Baccarat is as easy and elegant a game as you will ever be able to play in a casino. While it is thought to be a high roller game, the truth is that anyone can play, whether you have a small or large bankroll or are good or bad. If you are going to a land casino and wish to try the baccarat table, then the following guide is going to walk you through exactly what you can expect in addition to teaching you how to play it like a pro who has been playing for decades.
What to Expect from a Casino Baccarat Table
Most land-based casinos have baccarat located either in the main casino or the high-limit section. The baccarat table is large and semi-circular and can seat 14 players. There are three dealers who operate the game as a team: one who calls the winner of each hand and the other two who perform chip exchanges and payoffs.
You are not going to be playing or dealing with the other players. Everybody is betting on whose hand, the player’s or the banker’s, will come closest to nine, or whether or not it will be a tie.
The chips are purchased right at the table. The minimum bets go wide and far. In low-roller areas, you may have $10 tables. In the high-limit sections, minimums are $100 and higher.
The table has specific betting sections: one for “Player,” one for “Banker,” and one for “Tie.” You place your chips in the proper circle and wait to discover what cards are dealt. If you’re curious about what the different areas on the table are or would like to learn about how traditional table configurations vary from casino to casino, more on Baccarat.Wiki has all that information.
How to Bet at a Land-Based Casino
Once seated at a baccarat table, you’ll exchange cash for chips, usually with a side dealer. Then, you’re all set with chips and put them straight in the betting spaces before the dealer says “no more bets.”
These are some facts you should know:
- Banker bets usually come with a 5% commission but have the best odds (around 1.06% house edge).
- The player bets do not pay any commission and are easy to follow.
- The tie bets pay higher (usually 8:1) but are usually not wise because they have a very high house edge.
You will notice experienced players placing Banker bets for hours on end.
How to Read the Table and Follow the Game Flow
In most casinos, players prefer to keep track of the outcome of every round with printed scorecards and small pencils available at the table. You’ll see grids filled with red and blue circles — this is called the “Big Road” or “Bead Plate,” and it helps players follow patterns, even though the game is entirely based on chance. A red circle is most likely a Banker victory, and a blue circle a Player victory. Some players employing these charts are looking for streaks (e.g., five Banker in succession) and placing a corresponding bet.
It’s okay if you’re not into patterns. Simply watching the dealer and listening to the call-outs is enough. But if you’re curious, observing how others use the chart is part of the experience. For those wanting to visit the top venues offering this type of setup, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the 15 most popular land-based casinos with baccarat.
Top Places to Play Baccarat Around the World
Baccarat has been a staple for many of the world’s top casinos. If you are visiting, add the following to your plans:
- Wynn Las Vegas (USA) – High-limit areas that are stylish and reasonably priced, and relatively cheap main floor tables.
- Marina Bay Sands (Singapore) – Baccarat is the flagship in its gaming areas.
- Casino de Monte-Carlo (Monaco) – Traditional and stylish, ideal for that James Bond feel.
- The Venetian Macau (China) – The world’s largest casino features dozens of baccarat tables.
These casinos offer a range of table limits, professional dealers, and immersive experiences.
Etiquette at the Baccarat Table
Baccarat tables tend to be quieter and more formal than blackjack or craps. Here’s how to fit in:
- Don’t touch the cards unless you’re in a special version where it’s allowed (usually in VIP rooms).
- Wait for a new shoe if the table is in the middle of a session and you have no idea when you are going to sit.
- Don’t comment on the bets or results of other players — it’s impolite.
- Tip the dealer if you have had a successful session or simply wish to be hospitable.
Dress codes might exist in certain high-limit rooms, especially in upscale casinos. You’ll be okay at most establishments with a smart-casual look.
Before you gamble, make sure you have:
- A valid ID (casinos usually ask you to be 21+).
- Cash to trade for chips at the table.
- An adventurous and lighthearted attitude — even if you lose, it’s an experience to be had.
Baccarat can appear very intimidating from across the room, but sit down and you’ll be surprised at how much fun and simple it is. It’s a lovely combination of glamour and fortune, and one of the most fun things to do in a traditional casino. You know what to expect now; you’re ready to sit down, place your chips down, and have some fun playing the game.