Although its origin can be traced to the elites in France, in the long run, the Baccarat card game has become one of the most sought-after card games. In this casino news, we will look at how this online table game has amassed immense popularity in the US, beating other top card games.
Baccarat Card Game: A New Trending Game
The baccarat card game, famously enjoyed by James Bond, is a game of pure luck despite its cinematic elegance. It’s perfect for newcomers since no strategy or skill is necessary. Baccarat involves betting on the Banker’s or Player’s hand. The goal is the hand closest to 9 points. To understand how to beat Baccarat, it’s pretty simple–pick who wins, the Player or the Banker.
According to the Baccarat betting system, you choose which hand to bet on, the Banker or the Player will win. The objective is to have a hand totaling as close to 9 points as possible. It’s played with 8 decks of cards, and you place your bets on designated boxes. A bet on the Player’s hand pays double for a win, while a bet on the Banker’s hand pays 95%.
The designated dealer deals two cards each for the Player and Banker, and the closest to nine wins. For instance, a 9 and 8 would total 17, but you drop the first digit, making it 7.
To start a Baccarat game, like the Baccarat Betsoft game, place your chips on Player’s Bet or Banker’s Bet. After the bets are set, the dealer reveals two cards for each side, and the closest to 9 wins. Additional rules may apply, like drawing a third card.
Contrary to the Teen Patti rules, Baccarat rules are very straightforward. Learn all about both games’ rules in our online casino guides.
The Growth of the Baccarat Card Game
Since its inception in the 18th century, the game has traveled from France in Europe to North America in the United States and has been traced down to the 14th century in China, and Asia. The widespread popularity of the baccarat card game is evident in its simplicity and attractiveness that allure high rollers and now even casual players.
Over the past few years, the number of people playing Baccarat has steadily increased, with many coming from Europe and Asia. But in recent times, the game has been in high demand at the physical and the online casino in the US.
Baccarat is offering a unique gaming experience in Indiana’s casino landscape. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s annual report, the baccarat card game has overtaken Blackjack as the top table game in Indiana casinos for the second year. In the 2023 state budget year, $673.2 million was wagered on Baccarat, surpassing the $653 million placed on Blackjack during the same period. Both casino games saw a decrease in play compared to 2022, but Baccarat’s growth was substantial, up by 55.7% compared to 2021 and 47.8% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
This surge in Baccarat’s popularity was primarily driven by Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, which opened in 2021. Approximately $323 million, nearly half of the statewide baccarat wagers, were made at Hard Rock’s baccarat tables. The casino’s appeal lies in its authentic offerings, high betting limits, and effective marketing strategies.
Baccarat attracts players due to its simplicity and favorable odds, returning 81.4% of wagers on average, compared to 78.8% for Blackjack. Still, while more money was wagered on Baccarat, Blackjack generated higher casino revenue.
Notable US Baccarat Players
To showcase this game’s popularity, here are two stars you should know who also play the baccarat game.
Phil Ivey
The poker superstar with 10 WSOP bracelets also made his mark in baccarat card games. In 2012, he used an advanced technique called edge sorting to win $20.6 million in London and Atlantic City, with help from his partner, “Kelly” Sun. Their baccarat betting strategy involved Mandarin-speaking dealers, card rotation, and a specific deck.
John Warne Gates
This self-made millionaire, known as “Mr. Bet-A-Million,” hosted high-stakes baccarat games in Chicago and during train journeys. He once bet $1 million in a single round, worth $27 million today. Gates and his opponent played with the “Cheval” rule, leading to an unforgettable match where no money changed hands.
Other proficient players of Baccarat may leave their opinions on plenty of online casino reviews. Make sure to read them for pointers on how to play the game, and where.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Baccarat’s rise in the US casino scene shows that this classic card game continues to captivate players with its simplicity. Check it out today at Vegas Aces Casino to be a part of it.
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