Baccarat History: Its Journey to Becoming a Popular Online Game

What is Baccarat?

Baccarat or Baccara is one of the oldest casino games that is considered to be played as the most popular casino games in modern times.

Although the origin of the game is said to be ambiguous, it is assumed that the game was started by a man named Felix Falguiere. The meaning of the name baccarat or baccara means “zero” as all the tens and faces of cards were worth zero.

In this article, we uncover the captivating history, baccarat strategy and game rules. Learn about its journey from Italy to modern-day popularity, including its variants and basics.

History of Baccarat

This game gained popularity in the medieval period in Italy. It originated as the game of life and death, and it is believed that this game is based on the old Etruscan legend of a virgin woman with golden hair who had to throw a nine-sided die.

If she threw an 8 to 9 she would be crowned as the priestess, similarly on throwing a 6 to 7, she could live longer, but would not be a part of the priest community, and if it were just 6 or lower than that then the virgin would be left to drown in the sea. 

Later in the 16th century, it gained popularity amongst France’s aristocrats and upper class. King Louis XIV was rumored to be a passionate Baccarat player during that time which contributed to the game’s prestige. 

In the early 20th century, the game made its way to the land of the United States, quickly becoming a staple in the casinos of the East Coast. 

The History of the Game in India

The game made its way in India during the British colonial era, then it became popular in the local population. On the other hand, online baccarat has a relatively short history in India as it was a new concept during that time. 

Gambling in India was regulated by the Information Technology Act, of 2000. However, regarding the legal aspects of online gambling in India, the law is still unclear.

Its popularity has grown steadily in India in recent years as more people find enjoyment in the game. The online game comes with benefits and features which include 24/7 availability, attractive bonuses, and promotions. 

All in all, even though the history of the game is relatively short in India, it has however with the recent rise in online casinos, live baccarat has gained popularity.

Variants of The Game

This game has 3 variations popularly known as Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. 

Chemin de Fer or Chemmy was King Charles VIII’s favourite and the nobleman who surrounded him. After that, it soon became a trend in the French aristocracy. 

Punto Banco is considered the easiest game of Baccarat, and it is one of the most popular games in America now it has been modernized to where players play against the bank, aka, casino. 

Fun fact – Chemmy has appeared so many times in James Bond movies that fans have nicknamed it “Bonds game”

Baccarat Game Rules

Well, baccarat rules are simple.  It’s just about betting which hand out of two that are dealt – the Banker’s or the Player’s will win.

• If either the banker or player is dealt a total of 8 or 9, both the player and banker stand.
  
• If the player’s total is five or less then they will receive another card. Otherwise, they will stand.
  
• If the player stands, then the banker hits on a total of 5 or less.
  
• The final betting option, a tie, pays an 8-1, 

The Basics

You either bet on the banker’s hand or the player’s hand, and all bets are made before cards are dealt. Both hands will try to draw close to nine points, and whoever gets closer to the number will win. 

If you bet on the banker’s hand, a commission is paid to the casino, given that there are more chances of winning. The commission varies from 5% to 10%, and it also varies from casino to casino. Each card has a different value, Ace is worth 1, 2 through 9 are worth their face value, and tens, jacks, queens, and kings are equal to zero. 

Tie Bet

In this game, you bet on the same total resulting in a tie. This game pays more than the other bets, but the house advantage is also bigger. Winning a tie bet will result in an 8:1 or 9:1. If a ₹100 bet helps you win ₹800 or ₹900, then a ₹1000 bet will help you win ₹8000 or ₹9000.

Conclusion

The game has come a long way from the origin of Italy to its French nobility. Starting from the royal courts of King Louis XIV to the halls of aristocrats, it made its way to the modern world of Indian casinos.

This game stands as the top choice in India despite having the options of other popular online casino games. As we wrap up the history of the game, we would be keen for you to explore more about this game and keep its spirits high.