How to play baccarat online — rules and tips
Despite being one of the most famous casino games, surprisingly few people know how to play baccarat once they’re seated at the table.
If you want to learn how to play baccarat like a pro, read on. I’ll give you all the info; everything from card values to the different bets you can place.
Top US online casinos to play baccarat in April 2025
| Casino Logo | Rating | Bonus | Go-to-casino button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
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91/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on |
100% match bonus up to $250
|
Play now players accepted |
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11 payment methods 
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|
2
|
90/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 80% Playscore based on |
100% up to $100 + 100 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
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9 payment methods
|
|
3
|
89/100 Games rating by Denise M. 84% Playscore based on |
100% bonus back up to $1,000
|
Play now players accepted |
8 payment methods
|
|
4
|
88/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 86% Playscore based on |
100% up to $2,500 and 2,500 Reward Credits on a $25+ wager
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
5
|
88/100 Games rating by Vule P. 85% Playscore based on |
Bonus Money reload up to $500
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
6
|
87/100 Games rating by Paul P. 92% Playscore based on |
$20 Bonus Dollars + 100% up to $1,000
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
13 payment methods
|
|
7
|
85/100 Games rating by Vule P. 91% Playscore based on |
100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
14 payment methods
|
|
8
|
85/100 Games rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
$25 free + up to $500 in deposit bonuses
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
9
|
82/100 Games rating by Claire S. 86% Playscore based on |
200% up to $100 + 25 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
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14 payment methods
|
|
10
|
81/100 Games rating by Charlie S. 82% Playscore based on |
100% Deposit Match up to $500 + 500 Free Spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
1
|
96/100 Games rating by Paul P. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 120,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
3 payment methods
|
|
2
|
95/100 Games rating by Vule P. 80% Playscore based on |
35,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
3
|
92/100 Games rating by Dasha G. 89% Playscore based on |
400% Welcome Package Discount, 1M FC + 1M GC Raffle Entry, 20 Weekly Free Spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
4
|
92/100 Games rating by Paul P. 81% Playscore based on |
Up to 400,000 Gold Coins + 40 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
5
|
92/100 Games rating by Paul P. 83% Playscore based on |
Up to 5000 Gold Coins + 0.6 Sweepstake Cash and 3 Treasure Chests
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods 
|
|
6
|
91/100 Games rating by Paul P. 79% Playscore based on |
1,000,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
5 payment methods
|
|
7
|
91/100 Games rating by Paul P. 83% Playscore based on |
15,000 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
8
|
91/100 Games rating by Paul P. 90% Playscore based on |
57,000 Gold Coins + 27.5 free Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
9
|
90/100 Games rating by Denise M. 84% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
10
|
90/100 Games rating by Paul P. 82% Playscore based on |
7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
Each baccarat casino in the above list was chosen because of its number of baccarat games, its online casino bonus, the different types of baccarat games offered, and whether you can get your baccarat fix on the go.
Most of them also offer demo games where you can practice playing baccarat for free. Some will also offer a no-deposit bonus such as a free play bonus.
How baccarat works
Baccarat gives you more control than most casino games but, in essence, it’s a guessing game. The player must bet on whether their hand or the banker’s hand is the winning hand. The winner is the one who gets the highest number of points out of nine. You can also bet on a tie, though it’s long odds.
Understanding card values
In standard baccarat, approximately eight decks of regular playing cards are used. While the cards are standard deck cards, their values are adjusted for baccarat gameplay. Here’s how card values work in baccarat:
- Cards numbered 2 through 9 retain their face value (e.g., a 2 is worth 2, a 3 is worth 3, and so on).
- The 10, Jack, Queen, and King all have a value of 0.
- Aces are valued at 1.
How to play the baccarat card game — basic rules
Baccarat rules aren’t all that hard to follow, so here are some basic tips you need.
Place a bet
Betting takes place on one of two hands — the banker’s hand or a player’s hand. The bets must be made before cards are dealt. You can play either the table game version or live baccarat games.
Cards are dealt
Two cards are dealt to both the banker and the player. The dealer places one card face-up in the player’s box, then one in the banker’s box, and repeats this for the second card. Both hands now have two cards.
Player’s rules
The player’s hand is evaluated first. If the player’s total is 8 or 9, it’s called a “natural,” and no further cards are drawn. If the total is 6 or 7, the player stands. If the total is 0–5, the player draws a third card.
Banker’s rules
The banker’s actions depend on their hand total and the player’s third card (if drawn). The banker stands if their total is 7 or more. If the banker’s total is 0–2, they always draw a third card. For totals of 3–6, whether the banker draws depends on the value of the player’s third card in the following way:
– If the banker has 3, they draw unless the player’s third card is an 8
– If the banker has 4, they draw if the player’s third card is 2–7
– If the banker has 5, they draw if the player’s third card is 4–7
– If the banker has 6, they draw if the player’s third card is 6 or 7
Results and scores above 9
The hand closest to 9 wins. If either hand totals more than 9, the left digit is dropped, effectively resetting the count. Examples:
– A hand of 5 + 4 = 9 (natural win).
– A hand of 7 + 8 = 15, which becomes 5.
– A hand of 9 + 9 = 18, which becomes 8.
This scoring rule is simple: just drop the left digit for totals over 9.
The third card — additional rules (when to hit/stand)
The third card plays a critical role in deciding the outcome of the game once the initial two cards are dealt. The banker’s actions — whether to draw a third card or stand — depend on both the banker’s total and the player’s third card value.
I’ve put together a detailed baccarat rules chart to show when the banker should hit (draw another card) or stand. This guide will help you better understand the game’s third-card rule mechanics.
| Player’s third card (right) Banker’s total (down) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| 6 | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Stand | Stand |
| 5 | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Stand | Stand | Stand |
| 4 | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Stand | Stand |
| 3 | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Stand | Hit |
| 2 | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 1 | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 0 | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
How to read the table:
- Banker’s total — the first column represents the banker’s total after the initial two cards.
- Player’s third card — The header row (0–9) shows the possible values of the player’s third card if drawn.
- Hit — the banker draws another card
- Stand — the banker doesn’t draw another card
Baccarat table layout
If you’ve never sat at a baccarat table, you’ve probably seen it in movies. The diagram below shows the table and all the different areas.
It can change a little according to the particular variant of baccarat you’re playing, so let’s go over those differences now.
1. Mini baccarat
The mini baccarat table differs from standard baccarat in several ways. The table is smaller, resembling a blackjack table, and accommodates up to 7 players compared to the larger 14-seat setup in standard baccarat.
Mini baccarat is managed entirely by one dealer, who handles all the cards and bets, whereas standard baccarat often involves multiple dealers, and players may take turns acting as the banker.
The gameplay is also faster-paced in mini baccarat because there are no pauses for rituals like players revealing or handling cards themselves — a common feature in the standard version. Additionally, mini baccarat typically features lower betting limits, making it more accessible to casual players.
2. Midi baccarat
Midi baccarat follows the same rules as mini baccarat but differs in how the cards are handled. Instead of the dealer revealing all cards face up, the cards are dealt face down.
The cards for the player hand are given to the individual who placed the largest bet on the player side, while the banker hand cards are given to the individual who placed the largest bet on the banker side. These players are then responsible for revealing the cards at their discretion, adding an element of suspense and drama to the game.
This interactive aspect creates a more engaging experience but also slows down the game compared to mini baccarat. The rest of the players at the table must wait to see the outcome of their bets, which heightens the anticipation and social dynamics of midi baccarat.
3. Big baccarat
Big baccarat is played on a much larger table, often shaped like a large semi-circle and accommodating 12 to 14 players. Due to the table’s size and the number of participants, the game requires more personnel — typically, two dealers manage the bets and payouts, while a caller oversees the game and announces the actions, such as the outcome of each hand.
Unlike mini baccarat, where the dealer handles all the cards, in big baccarat, players often take turns dealing the cards, adding a more traditional and interactive element. Big baccarat tables are less common in regular casino areas and are usually reserved for VIP sections, catering to high-stakes players.
While the basic rules of the game remain the same as in mini baccarat, the larger table size, additional personnel, and higher betting limits create a more formal and exclusive gaming experience.
Baccarat bets explained — my recommendations
Unlike table game favorite blackjack, there are three main baccarat bets that you can make, not including side bets. These bet types do not only use different areas of the baccarat table to be played, but they also offer different payouts.
The banker bet
The banker bet is the best option in baccarat due to its low house edge of 1.06%. It’s more likely to win than the player’s hand, as the banker auto-wins with a total of 8 or 9 on the first draw. However, casinos charge a 5% commission on banker wins, but it still pays 1:1 and remains the smartest choice.
The player bet
The player bet is the second favorite bet to make. It is more favorable than the tie bet but still not as good a deal as the banker bet. What’s good about the player bet is that there is no commission when this bet wins. It also pays 1:1, so it’s a solid second choice.
The tie bet
The tie bet offers the highest payout in baccarat, typically 8:1 or 9:1, but it’s also the least favorable due to its high house edge and low probability of winning. This bet wagers that both the banker’s and player’s hands will have the same total, a rare outcome. While the potential reward may seem appealing, the long odds make it a risky and generally unrewarding choice compared to the banker or player bets.
The side bets
Baccarat side bets add variety to the game and differ by casino, as not all venues offer them. A popular option is the “all red or all black” side bet, where you wager that all cards in the player’s hand will be either red or black. The payout is typically 22:1 for all red and 24:1 for all black. Since odds and payouts can vary, it’s important to check them carefully before placing a side bet.
How to play casino baccarat and make money
While many people love to play at casinos for the love of the game, most play for the chance to score some cash. Winning is never guaranteed, and casinos are designed to make a profit, so be careful.
With that said, I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you hold onto your winnings while still following the rules.
- Bet with the banker — As I already mentioned, the banker bet is the best one. Given that the banker will win slightly over 50% every time, it’s usually worth the 5% commission you have to dish out.
- Avoid making the tie bet — The tie bet has a house edge of 14.4%, compared to the banker house edge of 1.06%. You hardly need to be Einstein to figure out what this means for you and your pocket.
- Be careful with mini baccarat — Mini baccarat’s fast gameplay can quickly drain your bankroll due to the high number of hands played per hour. While the lower minimum bets may seem appealing, slower-paced versions like midi or big baccarat give you more control and time to enjoy the game.
FAQs
How do you play online baccarat?
Online baccarat is played the same way as in a physical casino. In this guide, you can learn how to play baccarat and then visit a baccarat online casino to play.
What are the baccarat rules?
Baccarat is a structured game. I made a list of basic rules you can easily follow to get started. I even have a baccarat rules chart to help you decide what to do with your third hand.
How do I make baccarat bets?
Unlike blackjack, baccarat does not have a huge amount of bets. The basic bets are the banker bet, the player bet, and the tie bet. I cover all these bets in detail in our baccarat bets explained section.
How can I play baccarat for real money?
When you learn how to play baccarat, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you make real money and hold onto it. The section about how to play casino baccarat and make money has a few tips that you can follow.
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