Baccarat for Real Money in Nigerian Online Casinos

The true origin of baccarat seems to be somewhat unclear. According to some researchers, the game originated in Italy during the mid-15th century. It was initially known as “baccara”, an ancient Italian term meaning “nothing” or “zero,” and was played using Tarot cards. Over time, the game quickly grew in popularity and spread throughout Europe and was particularly renowned in France during the 17th century. Different variations of the game emerged, and one of the most significant versions, “Chemin de Fer” (which translates to ‘railway baccarat’), became a favourite among the French nobility. In this variant, players took turns acting as the Banker, and the game was played with six decks of cards.

On the other hand, some researchers claim that the game was invented by an Italian croupier named Felix Falguierein. Regardless of the unsteady history, most historians agree that baccarat originated in Italy and France, and continued to gain popularity, spreading from there to the United Kingdom and the United States. The game became most popular among casinos in North America (Cuba) under the name Punto Banco.

Baccarat has some of the best chances of winning and a high RTP. This feature is most likely why high rollers are drawn to it. Nevertheless, the game has retained its elegance and sophistication and remains a favourite among players who appreciate its simple and thrilling gameplay.

Most high roller online casinos with baccarat games use six or eight standard decks. All the playing cards have assigned values used to calculate a player’s hand value during the real money gameplay to determine the winner. For instance, all numbered cards (2-9) are worth their face value, i.e., a five is worth its numerical value of 5, and so on. In addition, all tens and face cards, such as Jacks (J), Queens (Q), and Kings (K), all count for 0, and an Ace is valued as one. Please note that, unlike many card games, the joker cards do not appear in the baccarat game online, and the winning hand is the one whose card values add up closest to 9.

Suppose during the gameplay, a hand’s value exceeds 9. In that case, the rightmost digit determines its value. For instance, a hand consisting of 9 and 6 equals 15, which means the hand’s total value is 5. That’s because you’ll drop the first digit (1) and have a hand value of 5. Furthermore, if the player’s or banker’s hand value on the first two cards is 8 or 9, it’s called a natural. The game round ends whenever there’s a natural hand, and all bets are collected or paid out.

Playing baccarat online for real money is straightforward despite being considered a complicated game. As mentioned earlier, the game is played with either six or eight decks of cards, and its objective is to get as close to nine points as possible. You only have three main betting options as a player, but the most common include player (punto) or bank (banco). During gameplay, you’re required to bet on which hand you think will be the winner, i.e., the player’s or the Banker’s hand. In addition, you can also bet on a tie between the player and the bank, which usually pays out at a higher rate than the other two wagers (often 8:1), but this depends on your playing variant.

A standard baccarat table has up to 14 players, but the virtual table in online casinos usually has no limit since you only play against the software. Nevertheless, the rules and gameplay remain the same regardless of the number of players. The table is typically divided into three sections (Banker, player, and a smaller section in the middle for ties). 

Before the beginning of each game round, players are required to place their bets by selecting the corresponding chip value and placing it on the respective betting area on the table (player’s, Banker’s, or a tie). Once you’re done setting your wagers, click the ‘Deal’ button on the side, and the computer will deal four cards face up, two to the Banker (dealer) and two to the player.

Depending on the total values of the player’s initial two cards, a third card may be dealt to the player’s hand, i.e., if the player scores five or less, they are dealt an extra card. However, if the player receives a third card, whether the Banker hits or not depends on the value of the player’s third card. You should note that the rules for drawing a third card are predetermined and don’t require any decision from you. After the cards have been dealt, the hand with the total card value closest to 9 is declared the winner. If both hands have the same value, it’s considered a tie. All winning bets are paid out according to the paytable.

Baccarat is undoubtedly an admirable game among online and offline players. The game features numerous variants, and the version you get entirely depends on the baccarat online casino you frequent. Some popular baccarat variants include Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. In addition, you can find other variations, such as Mini Baccarat, Speed Baccarat, Squeeze Baccarat, No Commission Baccarat etc., in top Nigerian online casinos. Below is a brief overview of the most popular versions you can play in the best online baccarat casinos.

Also known as American baccarat, Punto Banco is the most popular and widely available baccarat variant at minimum deposit online casinos. The game features three main bets, but only two are primarily used, i.e., the player (punto) and bank (banco), hence the name ‘Punto Banco’. Its gameplay is the one discussed above, plus a few additional third-card rules. For instance, if the player’s hand total is 6 or 7, they’ll stand, and the Banker must adhere to a certain set of rules. 

• To begin with, if the Banker’s hand has a total of 2 or less, they’ll draw a third card. 
• In addition, if the Banker’s total is 3, they’ll draw a third card unless the player’s third card is an 8. 
• If the Banker’s total is 4 and the player’s third card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, they’ll also draw a third card. 
• Furthermore, if the Banker’s total is 5 and the player’s third card is a 4, 5, 6, or 7, the Banker will draw a third card. 
• If the Banker’s total is 6 and the player’s third card is a 6 or 7, they’ll draw a third card.
• Lastly, if the Banker’s total is 7, they’ll stand.

Mini baccarat is a simplified version of the classic casino game of baccarat. It’s usually played on a smaller table and with eight decks of cards. The rules and gameplay are essentially the same as the traditional game of baccarat, but the stakes are lower allowing players of all budgets to join the table. In addition, the game moves at a faster pace and players have to make the same decisions as with all other variants, i.e., players bet on whether the Banker or the Player will have a total hand value that is closest to nine. 

3D online baccarat is a visually enhanced variation of traditional online baccarat. This type of baccarat is designed to provide a more realistic and immersive gaming experience by adding three-dimensional graphics and animations. Nevertheless, the rules and gameplay are the same as traditional online baccarat, with the winner being the hand (Banker or Player) that adds up to a total value closest to 9. 

The cards, table, and chips are all designed to appear three-dimensional, creating a more life-like atmosphere for players. In addition, 3D baccarat offers intriguing game features including adjustable camera angles, which allow players to view the game from different perspectives and fast-play mode, which speeds up the dealing animation.

No Commission Baccarat is a variation that eliminates the 5% commission that is usually charged on Banker bets. Designed to deliver a luxury VIP treatment, this variation features an improved squeezed action, prominently displayed bead and big roads. In addition, No Commission Baccarat offers various side bets including a Lucky 6 side bet, which pays out on any winning Banker hand with a total value of 6. For a Banker hand composed of 3 cards and a face value of 6, the payout is 20:1, and 12:1 for a winning two-card Banker hand. 

Live baccarat is an online casino table game that allows players to play in a virtual environment from the comfort of their homes. In live baccarat, the game is broadcast in real time from a land-based casino or a special studio designed for this purpose. Unlike in online baccarat, where a random number generator (RNG) is used to determine the outcome of each hand, live baccarat features a real, human, and professional croupier who deals the cards and runs the game in real-time. Thus, players get to witness the croupier shuffling and dealing cards. In addition, you can interact with the dealer or other players in real time through a chat feature, creating a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Since live baccarat is designed to replicate the actual experience of playing in a land-based casino, the game features realistic gameplay and moves at a natural pace with multiple camera angles that allow players to see the game from different perspectives. Furthermore, live baccarat offers two viewing modes (single and multi-player), giving an extra dimension to the game. For previous actions of the shoe, the game provides a good selection of interactive roadmaps that give historical statistics for players to track prior wins.

Like online baccarat, the primary goal of live baccarat is for the player to bet on the hand with a total point value of two or three cards closest to 9. Nevertheless, depending on the variation you’re playing, you can also place side bets that add an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Before you place your first bet when playing baccarat online for real money, you should consider a few factors that will help you enhance winning probabilities while having fun. For instance, you should understand the game rules and manage your bankroll. In addition, you should practise in demo mode since most online casinos with baccarat games offer free play mode for players to get a feel for the game and practise their strategy without risking their hard-earned cash.

Furthermore, online baccarat is a game of chance, and the outcome depends on whether the Banker or the Player will have a hand with a total value closest to 9. Although no strategy can guarantee success in the long run, there are some that you can use to improve your gameplay in any safe and secure casino.

Martingale

Although commonly used in other table games like roulette, Martingale can also be applied to a baccarat game online as it is easy to understand and use. This system recommends that you should increase your wager after every loss. The primary idea of this strategy is that if you double your bet each time you lose, you’ll cover all of your previous losses in one betting unit whenever you win.

Paroli

This system is based on a positive progression in which you increase your bet after every win and keep your bet the same after each loss. For example, when playing using the Paroli system, you begin by placing a small bet, and if you win the first bet, double your bet on the next hand. You can continue this process for up to three consecutive wins. However, if you lose a hand, you should return to your original betting amount and start over.

Online baccarat is a fast-paced and thrilling table casino game that provides hours of entertainment to players of all skill levels and offers the chance to win big payouts. Although it’s a simple game that is easy to learn, you must understand the game rules and betting options before joining a real money casino table. This review has highlighted some essential information, including the rules and gameplay, the main baccarat variants, different types of bets, tips on improving your winning probabilities when playing online casino baccarat in Nigeria, and the most popular strategies.