Winning at Online Baccarat: Tips and Strategies

Believed to have originated in Italy in the 15th century, baccarat is one of the most popular casino games today. It evokes sensations of sophistication and glamour, thanks in no small part to its portrayal in several James Bond movies.

Baccarat is easy to learn, so it's no surprise that it's highly popular among online casino players. And although luck plays a major role in this card game, it doesn't hurt to keep in mind some tried-and-true strategies to increase one's chances of winning at the table.

Spend Time on Free Games

Those who are new to baccarat can get a feel for the game by playing a free demo game. Many online casinos offer free versions that can help novice players understand the rules better and test a few techniques without risking any money. Also, playing online baccarat for free is a great way to develop a playing strategy and build confidence, which can make a difference when playing baccarat for real money.

Choose Licensed and Reputable Casinos

Even though most online casinos nowadays include baccarat on their list of games, it's always a wise move to evaluate a casino's qualifications and reputation before spending any money on wagers. Online casinos that are legitimately licensed and regulated and those that have received online gambling industry awards are good options to consider.

Likewise, factors such as the number and variety of baccarat games offered as well as attractive baccarat bonuses should be considered when choosing an online casino.

Bet on One Side

Some experts recommend making a wager on just the Player hand or the Banker hand. This is because the Banker and Player hands will gain an advantage at some point. Also, if a player loses the Banker's bet, it's recommended that he or she wait for another round instead of immediately placing another bet. However, if the player loses twice on the same hand, switching to the other hand is recommended.

Avoid All-In and Tie Bets

While it can be thrilling to lay all of one's money on a single hand, it's also a bad idea. The idea of winning a huge sum of money all at once is tempting; however, an all-in bet comes with an extremely high risk of a player losing his or her entire bankroll at one go.

Similarly, a tie bet lures players with an 8:1 payout. That is, a player could win $800 on a bet of $100. But it's worth remembering that the house has an edge of 9.5% at the minimum, which is among the highest casino game house edges.

Resist the Urge to Play Long Sessions

Players who win at the baccarat table might be tempted to play more in the belief that they are on a winning streak. Similarly, players who are not winning their games might think that they can recoup their losses by playing more. However, whether one is winning or losing, it's prudent to remember that the house advantage always prevails.

Players can establish the amount of money they would like to win. Once they reach their goal, they can stop playing. Likewise, they should determine the amount of money they are willing to lose and once they reach this limit, they can leave the table.

There is no sure-fire betting strategy for winning at online baccarat 100% of the time. However, players can improve their chances by keeping these strategies in mind.