This classic game, often played by high rollers and usually seen in high-end casinos, that we are referring to is none other than baccarat. It’s a traditional table game that’s just as popular as blackjack. While both are card games, they have completely different rules and ways of playing.
Baccarat is one of those words and games that perfectly captures what a casino is all about—the vibe, the atmosphere, and even the players themselves. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a casino without this iconic table game.
If you’re new to baccarat, this guide is made just for you. But hey, even if you’ve been playing for a while, you’ll still want to check this out. It might just help you find the best online baccarat Singapore site. Let’s dive in!
Baccarat Rules: Things You Need to Understand First
Baccarat is a classic table game using numbers on the range of 1 to 15 but 13 is skipped since it is an unlucky number. As such, the game is between you and the banker (the house), with three possible bets:
- Player to win: Pays 1:1.
- Banker to win: Also pays 1:1 but there is a 5% commission to the house.
- Tie: Has the longest odds, usually paying 8:1 (sometimes 9:1 in rare cases).
If you want to play an uncomplicated game with simple rules, Singapore online baccarat is the best option. There isn't much in the way of decision-making necessary, and all that needs to happen is placing your bet on one out of three possible outcomes. Before cards are played, you make your bets, so there are no overwhelming options to fret over.
The goal is simple: obtain cards that sum as close to 9 as possible. They play with standard playing cards, where each card has a face value of:
- The Ace is worth 1.
- Number cards (2-9) are worth their face value.
- The 10, Jack, Queen, and King are worth 0.
The total in baccarat always has to be a single digit. There are no double digits from ten onwards—after nine, it resets to zero. But during the game, you might get two cards that add up to more than nine. For example, if you’re dealt a six and a five, the total is 11. To get the final value, you drop the tens digit, leaving you with one.
So, 11 becomes 1, 14 becomes 4, and so on. An easier way to think about it is just to focus on the last digit. For instance, if you have a nine and a six, the total is 15, but by baccarat rules, it’s just 5 (since 15 - 10 = 5).
How Baccarat Began: A Quick Overview
Baccarat is one of the oldest games in the world and one of the most spread casino games. The tale of its origins traces back to the 1400s in Italy, where it was first known as "baccara," meaning "zero," given that all face cards and tens are assigned a value of zero. Eventually, the game spread through Europe, finding success in France before reaching casinos worldwide. To know more, here are a few key highlights about its interesting history:
Italian Origins
- Baccarat has a very interesting history as this game was invented in Italy by Felix Falguiere. His concept for the game centered on the luck element, and was partly inspired by ancient rituals in which a nine-sided die was rolled. At the time, it was more of a hobby for the upper class.
French Connection
- Towards the end of the 15th century, the game attracted the gaze of French nobility. Royalty and the upper crust permanently embraced it, and it was typically played in private gaming houses. They even branded it "Chemin de Fer", which was a slightly different style of the game.
Crossing the Channel
- Baccarat made its way to England during the 19th century where it gained popularity among the upper class. Indeed, this was also where some of its regulations became more formalized, lending a healthy structure to the game.
Global Expansion
- Baccarat then found its way to the Americas and Asia through British colonists and trade. It was first introduced in Las Vegas casinos in the U.S., whereas it found a home in Asia with a special appeal in the fast-paced Macau casinos.
Modern-Day Popularity
- This is exactly why, today, baccarat is popular with both high rollers and casual players. The game itself has maintained centuries-old charm and simplicity, no matter if you play the traditional version at a high-roller casino or the incredibly fast-paced mini-baccarat.
Online Baccarat Bet Types: Payouts and House Edge Explained
To help you understand baccarat better, let us break down the three main bets you can choose from when playing baccarat online: The Player, The Bank, and The Tie. And here’s a fact: baccarat has one of the lowest house edges compared to other table games.
Now, if you're wondering what "house edge" means, it's basically the casino's advantage or the profit they’re expected to make from players over time.
Check out the table below to see the odds, payouts, and house edge for each type of bet in Baccarat.
| Bet on Player | Bet on Banker | Bet on Tie |
| Payout: 1:1 Odds: 45.86% House edge: 1.36% | Payout: 1:1 Odds: 44.62% House edge: 1.06% | Payout: 8:1 or 9:1 Odds: 9.52% House edge: 14.4% |
Popular Versions of Online Baccarat: Choose Your Best Option
Baccarat isn’t just one game; there are actually different versions of it with exciting twists. Of course, every player has their own style and preferences when it comes to playing online baccarat. That’s why baccarat online casino sites offer various versions of the game. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Punto Banco
The most familiar and perhaps most popular version of baccarat is Punto Banco (one of the best classic casino games). An easy version of baccarat where you bet on either the "Punto" (player) or the "Banco" (banker) to win. There is an option of bet on a tie but it carries a higher risk. It's a simple rule, cards are dealt to the player and the banker, and whoever's nearest to a score of 9 wins. The winnings on a banker and a player bet are 1:1, and a tie pays 8:1. The player bet comes with a 1.24% house edge, while the banker bet has a house edge of 1.06%.
Chemin De Fer
Chemin De Fer is a more old-school variant of baccarat and one that you may have come across in the real world at a land-based casino. In this variant, everyone alternates being the banker, and six decks of cards are used to play the game. With the dealer shuffling and dealing, players can choose to take a third card at their hand's total. The payouts are the same as in Punto Banco (1:1 for player and banker, 8:1 for a tie,) but this variation has a higher house edge—approximately 1.29% on the banker.
Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is another version where players can take on the role of the banker. You usually play with three decks and the banker remains in place for the whole session, as opposed to in Chemin De Fer. The rules are pretty much the same as those in Punto Banco, you can all bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie. The payouts are the same as those in Punto Banco, however, the house edge is slightly higher, especially on the player bet, which has a house edge of around 1.17%.
Speed Baccarat
For players seeking fast-paced action, Speed Baccarat is the way to go. This version cuts down on the time between rounds, which makes the game feel faster. After a few cards are dealt, players have to place their bets before each round begins. The rules are identical to those in Punto Banco with an identical payout structure. The house edge is also unchanged — 1.24% on player bets, and 1.06% on banker bets.
Dragon Tiger
Dragon Tiger is a simplified and faster version of baccarat – is inspired by the traditional game of baccarat. Here, the players have to decide only between two hands — the Dragon or the Tiger.
In this game, the dealer plays one card into each hand, and the hand with the higher card wins. In a simple game with a very low house edge, Dragon or Tiger payouts are simply 1:1. There’s also a tie bet with an 8:1 payout. Tie bet has a house edge of 3.73% but Dragon and Tiger bets have much lower house edges (approximately 3.0%).
European Baccarat
European Baccarat is very similar to Punto Banco, but with one key difference—players can take control over the third card draw. In this version, after the initial deal, Singaporean players have the option to "stand" or "draw" the third card based on their total. The payout is the same as in Punto Banco (1:1 for player/banker and 8:1 for a tie), and the house edge for the player bet is 1.24%. The house edge for the banker bet is around 1.06%.
Baccarat Squeeze
Baccarat Squeeze injects some excitement into the game by letting players “squeeze” the dealt cards, preparing them in a way that creates suspense for the revealed cards. That feature can be played via live dealer and online versions. You use the same basic rules as in Punto Banco, but the cards are revealed slowly, which builds up the tension. The payout and house edge are the same as in Punto Banco, with a 1.24% house edge for the player bet and a 1.06% edge for the banker.
No Commission
Traditionally, a commission is charged on banker bets, but with this variation, that fee is removed. The banker bet pays 1:1 instead of 0.95:1, as usual, because a 5% commission on winning banker bets is taken in the standard game. However, it's just an effort to even things up a bit, a tie bet is usually adjusted and the typical 8:1 on a tie goes to 9:1. This gives the players some help since the house edge is reduced to 1.06% for the banker bet and a 1.24% for the player.
Smart Tips to Improve Your Online Baccarat Game
If you want to win in online baccarat, you can't just play for the sake of playing or go in without any thought. Sure, baccarat is mostly based on luck—you can win, but you can also lose. But what if I told you there's a way to manage your budget and actually improve your chances of winning?
To fully enjoy your gaming experience on online baccarat casino Singapore sites, here are some tips you should keep in mind:
| Choose a Trusted Platform | Ask Questions | Know Your Limits |
| Not all online casino sites you see out there are legit or licensed. There are plenty of shady ones pretending to be legit, but in reality, they just want to steal your deposit and disappear—or worse, use your personal info to scam others. That’s why it’s super important to check online reviews and ratings from real players, like those on CasinoRankingSG, to find a trusted Singapore online baccarat site. Always play it safe! | If you're new to this, here's what you need to know. Since you’re starting from zero and only know baccarat by name without any firsthand experience, you can ask experts who really know the game. But if you’re not comfortable asking someone directly, no worries! You can always search online. Blogs and video tutorials are super helpful—they’ll give you straightforward answers to your questions. This is where you’ll see how the players play, what bets they usually go for, and everything else you need to know as a player. | Playing baccarat at Singaporean online casino is really fun, especially when you're on a winning streak. But even if you're losing, it’s tempting to keep going. However, as humans, we need to set limits. Remember, it’s just entertainment—it’s not your entire life. Your time and budget aren’t unlimited, so don’t let gambling ruin your relationships, bury you in debt, lead to addiction, or cause other serious problems. Keep it balanced, and always prioritize what truly matters. Understand the responsible gambling principles! |
| Don’t Chase Your Losses | Practice Online Baccarat for Free | Always Take Advantage of the Bonuses and Promotions |
| Baccarat doesn’t have a guaranteed strategy to win—it’s all about luck. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But what if you keep losing back-to-back? Don’t try to recover by betting more than you should. That’s a risky move, and you might end up digging an even deeper hole. Play smart and know when to stop. | It’s a good idea to try playing online baccarat for free first. This way, you can get familiar with the game and avoid feeling lost when you play for real. It’s a great starting point, especially if you’re planning to dive into real money games. Practicing can give you an edge in baccarat, even though we all know winning still relies a lot on luck. | There are best bonuses and promotions specifically for baccarat, so it's a good idea to make the most of them. This way, you not only have the chance to win but also get some extra money on top of your winnings! |
How to Choose an Online Baccarat Singapore Site: Things to Consider
It can be tough to find a trusted baccarat casino site in Singapore if you don’t know what to look for to make sure it’s legit, safe, and whether you’ll actually enjoy playing there. We’re all looking for some entertainment, but it’s important to think about our well-being as players too. So here are a few things you should keep in mind:
| Should Have a Valid License | Offers Many Variations of Baccarat | Excellent Performance on Mobile | Has Bonuses for Baccarat Players |
| The first thing you need to consider is whether the platform is licensed. If it’s not, then don’t even bother continuing—it's just not safe. So, make sure to choose platforms that are licensed by authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao Gaming, PAGCOR, or CEZA. This proves that the top online casino in Singapore is following the standards set by the regulatory bodies that issued their license. | You don't have to stick to the original version of baccarat. We bet that a lot of people are looking for different takes on it. Sometimes, it's more exciting to play baccarat games with a twist since baccarat itself has evolved into so many versions, not just sticking to the original. | Playing online baccarat in Singapore shouldn't just work great on desktops—it needs to run smoothly on mobile too. Thanks to HTML5 technology, the game should be seamless and playable on any device you use. Plus, they should offer their own mobile app that's available for both Android and iOS users. Online gambling make it easier with mobile casinos. | Some SG online casinos offer special bonuses and promotions just for playing online baccarat. These can include things like win streak bonuses, cashback offers, no deposit bonuses, and more. These deals are super handy and can give you an extra boost while playing baccarat online! |
| Powered by Top Live Casino Providers | Strong Security Features and Fair Gameplay | Plenty of Trusted Payment Options with Fast Withdrawals | Responsive and Knowledgeable Customer Support |
| This is something you should consider, too—they have a great selection of live casino providers known for offering top-notch table games, including baccarat, of course. Some names you should keep in mind are Evolution, Dream Gaming, Sexy Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and SA Gaming. These are some of the top providers delivering the best quality live dealer games—not just baccarat, but a variety of games you’ll definitely enjoy. | It’s not just about having fun and enjoying the games—you also need to make sure your information is secure (strong security measures) and the games aren’t rigged. The SG casino you choose should have certifications from trusted agencies like BMM or iTech Labs. On top of that, their games should use RNG (Random Number Generator) technology to ensure fair and random results. Regular audits are also a must to guarantee that everything stays fair. | Here’s where you can be sure your deposit goes directly to the casino, and any money you cash out goes straight to you. A reliable online casino Singapore site should offer plenty of payment methods for your transactions—whether it’s through bank transfer, credit or debit cards, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency. You’ll find all these options there. And one more thing—your withdrawals should be quick and hassle-free. The same goes for deposits. Ideally, when you win, your money should be in your hands right away, no delays! | When playing live casino games, including baccarat, it's normal to run into issues during the game. That’s just part of it. But what matters is having a support team that’s ready to help you anytime, answering your questions in a clear and straightforward way that’s easy to understand. They should be skilled at problem-solving and professional in dealing with you. That’s why this is such an important factor when choosing a baccarat online Singapore site. Their customer service should be easy to reach in multiple ways—like live chat, email, phone, social media platforms, and even an FAQs section for quick answers to common questions. |
Live Dealer Baccarat: Play with Real Dealers and Players in Real-Time
Since we’re already living in the digital world, why not take this chance to play live dealer games online? Let’s be real—it’s such a hassle to leave the house, especially when you know you’ll end up sacrificing your time and energy just for the commute. The good news? Trusted online casino Singapore sites now offer live baccarat games you can enjoy right at home. And it’s not just baccarat—they’ve got other awesome table games too. So, why not make the most of it and play in the comfort of your own space?
You’ll definitely enjoy the convenience and fun of playing live dealer baccarat, especially if you a new player, so if I were you, I’d take advantage of it right away!
FAQs About Online Baccarat
What’s the main goal of playing baccarat?
The main goal in playing baccarat is to get a hand value that's as close as possible to nine, and your hand needs to beat the banker's hand. No hand should go over nine. If the total value of your hand exceeds nine, the score will drop to the first digit. So, for example, if you have 12, it becomes 2, or if you have 16, it becomes 6.
What’s the best baccarat bet I should choose?
For us, and also according to experts, the banker bet is the safest and best option. The odds are high, so it’s more likely to hit, and it offers better returns for players. However, there is a commission that you’ll need to pay on any winnings you get from this bet.
What are the different versions of baccarat I can play online here in Singapore?
There are plenty of baccarat versions you can try, and here are some popular ones you can choose from: Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Baccarat Banque, Speed Baccarat, Dragon Tiger, No Commission, and many more. These are available at online casinos in Singapore, and you can play them with a live dealer. While the main goal is pretty much the same across the variants, there are slight rule differences in how each one is played.
What are my chances of winning in baccarat?
Your chances of winning in baccarat are pretty close to 50/50. If you bet on the player, you’ll win around 44.62% of the time, while betting on the banker gives you slightly better odds at 45.85%. On average, baccarat has a payout percentage of about 98%, which shows that the odds are fairly decent compared to the house. This means the player and banker bets have higher chances of winning, while tie bets are much harder to hit—but they come with a bigger payout if you do win.
Where can I play online baccarat here in Singapore?
On our recommended best online casino Singapore sites, they’re not just great for playing online baccarat—they also excel in other table games. Plus, get this, they even offer special bonuses designed specifically for baccarat! So, you’re not just guaranteed a safe experience—you’ll also have a great time on the site you choose.
Are online baccarat games rigged?
No, trusted online casinos in Singapore can’t cheat online casino games to favor them. Just like the featured casinos on our site, they use a random number generator (RNG) to draw cards, ensuring that every result is completely random. To prove they’re operating fairly, they need to have a certificate or seal from organizations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs.
Is it true that baccarat is purely based on luck?
Yes, it's true—baccarat is purely based on luck (or a game of chance actually), and there's no strategy that can guarantee you'll win. But, we recommend betting on the dealer since it gives you a slightly better chance of winning compared to the other options.
Can card counting work in baccarat?
Yes, card counting can work in baccarat, but the thing is, it’s really hard to gain an advantage over the house. And even if you do, the edge you’ll get is so small, and it only shows up toward the very end of the shoe. Basically, it’s not worth the effort. Plus, here’s the catch: most online casino Singapore sites use RNG (Random Number Generator) to shuffle and draw cards every single time a hand is dealt. This makes card counting almost impossible to pull off in online games.