One thing about baccarat specifically is that it has a relatively low house edge and is relatively easy to master. But that’s not all. So why have baccarat casino games become classics and so loved by players? What is the history behind the creation of baccarat and which casinos in the Philippines have the best selection of this card game? We wrote about it below.
Reviewing Top Baccarat Online Casinos
1xBet
1xBet is a well-known brand as well as one of the long-established online casino operators that provides a great variation of games to players in the Philippines.
With regard to online baccarat games, unfortunately, baccarat players are unlikely to find a huge selection in the table games section, as there are only standard options. However, the legal online baccarat gambling site offers a huge number of live dealer baccarat games: Quick Baccarat, Tao Yuan Baccarat, Mystic Baccarat and others.
Among the casino bonus offers, players can find deposit bonuses and VIP offers for existing players. As a Welcome package, players can get a deposit bonus option. The starter kit includes a 100% bonus, up to €1,950 (or currency equivalent, this promotion does not include prices in PHP) and 150 Free spins.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Android, iOS and Windows Phone apps; 50+ languages available; 140+ payment options. | Confusing website layout; Some promotions not listed in PHP. |
22Bet
22Bet is a Greek online baccarat casino established in 2018. Its offerings include both Classic and Quick Baccarat, as well as their variations within different online baccarat game providers. While 22Bet does not have the most diverse range of games for live online casinos, it has a decent selection of table games.
However, table games are particularly focused on roulette. Unfortunately, 22Bet does not feature many exclusive games and instead relies mostly on games from providers such as Ezugi, Pragmatic Play, LuckyStreak, and others.
As of the time of writing, players are entitled to a 100% deposit bonus worth up to ₱18,000. You must make a minimum deposit of ₱60 to receive the bonus. There is a x50 wagering requirement within a seven-day period.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large selection of live casino games; Interface supporting the Tagalog language. Quick registration available via Google Account. | High Welcome bonus wagering requirements. |
Betway
Of all the legal online baccarat casinos in our top selection today, Betway offers perhaps the widest range of online baccarat games for Filipino customers to play with real money.
In the live casino section, online baccarat players can find games like Grand Baccarat, Live Blazing Dragon Tiger, Lotus Speed Baccarat and, of course, Quick Baccarat.
Betway also does not offer promotions in currencies other than USD. Players can receive a Welcome casino bonus for each of their first three deposits, with a bonus of up to $250 (or a local currency equivalent) available for the first deposit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Frequent promotions and bonuses; User-friendly design; Large selection of live dealer games. | Long verification process; Low withdrawal limits. |
888 Casino
888 Casino started in 2001 and has already established itself as a well-known brand of internet casinos. In addition, this is one of the best online casinos that offers a convenient mobile version, which fits all existing formats of portable devices.
For playing baccarat online, 888 Casino has a separate section in the live dealers games section. Baccarat game fans can find Dragon Tiger, Golden Wealth Baccarat, Peek Baccarat and other interesting variations of the popular board game.
As a Welcome bonus, players will receive a $25 account credit when they download and sign up on the mobile app. Additionally, upon making their first deposit of at least $10, players can earn a bonus of up to $3,000. Unfortunately, the site also does not provide equivalents in PHP.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-known online casino brand; Available in many languages; Lots of deposit and withdrawal methods. | Maximum withdrawal limited to $30,000 monthly. |
20Bet
20bet provides a variety of live dealer games, including live dealer baccarat and other table games, as well as video slots and other virtual games, for those who prefer a more solitary experience. With 50+ options for each, players can explore and try out different games without a live dealer. The legal online baccarat site’s layout is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to easily explore and experiment with different options.
20bet offers a first deposit bonus upon sign-up and a deposit of ₱600 or more. After completing the deposit, players that prefer to play online baccarat games will receive 100% of their deposit value and 120 Free spins. However, the deposit amount must be wagered 40 times before it can be cashed out.
20bet is a fully licenced and regulated online baccarat legal casino with a unique and enjoyable live casino experience that keeps customers coming back to play baccarat online. With a user-friendly interface, a wide range of baccarat games, and generous bonuses and promotions, this is one of the best casinos that is worth checking out for any live casino enthusiast.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many languages available; The average RTP is quite high – 97%; Convenient search filter. | Small Welcome bonus; No app for iOS. |
A Brief History of Baccarat
The origins of the baccarat game are probably lost somewhere in history. The first documented mention of this game dates back to the 19th century, when it was called Baccara. However, some sources argue that the baccarat game appeared even in the 15th century. Or at least close to this time, it was brought to France from Italy by soldiers returning from the Italian Wars during the reign of Charles VIII.
In the early days of the baccarat game, players were allowed to shuffle the cards themselves, which would then be reshuffled by the dealer. This unusual practice opened up opportunities for cheating, and it’s likely that many players took advantage of this system. Due to the scarcity of tables in Las Vegas during the 1970s, finding a game was difficult. This led to a perception of exclusivity, and players had to be either high rollers or famous to request a table be opened for them.
Fast forward to more modern days: there are plenty of baccarat gaming tables available in land casinos around the world and online counterparts. In fact, baccarat is considered as the most popular table game in Macau. Despite its long and intricate history, baccarat continues to evolve and change with each new variation.
Baccarat Terminology Explained
In the world of baccarat games, there are several key terminologies that may be useful in order to play baccarat correctly. Down below, we provided some known terms.
A callman is a term in baccarat that refers to the person who is in charge of dealing the cards. The callman is responsible for ensuring that cards are dealt fairly and according to the rules of the game. They are also responsible for keeping track of the cards that have been played and the score of each hand. In some baccarat games, the callman may also be responsible for collecting bets and paying out winnings. However, in most cases, this responsibility is handled by a separate croupier or dealer.
A croupier is the person who operates the table at the casino. They are responsible for dealing cards, collecting bets, paying out winnings, and ensuring that the game is fair and compliant with the rules. The croupier usually sits at the front of the table, facing the players, and is responsible for collecting chips of each player, keeping track of the score. They also announce the result of each hand. In some cases, the croupier may also be responsible for managing the players’ bankroll.
If a croupier is responsible for dealing cards, then dealers are responsible for handling the money. While the croupier sits in the middle of the table and has direct contact with cards, dealers, on the other hand, stand on opposite sides of the table and only handle the money. They collect the chips from losing players and pay out the winnings. This helps to maintain the integrity of the game and reduces the possibility of mistakes or cheating.
Now let’s talk about table equipment terminology.
While other games at the casino often use standard gaming chips, baccarat gaming tables typically use specialised chips designed exclusively for play at those tables. These cheques are typically larger in size than other casino chips and can contribute to a feeling of exclusivity among customers playing baccarat. Additionally, the use of these specialised chips helps to differentiate the baccarat gaming tables from those used for other games, further adding to the overall atmosphere of prestige and luxury at the casino.
Continuous Shuffle Machines (CSM) are specialised card-shuffling devices used in blackjack and baccarat gaming tables. They automatically shuffle cards at the end of each betting round, ensuring the proper randomness of the deal. This helps to speed up the game, as the dealer does not have to manually shuffle the decks after each round. CSMs are most often used in high-volume casinos where speed and efficiency are a top priority. They also have security benefits, as they help reduce the possibility of cheating by eliminating the need for manual shuffling.
A cut card is a plastic card used in baccarat, inserted towards the end of the betting round, showing the callman when to reshuffle the cards. At this point, the callman must deal more cards to finish the current coup and play one final hand before they reshuffle and start a new betting round. The cut card is instrumental in maintaining the randomness of the deal and ensuring the integrity of the game. It also helps speed up the game by reducing the time spent on manual shuffling.
Discards refer to the cards that have already been dealt out of the shoe in baccarat, but are not currently in play. These cards are stored in a separate discard tray until the cut card is reached and a new shoe is started. The discard tray typically sits to the side of the table, and the cards stored in it are not used until the beginning of the next betting round.
Large baccarat tables can seat up to twelve players, with six sitting on each side of the croupier. Mini baccarat tables can accommodate up to seven players. The layout of a baccarat table includes the commission and betting boxes, as well as the available bets in the game and their respective payouts. These are printed on the table for the players’ convenience and called “layout”.
A shoe is a container used in baccarat for storing multiple decks of cards after they have been shuffled. Since it would be impractical for the caller to hold such a large number of cards in their hand, they instead use the shoe to deal out individual cards one at a time. Usually, casinos use six or eight full decks in baccarat, and the cards are dealt out of the shoe one by one.
Learning How to Play Baccarat: Rules and Betting Options
Baccarat is a card game that is similar to blackjack but with some key differences. The basic rules of the game involve three card hands, which are drawn from a standard deck and compared to a Banker hand and a Player hand. The objective of the game is to come as close to the number 9 as possible using the combination of three cards. Players can also place Banker bets or stake on the Player hand.
The betting options in Baccarat are as follows:
- Players can place a Banker bet, which is a combination of Banker card hands that are closest to the number 9.
- Players can bet on the Player’s hand, which is the combination of Player card hands that are closest to the number 9.
- Players can place a tie bet: a tie happens when the Banker’s hand and the Player’s hand have the same value.
- Players can place both a Banker bet and a Player one simultaneously.
The betting options and rules in baccarat can vary depending on the casino and the particular variation of the game being played, but these are some of the most common options.
Our Criteria for Determining the Best Online Baccarat Casinos
In the Philippines, there are many online baccarat casinos that can be enjoyed by players. However, in order to make the right choice and entrust their sensitive information to the reliable hands, players must consider some key choices.
In our reviews, we pay particular attention to this to ensure that players receive reviews from unbiased and reliable experts. Here are the criteria for choosing a baccarat online casino:
Security & Fairness
Gambling is legal in the Philippines. Traditional land based casinos, like online casinos, are controlled by the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), established in 1975 and responsible for overseeing and regulating the legal gaming industry.
According to Republic Act No. 10927, all gambling stations must maintain records of their customers for a period of 5 years. If someone is found to be operating an illegal gaming station, they can face penalties of up to 20 years in jail under Republic Act No. 9287. These penalties are significant to deter illegal activities.
In general, the legal age for participation in gambling activities in the Philippines is 21. However, in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone, the legal age for participation is 17, as long as they adhere to the rules and regulations set by the government.
Legal online casinos should contain a PAGCOR banner on the home page or information about compliance with all legal regulations should be put in the “Terms and Conditions” section. This indicates that the online gambling site operates according to all legal regulations, which means that user information and payment data are safe and protected. And in case of any problems with platforms for gambling online, players have the opportunity to ask for help.
In addition, this means that Philippine online casinos for playing baccarat online comply with all the principles of responsible gambling without abusing the trust of players and providing assistance in case of developing gambling addiction.
Bonuses
Offering online baccarat bonuses and promotions is an important strategy for online casinos to attract and retain players. Casinos use these incentives to encourage players to sign up, make deposits, and keep playing.
Bonuses can be a key driver in attracting new players to an online casino. By offering incentives like no-deposit bonuses, Free spins, and deposit match bonuses, casinos can attract players who may not have otherwise considered playing baccarat online on the site. Promotions can help to build player loyalty over time as well.
For a player, online casinos that have a large selection of bonuses means the ability to try new games without additional cash losses. Frequent promotions provide a small but still profitable benefit, which means the bonuses may increase the chances to win real money.
There are three ways players can get their bonuses: Free spins, cash, and a mix of these options (cash + Free spins). For example, 22Bet from our selection provides a ₱18,000 deposit bonus.
Game Quality & Software
No surprises: large and high-quality selection of games can help to build loyalty among players. Players who feel like they have a wide range of options and are able to play their favourite games are more likely to prefer a certain online casino over time. By offering a variety of high-quality games, most online casinos can create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for players, and can help to build a loyal player base.
Speaking of baccarat games, it is essential that online casinos offer both a table variation of this game and the ability to play with a live dealer. Mechanically these games may not differ, but the atmosphere, experience and immersion — all this is a striking feature of baccarat at online live casinos.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile compatibility is an important feature for online casinos because it allows players to access the site and its games from their mobile devices. In today’s world, where many people spend a significant amount of time on their phones, having a mobile-friendly website or app is essential for any online business.
With a mobile-friendly website, players can navigate the site and its games with ease from their smartphones. By offering a good mobile experience, online casinos can increase player engagement and reduce the likelihood of players abandoning the site because of a poor user experience.
Mobile compatibility also allows players to access the site from their smartphones, regardless of their location. This increases accessibility and makes it easier for players to access the site from anywhere and play baccarat online. This is especially important for online casinos, where players often access the site to make bets on sports events or play games in real-time.
Customer Service
Customer service is a critical component of an online casino, as it can significantly impact player safety. Users turn to customer service when they encounter technical difficulties, have questions about the games or promotions, or need assistance with their accounts.
The live chat feature is the frequently used communication method and efficient way to provide instant customer service. Players can ask their questions and receive answers in real-time. Many online casino operators offer live chat support 24/7.
Email support is another popular and effective way to provide customer service. Players can submit their questions and receive answers within a few hours or sometimes within the same day. This method of support is especially helpful for users who prefer written communication.
Phone service is an additional method of customer service that some online casinos offer. Players can call the casino’s customer support line and speak directly with a representative. This method can be helpful for players who prefer verbal communication and need immediate assistance.
Self-service tools such as FAQs, tutorials, and knowledge bases can provide players with quick and useful answers to frequently asked questions. This method can significantly reduce the number of inquiries that customer support needs to handle.
Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can provide an efficient and timely way for players to resolve any issues. Most casinos have dedicated social media channels to address player concerns and questions.
Payment & Withdrawal Options
A large selection of payment and withdrawal options is a crucial point for an online casino site as it gives players more choice and flexibility in how they play and handle their funds. Offering a variety of payment and withdrawal options allows players to use the method that is most convenient for them and ensures that they can access their funds easily, securely, and conveniently.
For example, some players may prefer to use a debit card, while others may prefer to use a digital wallet or bank transfer. By offering a range of options, online casinos can ensure that players can play and access their funds using a method that is familiar and easy for them. For Philippine players, the following popular payment options are available: Neteller, Mastercard, Visa, Perfect Money, Diner’s Club, Skrill, Ethereum, and more.
Quick Tips for Baccarat Betting
Established Limits
It’s crucial to set limits for yourself. While setting a goal for both your losses and wins can sound straightforward, it can be much harder to accomplish. As one of the baccarat betting tips, we strongly recommend setting a bottom limit, which is the amount you’re willing to lose, and also a top limit, which is the amount of money you want to win. Stick to this baccarat strategy and once you’ve reached either of these limits, it’s time to stop playing baccarat and walk away.
However, this isn’t easy with gambling. You may be tempted to continue to play baccarat after reaching your bottom limit, hoping for a miraculous comeback, or you may feel invincible after hitting your top limit, which leads to bigger bets and eventually makes you lose everything you won.
Limit setting takes self-discipline, whether you need to curb your losses or quit while you’re ahead. But it’s essential to protect your money and ensure that you don’t lose everything you started with.
Bet on the Banker’s hand
To maximise your fun while playing online baccarat, our recommendation is to solely place bets on the Banker’s hand. This is because the Banker holds an edge over the player over time and has a higher chance of winning. Additionally, it’s essential to remember not to bet on tie outcomes.
While the Player’s hand may be appealing if luck is on your side, the payout odds are lower compared to the Banker’s hand, and you’ll also have to pay a higher commission. So, in conclusion, it’s best to place your bets with the Banker, opt for lower house-edge bets, and avoid betting on ties. This is the most effective way to have a memorable time playing online baccarat and hopefully turn a profit!
Do Not Rely on All-in Bets
It’s common for players to become emotionally involved in their gambling experience. This means that after experiencing several wins or losses, they may start to take unnecessary risks or play baccarat for real money compulsively. Ultimately, this can lead to significant losses or even financial ruin. Therefore, it’s crucial to remember that gambling is a game of chance and not a means to get rich quickly. Stay calm, set limits, and always prioritise your well-being above all else.
Last but not least, always remember that the house always has an edge, so don’t expect to make lots of money in the long run. Even though it’s tempting, resist the urge to bet higher amounts or chase losses. This can lead to even bigger losses and can have a serious impact on your financial stability, so if you feel that you are losing control, it’s best to stop right there and walk away. Ultimately, gambling should be a source of entertainment, and not a way to make a living. So, always keep it fun, but responsible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baccarat
Baccarat is a classic casino game played with cards. The objective of the game is to have a hand that is closer to a total value of nine than your opponent’s hand.
What variations of baccarat are available?
There are several variations of baccarat available at online casinos. Some of the most common variations include: Classic Baccarat, Punto Banco, Mini-baccarat, Point-side Baccarat, Chemin de fer (Faro), Dragon Bonus Baccarat and others.
For example, 1xBet online casino offers several types of baccarat: Super8 Baccarat, Quick Baccarat, and Fortune 6 Baccarat.
What are the odds of winning at baccarat?
The odds of winning in baccarat can vary depending on the specific variation of the game. However, it is important to note that, in general, baccarat is a game of chance, and the house always has an edge over the players.
In classic baccarat, the house edge is around 1.06%. This means that the House has a slight advantage over the players over time.
While baccarat is often seen as a classic casino game of chance, there is indeed a level of skill involved in the game.
Baccarat can be played using many different strategies, and understanding the best baccarat strategies and how to apply them can give a player an edge over the competition. For example, there are different strategies for playing as a Player and as a Banker, and there are many different ways to approach the game psychologically.
That could be said, a way to win at Baccarat is through a solid understanding of the rules, strategies, discipline, and a realistic approach to your bankroll. With these factors in mind, you can become a better player.
But again, it’s important to remember that you can never guarantee a win, and the most important thing is that you always approach gambling with caution, as the house always has an edge over the player: it’s important to play responsibly, never bet more than you can afford to lose, and have realistic expectations of the outcomes.
What is the best bet in baccarat?
While there are various strategies and approaches that players can use to increase their chances of winning in baccarat, the “best” or “right” bet ultimately depends on the player’s individual goals, risk tolerance, and bankroll management.
One of the popular strategies in baccarat is a “tie” bet. This is where a player bets on the outcome of the game being a tie and both the player and banker hands do not reach a total of nine. Tie bets are considered lowest-risk bets in baccarat.
Are online baccarat games fair?
It is crucial to consider that online Baccarat is a form of gambling, which can be addictive and can cause both financial and psychological harm. Therefore, it’s essential to approach online gambling responsibly, not spend more than you can afford to lose, and use only trustworthy online gambling websites that comply with the regulations and laws of the jurisdictions they operate in.
Can I play online baccarat for free?
Yes, there are many online casinos that offer free online baccarat games. However, it should be noted that this does not mean exclusive free baccarat game play: in free baccarat games, the player will not be able to bet with real money, and therefore will not be able to take real money as a win. All bets are made on in-game chips and money, and free-mode serves only for the player to get acquainted with the game.
However, in baccarat at live online casinos, this feature is not provided. You can only play for real money.
