. Select a table
Choose a table with minimum and maximum bets that suit you.
5. Start playing
Once you have selected a table, place your first bet and enjoy the game.
Variants of the game of baccarat
Due to its rich history, there are numerous variants of the game of baccarat. This is because when the game arrived in a new region or country, it changed and specific elements were added, which in turn gave this game of chance new meanings and possibilities. Let’s take a look at the most popular versions of the game of baccarat.
Punto Banco
Punto Banco is the most widespread variant of baccarat and is particularly popular in online casinos. This variant of the game is ideal for those who prefer to rely on luck, as it does not require the player to make any decisions. Everything depends on chance, which makes Punto Banco an excellent choice for beginners or those who do not want to spend time learning complex strategies. The fixed rules of this version also make it perfect for online play, as players can quickly find their way around and start playing.
Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer is a variant of baccarat that is very popular in France. In this variant, the role of banker changes from one player to the next, adding a strategic element to the game. Chemin de Fer is rarely found in online casinos, as its interactive and strategic nature is difficult to replicate in a standard online environment. However, if you are looking for a more in-depth and engaging experience, Chemin de Fer could be the game for you.
Baccarat en Banque
Baccarat en Banque is a European variant of the game of baccarat that is similar to Chemin de Fer but has its own specific rules. In this variant, the role of the banker is expanded and the game is more interactive. Like Chemin de Fer, Baccarat en Banque is rarely offered in online casinos due to its complexity and the need for active interaction between players. If you are looking for a more complex and interactive variant of baccarat, this variant may be of interest to you, even if it is difficult to access in an online format.
Dragon Tiger
Dragon Tiger is a simplified and fast-paced version of baccarat, where players bet on either the dragon or the tiger. The side with the highest card value wins. In this version, only two cards are dealt: one for the dragon and one for the tiger. Due to its simplicity and speed, Dragon Tiger is often chosen by beginners. This version is widely available in many online casinos and is ideal for those who want to quickly understand the basics of the game and don’t want to deal with complex strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
🏆 How can you find the best online casinos for baccarat?
To find the best online casinos for baccarat, we recommend checking our list of gaming platforms that offer this game for entertainment. All casinos featured on our website are licensed and provide a safe gaming environment.
🃏 How many decks of cards are used in online baccarat?
The number of decks used in online baccarat may vary, but most games are played with 6 to 8 standard decks of cards.
💶 What is the minimum bet at an online baccarat table?
The minimum bet depends on the casino and the type of table, but it usually starts at around €1 to €5.