Casino Table Games Online At Las Atlantis

Welcome to the captivating world of online baccarat at Las Atlantis. For decades, baccarat has been the game of choice for high rollers and savvy players around the globe. Now, thanks to the convenience of online casinos, you can experience the thrill of this classic game from the comfort of your own home. At Las Atlantis, we offer a seamless way to play baccarat, providing both classic digital versions and Live Dealer games to compete with other players. Come to us, place your bet on the Player, Banker, or even a Tie, and enjoy your rewards (sprinkled with some great bonuses).

History of Baccarat

The origins of the baccarat game can be traced back to 15th-century Italy. It's believed that the game was invented by Felix Falguierein, an Italian gambler, and it was initially played with a deck of tarot cards. From Italy, the game moved to France during the reign of King Charles VIII, where it became known as "Baccarat en Banque" and "Chemin de Fer." These versions quickly gained popularity among the French aristocracy, becoming a symbol of high-class gambling.

Over the centuries, the game spread throughout Europe and beyond. The original baccarat was introduced in the early 20th century and eventually made its way to the United States. Thanks to the efforts of Tommy Renzoni, who brought the game to Las Vegas, the American version of baccarat, known as "Punto Banco," took hold. This version, which is the most common form of online baccarat played today, is more accessible to a wider audience thanks to simplified rules.

How to play Baccarat

The objective of the baccarat game is simple: to get a hand total as close to 9 as possible. In the online version, the game is played between two hands—the Player and the Banker. You, the player, simply decide which hand to bet on.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a round of online baccarat plays out:

1. Place your bet on either the Player's Hand, the Banker's Hand, or the Tie.
2. The dealer deals two cards face up to both the Player and the Banker.
3. The values of the cards are totaled.
4. If either hand has a "natural" (an 8 or 9), the game ends and the winning hand is paid out.
5. If no natural is dealt, the software automatically applies the drawing rules to decide if a third card is drawn for either hand.
6. The final totals are compared, and the winning hand is paid out according to the odds.

The beauty of playing online is that the software handles all the complexities of the game. You don't have to worry about the intricate drawing rules; the game automatically determines whether a third card is needed, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the bet.

Card Values in Baccarat

Understanding the value of each card is crucial to appreciating the game. The counting system in baccarat is straightforward, but it's different from games like blackjack.

• Tens and all face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 0.
• Aces are worth 1.
• Other cards from 2 to 9 are worth their face value.

If the total of a hand exceeds 9, the first digit is dropped. For example, if you have a 7 and a 6, the total is 13. In baccarat, this is counted as 3. A hand with a 5 and a 5 totals 10, which is counted as 0. This simple counting method ensures that the hand values always stay within a manageable range. A "natural" is a hand that totals 8 or 9 with the initial two cards, which is an automatic win unless the opposing hand has a higher natural.

Drawing and standing rules

While the online baccarat software automates all decisions, knowing the draw rules helps you understand why a third card is sometimes dealt. These rules are fixed and based on the initial two-card totals of both the Player and Banker hands.

• Player's hand rules: If the Player's initial two-card total is 0-5, they draw a third card. If their total is 6 or 7, they stand.
• Banker's hand rules: The Banker's decision to draw a third card is more complex and depends on both their own total and whether the Player draws a third card. For example, if the Player stands on 6 or 7, the Banker will draw on a total of 0-5. If the Player draws a third card, the Banker's action is determined by a specific set of rules based on the value of the Player's third card.

This intricate dance of drawing and standing is what makes the baccarat game so unique. However, as noted, when you play baccarat online, the software takes care of all these rules for you, allowing you to simply enjoy the action.

How to start playing online baccarat

Getting started with online baccarat is a breeze. The game's rules are simple at their core, and the low learning curve is one of its main appeals. To begin, you simply need to choose your bet size and which hand you think will win.

A great way to learn to play baccarat is by starting with a free version of the game. Many online casinos, including our venue, offer a demo mode. This allows you to practice without any financial risk. You can get a feel for how the game flows, test out different betting patterns, and become comfortable with the different bet options. This is especially helpful for learning the potential outcomes of the different bets, such as the Player, Banker, and Tie.

Popular winning strategies

Baccarat is a favorite among high rollers not because of a complex strategy, but because it offers one of the lowest house edges of any casino game. Unlike blackjack or poker, you cannot influence the outcome of the hand after the bet is placed. The best strategy is to understand the odds of each bet and choose the one that gives you the best chance of winning.

Player’s Hand

Betting on the Player's Hand is a classic choice. If the Player's hand wins, you receive a 1:1 payout. The house edge on this bet is a low 1.24%. While the banker's hand has a slight statistical advantage, the Player bet is a great option and is what many players prefer. When the game is played with a 6-deck shoe, the odds are consistent, and you'll find the Player's hand wins often enough to make it an attractive option.

Banker’s Hand

The Banker’s Hand is statistically the most favorable bet in the game. It has a house edge of just 1.06%, which is why it’s so popular among experienced players. When you bet on the Banker and it wins, the payout is 1:1, but a 5% commission is deducted from your winnings. This commission is what helps balance the house edge, as the Banker's hand wins slightly more often than the Player's. This low house edge is a major reason why baccarat is a top choice for high rollers.

The Tie

The tie bet is the dark horse of baccarat. It pays out at an enticing 9:1, but the probability of a tie occurring is quite low—around 9.5%. Because of the low probability, the house edge on this bet is a significant 4.85%. While the high payout is tempting, most experienced players avoid this bet due to the poor odds. In many live casinos, the payout for a tie bet is often 8:1, which makes the online 9:1 payout at Las Atlantis a better option for those who are not afraid of risks.