Online Baccarat: The Whole Story
Baccarat is one of the oldest casino games and now you can play Baccarat online. Baccarat was originally only played by royalty, but it can now be found in most NZ online casinos and you can play Baccarat online for free or for real money.
Its origins can be traced to Italy and France as early as the 11th century and have similarities with the popular blackjack game. Both games are played with a standard deck of cards and table games. However, baccarat is slightly different as it is purely a luck game, and players can’t make decisions that will affect the outcome of the hands as they can in blackjack.
Baccarat is a casino game between two positions, the player and the banker. The dealer will draw cards for both, and other players will bet on who they think will win the round. The game works by the dealer dealing the bank and the player two cards each. The game’s objective is to score 9 points; if either position has scored nine on these two cards, they will immediately win. If no player scores a natural 9, each player is dealt one more card, and the winner will be determined by their new totals. It is important to note that while the number cards hold their corresponding numeric values, 10, Jack, Queen, and King have zero values, and Ace has a value of 1.
Baccarat is a relatively simple and enjoyable casino game that is easy to get a feel for, even more so with our comprehensive guide!
Best Baccarat Casinos in New Zealand
| Rank | Casino | Review | Bonus | Info | Visit |
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The Best Online Casinos to Play Baccarat for Real Money
Looking to play Baccarat for real money online? Here's a guide to some of the best online casinos in New Zealand offering a thrilling Baccarat experience. Whether you prefer traditional table games or immersive live dealer options, these casinos provide diverse choices to suit every player's preference and style.
Play Baccarat for Real Money at Spin Casino | NZ$1,000 Bonus Across Three Deposits
Spin Casino is highly regarded in the New Zealand online gambling market, known for its extensive selection of Baccarat games. Whether you prefer the immersive experience of live dealer Baccarat or the classic table game format, Spin Casino offers both options. Players can enjoy the excitement and strategy of Baccarat on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices, with seamless compatibility across all platforms.
In addition to being licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Spin Casino holds an eCOGRA certificate, ensuring the fairness of its entire gaming portfolio.
New Zealand players are greeted with a generous welcome package totalling NZ$1,000, distributed across three deposits. Upon their initial deposit, players also receive 10 free spins daily.
Play Baccarat at Royal Vegas Casino | Welcome Bonus up to NZ$1200
Enthusiasts of online Baccarat will find a rich array of options at Royal Vegas, including nine distinct games. Among these are three live dealer variations: Pragmatic Play Live Baccarat 1, Evolution Live Baccarat, and the dynamic Pragmatic Play Speed Baccarat 2. For those seeking a different thrill, Dragon Tiger Baccarat and Pragmatic Play's Speed Baccarat 3 offer additional twists on the classic game. Whether it's the classic elegance of live baccarat or the fast-paced action of speed variants, Royal Vegas ensures a diverse and engaging experience for all players.
Royal Vegas NZ Online Casino, boasting over 20 years in the iGaming industry, offers a robust selection of Baccarat games that promise both excitement and substantial rewards. Licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, and adorned with an eCOGRA Seal of Approval, Royal Vegas casino stands as a beacon of trustworthiness in online gaming.
Open an account at Royal Vegas and enjoy a top New Zealand welcome bonus of up to NZ$1200, matched at 100%.
Different Variations of Baccarat at JackpotCity | 100% Bonus up to NZ$400
Explore the diverse world of online Baccarat at Jackpot City Casino, where you can enjoy several exciting variations.
Choose from Punto Banco, where you bet on player, banker, or tie with the dealer managing all cards; Chemin de Fer, a strategic French variant allowing players to take turns as the banker; Baccarat Banque, similar to Chemin de Fer but with a fixed banker role; Mini Baccarat, offering a streamlined experience with lower betting limits; and Live Baccarat, featuring real-time gameplay with interactive dealers on desktop or mobile.
Since 1998, Jackpot City Casino has been a cornerstone in the world of online gaming in New Zealand, offering a wide array of exciting and immersive games, all with flashy graphics and generous bonuses and promotions. Owned by Buffalo Casinos, a leader in the online casino industry, Jackpot City Casino guarantees a secure environment and top-notch gaming experience for Kiwi players.
NZ players can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus on their first four deposits, up to NZ$1,600 in total. Each deposit is matched 100% up to NZ$400.
Online Baccarat Variations
Baccarat is synonymous with elegance and chance and offers New Zealand players a variety of thrilling variations to explore online. Each type of baccarat offers its own unique blend of excitement, strategy, and entertainment, so each type of baccarat brings its own unique charm and appeal, catering to different tastes and preferences.
- Punto Banco: Known for its straightforward gameplay, Punto Banco allows players to bet on whether the player or banker will have a better hand, or if it will end in a tie. With no decisions to make on card draws, it's favored for its simplicity and fast-paced action, perfect for players who enjoy the thrill of pure chance.
- Chemin de Fer: Originating in France, Chemin de Fer offers a more interactive experience where players take turns acting as the banker, making strategic decisions such as drawing additional cards or standing. This variant appeals to those who relish the opportunity to influence the game's outcome through skillful play.
- Baccarat Banque: Similar to Chemin de Fer but with a permanent banker role, Baccarat Banque sees one player as the banker throughout the game. This adds a layer of strategy as the banker's decisions impact gameplay, attracting players who enjoy a blend of skill and chance.
- Mini Baccarat: Scaled-down yet equally exciting, Mini Baccarat retains the essence of traditional baccarat with lower betting limits and a smaller table size, making it accessible and appealing to newcomers and casual players alike. Its swift pace and simplified rules enhance the entertainment value for those seeking a quick, engaging gaming session.
- Live Baccarat: Bringing the ambiance of a land-based casino to your screen, Live Baccarat streams real-time games with professional dealers. Players can interact via chat, immersing themselves in a dynamic and authentic casino experience from the comfort of their homes. This variant is cherished for its social aspect and the thrill of playing alongside others in real-time.
Baccarat Rules and How it Works
- The first step for players is to find an NZ online casino that offers baccarat to play at. In a later section, we have listed 3 of the top baccarat online casinos. Players will then need to choose a baccarat game and start playing!
- The player should then choose a chip size they are comfortable with; new players should play minimum bets until they get satisfied with the game. Once the player has their chip size set, they can place their bet.
- Only three betting options in baccarat will be shown clearly on the screen: banker, player, and tie. Players will either be betting on the banker to win, the player to win, or for a connection. A tie bet pays the highest odds in the game, but it is risky as links are few and far between in baccarat.
- Once the player is happy with their bet, they should press the 'Deal' button, and two to three cards will be dealt to each position.
- Whichever position scores a value closest to 9 will win, and if the position you bet on is the winning position, you will win too! The dealer will then pay out winners, and the round will be over.
- Players will now have the option to 'ReBet' where their bet size and position bet will remain the same, or they can press 'New Bet' to change the abovementioned aspects.
How to Play Baccarat Online Step by Step
let's break down how to play baccarat step by step:
Step 1: Choose Where and What to Play
- Select an Online Casino: Find a reputable NZ online casino.
- Register and Deposit: Create an account and deposit to play with real money.
Step 2: Join a Baccarat Table
- Choose Your Game Type: Decide whether to play a standard RNG (Random Number Generator) version or a Live Dealer version for a more interactive Baccarat experience.
Step 3: Buy Chips and Place Bets
- Set Your Stake: Depending on the game’s limits, select the value of chips you want to bet.
- Place Your Bet: Bet on either the Player's hand, Banker's hand, or a Tie.
Step 4: Virtual Card Dealing (for RNG Games)
- Deal the Cards: Click the "Deal" button to start the game. The system will deal two cards each to the Player and Banker.
Step 5: Third Card Rules
- Evaluate Initial Hands: If either the Player or Banker has a total of 8 or 9 from the first two cards (a "natural"), no more cards are dealt.
- Decision for Additional Cards: Depending on the initial totals:
- Player's Hand: If the total is 5 or less, they receive a third card.
- Banker's Hand: Whether the Banker draws a third card depends on their own hand and the Player's third card (if drawn).
Step 6: Determine the Winner
- Compare Hand Totals: The hand closest to 9 wins. If necessary, eliminate the first digit of any double-digit total to determine the score.
- Payouts:
- Betting on the Player's hand and winning pays 1:1.
- Betting on the Banker's hand and winning pays 19:20 (minus a 5% commission).
- Betting on a Tie and winning pays 8:1.
Step 7: Repeat or Cash Out
- Next Round: After payouts, you can choose to repeat your bet, double it, or clear your chips and start anew.
Baccarat Strategies and Systems
Baccarat is a game of luck, as there is no way of knowing what may be dealt with. However, players can apply a few strategies in their baccarat games. Many baccarat strategies can be used in other card games too.
Paroli Strategy- This is an exceedingly simple strategy that works on positive betting principles. This means that whenever a player wins, they should increase the bet by doubling it, and if they lose, they should keep their chance the same. The doubling of bets should only happen three times before the player reverts to their original single-unit bet. This is quite a conservative and widely used betting system.
Fibonacci Strategy- This strategy is based on the well-known Fibonacci mathematical pattern, which appears numerous times in nature. The sequence of numbers in the Fibonacci way guides how players should increase their bets (only increasing when they have won a round).
The sequence goes as follows; 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc.
The system is easy to follow, and players can add their previous two bets together to get their new chances. When the bets become uncomfortably large for the player, they can revert to their original 1 unit bet.
Reasons to Love Online Baccarat
- Baccarat has good betting odds and low house edge percentages in most online casino games.
- Baccarat is an easy game to learn and can be very enjoyable.
- You can play online baccarat any time as you don't need to wait for other players to join the table.
FAQs
Online baccarat offers a more relaxed and casual environment compared to traditional casino settings. Players can enjoy the game without strict etiquette rules and freely express their excitement.
While it is possible to win in a single session of baccarat, the house edge ensures that in the long run, players cannot consistently come out ahead.
There are three main varieties of baccarat: punto banco, chemmy, and banque. Punto banco, or American baccarat, is the most common version played at most casinos. The full game is typically reserved for high stakes and larger bets.
Yes, keeping track of previous hands and their values in baccarat is a common practice for some players. However, it is important to note that each hand is independent, and past outcomes do not have any influence on future outcomes.
While baccarat has a favorable house edge of 1.06% on a banker bet, blackjack can offer even better odds with a house edge of 0.26% when played optimally. The simplicity of baccarat and lower chance for player errors make it an appealing choice.
When approaching a baccarat table, it’s common to see players peeking at their face-down cards to see what they have before turning them over.