Classic Game, New Online Play
Once played exclusively by the upper-crust of European society, Baccarat has become super popular with the success of online casinos. Although many see it as an exotic and mysterious game, owing this reputation to classic spy movies taking place in far-flung locales, Baccarat is more accessible than you might think. Essentially, it is a guessing game with outcomes based solely on chance.
While the name “Baccarat” is French, it’s believed to have been created in the 1400s in Italy, where it was known as “Baccara,” meaning “zero”–a nod to the cards (Ten, Jack, Queen and King) which have game value of 0.
The action takes place between the Player and a “Banker,” with the excitement coming from wagering money on who will hold the winning hand before the cards are even dealt. If you want to test the fates, just open the app on your smartphone, tablet or desktop, take a seat at the virtual Baccarat table, and let the cards decide.
Online Baccarat: Low Bets, More Chances, Lots of Variations
Whether grabbing a bite, riding mass transit, or kicking back at home, Online Baccarat is a quick game to master, because there’s not much decision-making on your part. It’s all about the unknown “deal” to come. Your only job is to play and have fun! Boosting the Baccarat fun are many online variations, so try ‘em all and find your favorite.
HOW TO PLAY
The Goal: To guess which hand - Player or Banker - will get to 9, or close to it.
Understanding the Cards:
King, Queen, Jack & Ten = 0
Number Cards = Face value (2 through 9)
Ace = 1
Get Your 9 On, Anytime:
- Open the online app, choose a table, and take your seat
- Place your bet with virtual chips on:
- Player
- Dealer
- Tie (Or standoff)
- Tap the "Deal" button
- Four cards are dealt face up – 2 in the Banker’s box, and 2 in the Player’s box
- Note: A maximum of three cards dealt in any round
- Points are added up - Hand closest to 9 points wins the round
- If a hand hits double digits, the first digit is dropped. For example, 6 + 8 = 14, leaving a hand value of 4.
- If Player or Banker has 8 or 9, or a 'natural' win, the round is over
- If Player’s hand is 5 or less, they automatically get a third card
- If Player’s hand totals 6 or 7, they stand (keep cards they have)
- If Player stands, Banker must draw a third card on 5 points or less, and follow different rules depending on the value of the card drawn
- Dealer announces winner and payout is made
- Player win pays 1-1
- Dealer win pays 1-1 with 5% commission paid to the house
- Tie bet pays 8-1 to 11-1, depending on the online casino
Live Dealer Online Baccarat: The Action Unfolds in Real-time
Online casinos are all about delivering exciting gameplay when you’re ready to go. And when you’re in the mood for the sights and sounds of some real tables action, join a Live Dealer game “to be there without being there.” Broadcast from a studio and streamed to your device, the dealer is live, the action is real, and the stakes are high. You’re virtually in the casino with other online players. And while it’s great to play on-the-go on your smartphone or tablet, bumping up the excitement to a bigger desktop monitor or laptop brings the floor experience that much closer to home. It’s an immersive experience every round.
Live Dealer Perks:
- Hosted by a real live dealer
- Real cards dealt live on a screen
- Game played in real-time
- In-game messaging with dealer and other players (at some live tables)
- Chance to watch for FREE before you join and see how game is played (on some apps)
- Table is always open
Tips to Keep Track of Your Gameplay
Remember, Online Baccarat is a game of luck, with cards being dealt at random. There’s little you can do to work the outcome or improve your odds. But you can play smarter to come away happier:
- Practice First - many online casinos offer free games or demos, so take the time to learn how to play
- Ties are statistically rare, so think twice
- Don’t count on a winning streak to last (just enjoy it)
- Never put all of your money on a single bet
- Optional side bets mean different ways to add to the excitement and the possibility of larger payouts
- Set a spending limit and stick to it
- Always know the rules before you join a game
- Get familiar with the differences between games so you can make wiser bets
The Best About Online Baccarat
Along with 24/hour table-ready play, enjoy these other baccarat-specific boons:
- Convenience -There’s always an open table
- Simplicity - Open the app and immediately place a bet
- Variety - So many variations of Baccarat to test your luck on
- Low-Stakes - Start playing a round for as little as 10 cents.
- Incentives/Promotions - Choose an online casino offering a rewards program, promotions and bonuses exclusive for app players
- Security - Look for a licensed online casino (most display certificates on homepage) and SSL-encryption. Use a strong password for your account and only payment methods that you trust.
What suits your style?
Seamless, high-quality Online Baccarat is just a download away. The Mohegan Sun Online Casino app serves up a choice of Baccarat games, from Classic, to First Person and Live Dealer. Available for phone and tablet at Google Play and Apple App stores or play on desktop at Mohegansuncasino.com.
So, take a little drama and excitement with you no matter where you go with Online Baccarat.
WHERE DO YOU PLAY MOHEGAN?
Meg Schutte is a Mohegan Digital contributor.