Baccarat is a card game which has been played for over 250 years. While the rules are simple, many players find the game intimidating. The truth is, baccarat has a low house edge and is very easy to learn. This makes it a popular choice among online casino gamblers. But, as with any game, there are a few things to keep in mind when playing baccarat.
There are two types of bets in baccarat: player and banker. A winning banker hand pays out 95% of your stake. But, when you bet on a player hand, the payout is only 8-to-1. Winning a tie bet pays 9-to-1, too, but the winning banker hand must pay a 5% commission to the dealer.
In addition to the two standard bets, there is also a ‘third way’ bet which pays out if the player and banker totals match. While this is not a bet for the faint-hearted, it does offer an excellent opportunity to win big.
Baccarat began life as a small glass workshop in 1764, located in the town of Baccarat in eastern France. The factory’s early production was of windows, mirrors and tableware. But, its strong showings at the Great Exhibitions of the 19th Century – where it won medals for its monumental fountains and lighting fixtures – drew in visitors from far and wide. From the Ottoman Empire to Portugal, from Japan to India, Baccarat’s wares became highly sought after.
