There is no need to dress smartly like James Bond or put on a bowtie in order to join the baccarat tables. You are just a few clicks away from enjoying a superior baccarat gaming session from the comfort of your surroundings. Our team has shortlisted some of the best UK-friendly casinos where you can play this sophisticated card game. New to baccarat? That’s no issue at all. Take a look at Best Casino Sites’ comprehensive guide on online baccarat. It introduces you to the game’s basic rules of play, the betting options, and their casino odds. Also included is valuable information about the best software studios to supply online baccarat along with some must-try variations of this classic casino mainstay. Our experts have also thrown in a few tips that can help you become a better baccarat player. Being very keen on baccarat themselves, our reviewers have dug out some of the best UK-friendly online casinos that feature the classic card game in their portfolios. Their choice of baccarat gaming sites is based on a multi-step evaluation process that covers a variety of essential factors. Baccarat is often intimidating to casino novices but you will be surprised by how easy it is to play where rules are concerned. This simplicity largely stems from the fact no decision-making is necessary on the player’s behalf. Whether you win or lose a round is entirely up to chance. Your goal is to predict which of the three outcomes will win the coup – Player, Banker, or Tie. Side bets are additional wagers you can place at the start of a baccarat round. Their outcome has nothing to do with whether the coup is won by the Player, Banker, or Tie. These extra wagers are normally posted before any cards have been dealt to the Player and Banker hands. Winning side bets result in greater payouts than regular wagers but this comes at the expense of higher house edges. Some of the most widespread side bets in baccarat include: Playing baccarat from the comfort of your home is made easy thanks to the intuitive interface the best online variants are equipped with. The games of renowned software providers like Playtech, Microgaming, and NetEnt stand out with a variety of features that allow players to tailor their experience to their own style and personal preferences.Must-Read Online Baccarat Guide for UK Players
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The Rules of Online Baccarat in Brief
Deck Number
A traditional game of baccarat is normally dealt out of a device called a shoe. The online variations available at our recommended gaming sites typically play with either 6 or 8 full French decks of cards. In randomly-generated online variations, the cards are automatically reshuffled before a new round of play starts.Scoring
The hand with a value that comes the closest to 9 wins the round. The strength of a hand is determined by adding up the values of the individual cards it consists of. Courts (K, Q, J) and 10s are valued as 0, the ace is assigned a value of 1, and cards deuce through 9 are counted at their pip value. If a hand’s value is 10 or higher, the first digit is subtracted so that 10 becomes 0, 12 becomes 2, 13 becomes 3, and so on.The Baccarat Tableau
Once the initial Player and Banker hands are dealt, the dealer follows the so-called baccarat tableau, which outlines the fixed rules for drawing a third card. Both Player and Banker stand if either hand has a score of natural 8 or 9. The Player hand is an automatic stand if it scores 6 or 7, and receives a third card if it has a value of 5 or less.The Banker receives a third card if its initial total is 5 or less and the Player hand is a stand. Provided that a third card is dealt to the Player, whether or not the Banker draws is determined by the Banker’s total and the value of the Player’s third card.Player, Banker, Tie Bets & Their Odds
Before we proceed any further, we would like to specify the Banker hand does not represent the house in baccarat. Similarly, the Player hand does not belong to the player.These are two separate outcomes and you need to choose which one you want to back. Both Player and Banker pay at even odds. However, a 5% commission usually applies to winning Banker hands, so this outcome pays 1:0.95 in reality. The Tie bet has casino odds of 8 to 1 in most cases (expressed as 9 for 1 in some Playtech variants).House Edge
The term “House Edge” refers to the built-in mathematical advantage the casino has over its players. Patrons love baccarat because it offers some of the lowest house edges on the casino floor.The Player bet yields a casino advantage of 1.24% only whereas that for the Banker hand is even lower at 1.06% despite the 5% commission the house charges on winning wagers. The Tie bet works against players’ best interests since it carries a higher casino advantage of 14.36%. Side Bets in Baccarat
Player/Banker Pair
The Player/Banker Pair is a side bet that pays whenever the first two cards that fall to the Player or Banker hand comprise a pair (eg. Q-Q, 10-10, and so on). The payouts depend on whether the cards forming the pair are suited or offsuit.Big/Small Bet
The Big/Small Bet is available at many online casinos that run on the Playtech platform. The Small bet wins whenever the total number of cards dealt to the Banker and Player hands is 4. The Big side wager pays if the overall number of cards Player and Banker have received is either 5 or 6. The payouts are software-specific.Royal Match
The Royal Match is a favourite of British baccarat fans. Offered by some UK casinos, it wins whenever the Player or the Banker hand receives offsuit or suited Queen and King. The payout for a suited match is quite substantial at 75 to 1. Offsuit royals pay at odds of 30 to 1.All Red/All Black
All Red/All Black is when you are betting the player’s hand will receive only red cards (hearts and diamonds) or black cards (spades and clubs). Winning All Black bets offer higher payouts of 24 to 1 whereas All Red wagers deliver returns of 22 to 1. This discrepancy in the payoffs occurs despite the fact both outcomes have equal chances of occurring.Egalities
Egalities are wagers made on the proposition that Banker and Player will tie with specific totals. These are also very popular among UK players. The payouts vary depending on the specific value of the tie. For example, 2-2 pays 225 to 1 while 9-9 delivers returns of 80 to 1.Online Baccarat Interface & Features
Chip Denominations
Baccarat Roadmaps
Fast Play/Turbo Mode
Rebet & Deal
Gaming History
Game Variations
Baccarat
Industry Leading Suppliers of Online Baccarat
The quality of the software your chosen casino uses can really make or break your online baccarat experience. Each software studio offers a unique take on the game in terms of graphical representation, sound effects, betting limits, features, and side bets. Below we have handpicked 5 of the biggest developers that supply high-end baccarat games to UK-facing online casinos.
NetEnt
NetEnt has collected numerous awards for its state-of-the-art platform and after playing several rounds of its Baccarat Pro, you will quickly see why. The studio’s RNG-based baccarat variations appeal with a classy look, ambient sounds, and flexible table limits. The games are all available for instant-play, sparing you the hassles of downloading special software to play. The studio also hosts a variety of live dealer baccarat games for UK players looking for higher authenticity and more interaction.
Microgaming
Microgaming is next to impossible to beat when it comes to industry experience and know-how. The studio has released a nice range of online baccarat variants over the course of the last 25 years, including must-try versions like No Commission Baccarat, High Limit Baccarat, and the more sophisticated Baccarat Gold.
Playtech
Playtech is another globally recognised software provider, lauded for its highly realistic and playable creations. The studio’s authentic releases are packed with handy features including Rebet & Deal, customisable table layouts, side bets, and gaming history with roadmaps.
1x2 Gaming
1×2 Gaming is one of the rising stars on the casino software horizon. Although it hardly boasts the richest catalogue of table games, its take on baccarat is worthy of attention. The studio has released an intuitive version that is compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming specialises in the provision of live dealer games and offers the largest selection of live-streamed baccarat tables. The dealers shuffle the cards manually and deal out of 8-deck shoes. The live baccarat tables support optional side bets on pairs in addition to the standard wagering options, Player, Banker, and Tie. Evolution’s Speed Baccarat, Baccarat Squeeze, and Dragon Tiger all carry unique table ambiance and are equipped with roadmaps, in-game chat, and detailed history.
Top 5 Online Variants for Die-Hard Baccarat Fans
Baccarat is a bit less popular compared to casino classics like blackjack and roulette but fans of the game from the UK still face decent enough diversity at the gambling sites on our shortlist. Our reviewers have handpicked 5 of the best online variants of everyone’s favourite card comparison game.
Baccarat Pro by NetEnt
With Baccarat Pro, NetEnt delivers a gaming experience that oozes sophistication and authenticity. The game grabs the attention with its remarkable visuals and impressive range of built-in features. Three versions are available - a standard one, one with lower betting limits, and one that caters to large-scale players with considerably higher minimums and maximums.Players can review the history of previous outcomes or turn on the Fast Play functionality to increase the dynamics of the game. The audio and sound effects are also adjustable. Other than that, this version plays by the standard baccarat rules. Do not be confused by the “9 for 1” payout on winning Tie bets. The wording on the layout is just different - you still get paid at regular odds of 8 to 1.Baccarat by 1x2 Gaming
Baccarat by 1x2 Gaming is a colourful, fast-paced variation that starts with a brief animated intro that takes you through a casino’s gaming floor. The game gives you a full-frontal look at the table’s layout, with the discard tray to the left and the dealing shoe to the right. This version is dealt out of 6 decks and features the standard payout schedule.Tie bets deliver payoffs of 8 to 1 while winning Banker wagers are charged with a 5% commission. No side wagers are accepted here but we liked the option in the settings to select from high and low graphics quality, depending on your device’s specifics and connection strength. Players’ betting history becomes accessible in real-money mode only.3D Baccarat by Iron Dog
Iron Dog Studio is better known for its innovative slot releases but this does not mean the software brand has nothing to offer to table games devotees. The studio offers several state-of-the-art variations of casino mainstays, including 3D Baccarat. As you can judge by the name, this version hits all the right spots with stellar graphics that aim to deliver the ultimate immersive experience.The game has a coin range of £0.50 to £500 and a maximum payout of £10,000. The maximum RTP is standard at 98.94% but this percentage applies to long-term Banker bets. It is significantly lower at 85.56% for the Tie bet. Players can take advantage of the Fast Play option. There is also a Player/Banker history that shows them the outcomes of the last 7 coups.Baccarat Gold by Microgaming
Microgaming delivers one of the most comprehensive collections of RNG-based baccarat in the industry. The studio’s Baccarat Gold release continues to hold great appeal despite it being released in 2012. The game still captures the attention of UK baccarat fans thanks to its enhanced graphics, realistic sound effects, and handy built-in features.It leans towards the large-scale betting spectrum as its supported chip values range from £5 to £200. Side bets on Banker and Player Pairs are also accepted. Players can adjust the volume of the background sounds and the dealer’s voice. You can turn on Turbo Mode and enable the squeeze feature from the main settings menu. Roadmaps with statistics on Player, Banker, Tie, Natural, and Player/Banker Pairs are included as well.Baccarat by Playtech
Playtech’s game designers have established themselves as masters of their craft and these claims are further substantiated by the studio’s superb baccarat offerings. While the studio’s version follows the orthodox baccarat rules and odds, it also incorporates several popular side bets for thrill-seekers looking for higher payoffs.These include Player/Banker Pair (11 to 1), Either Pair (5 to 1), Big (0.54 to 1), Small (1.5 to 1), and Perfect Pair (25 to 1). Also included is a roadmap where you can track winning Player, Banker, and Tie outcomes to identify potential trends.The Settings menu enables you to switch between four felt colours - blue, red, green, and dark gray. Click the plaque with the minimums and maximums to see the limits on the available side bets.Step-by-Step Explanation about Placing Your First Online Baccarat Bet
Despite being available in numerous variants like punto banco, no-commission baccarat, and mini-baccarat, this game is easy to master even if one is a first-timer at the online baccarat tables. We can get novices started in next to no time with our short step-by-step explanation on how to play baccarat at online casinos.
Choosing a Game
Choose a baccarat game from the library of one of the top-rated UK casinos on our shortlist. Check the table limits to ensure the minimum and maximum bets can fit into the budget you have set aside for online baccarat play.Size Your Wager
Size your wager by using the controls at the bottom of the main gaming interface. In some variations, you can adjust your bet with the help of the +/- buttons. In others, you must use the arrows to change the denomination of your chips.Back Player, Banker, or Tie
Back Player, Banker, or Tie by hovering your cursor over the corresponding betting box. Click the box to post your chips inside. Each successive click on the betting box adds one chip of your selected denomination to your wager. Once you are satisfied with your bet size, you simply have to select Deal to have cards dealt to the Player and Banker hands.Drawing The Cards
Wait for the virtual dealer to draw cards to each hand according to the tableau. Do not be intimidated by the tableau. There is no need to learn the rules for drawing a third card by heart. The software will automatically draw to the Player hand if its total is 5 or less. Whether or not the Banker stands after the initial deal depends on the value of the Player’s third card (if one is drawn) and the initial total of the Banker’s hand.Grab Your Winnings
Keep your fingers crossed for your chosen outcome to win the coup. If you have backed either the Player or the Banker but the two hands push, you will get your original wager back.
Our Tips for Novice Baccarat Players
It is apparent there is no way for baccarat players to tip the odds in their favour. It is entirely up to chance whether you win or lose during any given coup. This is due to the fixed drawing rules of the baccarat tableau.
The only decisions of a baccarat player are which of the three outcomes to back and how much to put at stake. With that in mind, you can increase your long-term expectation by following the few tips suggested below.
Never Bet On The Tie!
This wager offers a significantly higher payout but this comes at the expense of the astronomical advantage of 14.36% it gives to the casino. While a payout of eight times your initial wager seems appetizing, you should not forget this outcome will not occur often enough to justify backing the Tie.The true odds of Player and Banker pushing are 9.5 to 1 while the casino traditionally pays only 8 to 1. Even a payout of 9 to 1 is incapable of decreasing the house edge of the Tie bet to a tolerable percentage.Back The Banker Side
It gives you the most decent odds despite the 5% commission it comes with. If you wager exclusively on the Banker, you will win around 45.86% of the hands over the long haul. In contrast, the Player side offers you poorer odds as its probability of winning is slightly lower at 44.62% in a six-deck game.Avoid System Betting At All Costs
Many clueless players have lost small fortunes while attempting to predict baccarat outcomes based on previous results. Many of the baccarat strategies recommended online are based on progressions that require players to size their wagers depending on the result of the previous coup. This approach has largely proven ineffective and would only cost you in the long run.Always Play Within Your Means
Inexperienced players sometimes end up chasing their losses by dramatically increasing their wagers - a strategy that is guaranteed to wipe your online baccarat bankroll. Others bet over their heads after several winning coups only to lose whatever they have won in one fell swoop.
Online Baccarat Q&A
Does baccarat involve any level of skill?
No, or at least not if we take adequate money management out of the equation. The result of each round depends solely on chance. Apart from choosing which of the three possible outcomes to back, the player makes no decisions whatsoever. Some people assume baccarat, similarly to blackjack, is vulnerable to card counting and other forms of advantage play, but this simply isn’t the case.While counting is possible in this game, it is pretty much pointless since the player can hypothetically get a very minuscule edge towards the end of the shoe only. Furthermore, counting is not a viable option in online variations since the cards are shuffled after every hand.
Are the rules of baccarat difficult to memorise?
The rules of baccarat are not difficult to memorise since here you have only three possible betting options. The three wager types are beyond easy to comprehend. Players only need to learn the values of the cards and how they add up. However, this is nothing that requires more than first-grade math capabilities. The tableau for drawing the third cards may be confusing at first but it is not that difficult to commit to memory, either.
Can I try online baccarat variations at no cost before I deposit real money?
You can. Many websites give you the option to play the demo versions of their available baccarat games. However, things get a bit more complicated for players from the UK. Local regulations require them to verify who they are and how old they are by sending the necessary documentation before they are given access to any free-to-play or real-money products.
Which software studio offers the most diverse selection of online baccarat games?
Microgaming easily beats the competition where RNG-based baccarat variations are concerned. This industry behemoth has released many enticing variations of the classic card game over the years, including player favourites like No Commission Baccarat, Baccarat Gold, and High Limit Baccarat. Evolution Gaming leads the race when it comes to diversity of live dealer options. The studio hosts ambient live games like Baccarat Control Squeeze, Speed Baccarat, and Lightning Baccarat.
What are the differences between randomly generated and live dealer baccarat games?
Baccarat games that use a Random Number Generator (RNG) are entirely generated by a computer. All elements of the gameplay, from the chip rack to the cards and the coups’ results are virtual. Social interaction is missing from these games, often causing them to become monotonous. The software reshuffles the packs at the start of each new round.By contrast, live baccarat gives you a taste of the sophistication of landbased casinos. You play against a real human dealer and have the action streamed in real-time to your screen. There is normally an in-game chat feature that allows you to address fellow players or the dealer. Some live tables, like Evolution Gaming’s Baccarat Control Squeeze, involve an element of suspense, which further increases players’ excitement.