iGaming Wiki

Baccarat is a table game that involves comparing the values of two hands, with the aim to predict which one will have a total closer to 9. There are several online baccarat variants that players can explore. Read this entry to understand the various types of online baccarat available today.

Chemin de Fer

Also known as “railroad”, chemin de fer is a classic baccarat variant with a French origin. Tables in this game can accommodate up to 14 players. The dealer sets a stake, and players compete against one another rather than the dealer.

Any player who wants to match the dealer’s bet must declare "Banco" or "go to bank" and first one to do so becomes the new banker. One can also place a smaller bet to allow the game to continue.

Baccarat Banque

Baccarat Banque follows similar gameplay rules as Chemin de Fer but this version doesn’t allow the person acting as the banker to compete against other players. The only thing they can do is bet on the banker side that they think will win. This variant boasts an RTP of 98.94%, which means players can walk away with a bigger portion of their total bets.

Mini Baccarat

It retains the essence of traditional baccarat while introducing features that make it more streamlined and easier to play. The Mini Baccarat table is smaller than its traditional counterpart, typically accommodating up to 7 players, instead of 14 in standard baccarat. Each player has three distinct betting options, including Player, Banker, and Tie, clearly marked on the table for easy navigation.

European Baccarat

European Baccarat allows players to choose between drawing another card up to five or standing their hand. Additionally, the banker has the authority to accept or reject a third card. The casino is the only entity that can cover the banker's hand in European Baccarat. Once player wagers have covered the banker's bet value, everyone else remaining is not allowed to place bets.

Punto Bunco

It’s one of the closest variations to classic baccarat but this version follows a fixed set of rules, and players don’t have any optional plays. Gamers are usually allowed to place their bets on either the Player's or the Banker's hand. Once the bets are placed, the player in seat 1 takes on the role of the banker and deals the cards. The session proceeds according to the set rules without any additional player decisions.

3-card Baccarat

3-Card Baccarat is played with only three cards, compared to the traditional version, where up to five cards can be dealt. This reduction in cards makes the game more straightforward, with less chance for complex hand totals. The total payout for Tie bets may also be significantly higher in this game.

No Commission Baccarat

No Commission Baccarat eliminates the 5% commission requirement on a winning banker bet. The only exception is when the banker scores a total of 6, whereby they receive only half of their original bet, or at odds of 0.5:1. This no commission requirement simplifies payouts and also increases potential returns on certain bets.

Conclusion

The online betting market features several baccarat variants and more new versions keep popping up as technology keeps advancing. While the objective for most versions remains the same, each option has unique rules and betting styles.