Baccarat is a simple casino card game in which players attempt to predict which, if either, of two hands, known as ‘Player’ and ‘Banker’, will reach a total of nine, or as close as possible, in two or three cards. All betting must be completed before any cards are dealt. A winning bet on the ‘Player’ hand or the ‘Banker’ hand pays 1/1 although, in the latter case, winning bets are subject to 5% commission, threby reducing the overall odds to 19/20. A winning bet on the tie pays 8/1, or 9/1, depending on the house rules. In terms of the mathematical advantage in favour of the casino, a.k.a. the ‘house edge’, the ‘Banker’ bet offers 1.06%, the ‘Player’ bet offers 1.24%, but the tie bet offers a much less competitive 14.36%.

The total of each hand is calculated by adding together the value of each card; tens and court cards count as zero, aces count as one and all other cards count as face value. However, the maximum total for either hand is nine, so if the individual cards total above nine the first digit is dropped, thereby leaving a single-digit total.

The ‘Player’ hand is completed first; if the first two cards dealt add up to eight or nine, no further cards are drawn and the ‘Player’ hand, known as a ‘natural’, wins automatically, unless the ‘Banker’ hand has an equal, or higher, natural, in which case the hand is tied, or the ‘Banker’ hand wins automatically. If the first two cards dealt add up to five or less, the ‘Player’ hand draws a third card, but stands pat if the first two cards add up to six or seven. If the ‘Player’ hand stands pat, the ‘Banker’ hand also draws a third card on five or less and stands pat on six or seven but, otherwise, the decision to draw a third card depends on the ‘Banker’ hand total, the third card drawn by the ‘Player’ hand and the strict rules of the game.

Big Six Wheel, also known as ‘Money Wheel’ or ‘Wheel of Fortune’, is a straightforward game of chance, which requires no specialist knowledge, skill or strategy. In common with similar casino games, such as keno and slots, the house edge is significantly higher than games that involve at least an element of strategy.

The game is played with a large, vertically mounted wheel, typically 6′ or more in diamter, which is divided into 54 equal compartments, each of which is marked with one of seven insignia, separated by pegs. The insignia usually include the monetary values $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20, plus a joker and a USA flag, or two casino logos. The dealer spins the wheel such that it completes several complete rotations and, when it comes to rest, an arrow, needle or leather strip, known as a ‘clapper’, at the top of the wheel indicates the winning monetary value or symbol. Fairly obviously, the object of the game is to predict where the wheel will stop.

The payout odds for each insignia depend on the frequency with which it appears on the wheel and, typically, the higher the payout odds the higher the house edge. Under Las Vegas rules, the payout odds for the $1 insignia, of which there are 24 on the wheel, are at least 1/1, corresponding to a house edge of 11.11%. At the other end of the scale, the payout odds for the joker insignia, of which there is just one on the wheel, are at least 40/1, corresponding to a house edge of 24.07%.

Traditionally, the term ‘slot machine’ was used to describe a gambling machine that was operated by inserting coins, or tokens, into a slot and pulling a handle, or pressing a button, to set in motion three or more, originally mechanical, reels. The final position of the reels or, in other words, how many winning symbols lined up on the payline, or paylines, determined the payout, which was released, again in coins, or tokens, into a receptacle at the bottom of the machine.

The principle of the modern slot machine remains the same but, in casinos in the United States and elsewhere, coins and tokens have been almost universally replaced by a system known as ‘Ticket-In/Ticket Out’, or TITO for short. TITO slot machines neither accept nor pay out in coins or tokens, but instead print barcoded tickets that can be transferred from one machine to another, or redeemed for cash at a cashier station or automated kiosk.

Similarly, in the modern incarnation of the slot machine, physical, mechanical reels have been with a graphical simulation on a video screen, which simply display the outcome of each spin, as determined by a microprocessor, known as a random number generator. In addition, while traditional slot machines had just a single payline, modern slot machines with two, three, five or more paylines have become commonplace. Nevertheless, for all their ‘bells and whistles’, in terms of complexity and features, modern slot machines typically offer a house edge between 5% and 10%.

Great hand for baccarat.

Among the various casino games available online and offline, baccarat is one of the most popular with a great history. This card is loved by the players at land-based casinos for many years and now its online providers are witnessing this game’s fame. Despite being so popular worldwide, there is always someone new to this game, who wants to learn some significant things about baccarat. Here, we are going to tell you vital things about baccarat.

Origin of the Game

The roots of this card game are attributed to Europe, in which country it originated is still not known. Many believe that France or Italy is the home country of baccarat. Before being named baccarat, this game had several other names such as Banque, punto banco, Chemin De Fer, and punto banco. Apparently, each country had different names and a little different gameplay. The changes were made throughout the years and we got the popular version of the game that we enjoy today.

How to Play Baccarat

At first glance, this game may seem a little confusing to some users, but it is indeed easy to learn. The objective of the game is to determine if the player or the dealer would have a winner’s hand or the result would be a tie. So, here, players can make bets on the banker’s hand, the hand of the player, or on the tie. However, you need to keep in mind that betting on the hand of the player doesn’t mean you bet on yourself. Bets must be placed prior to the dealer deals the cards.

The aim is to have a card as close to 9 as possible. Here, cards are calculated according to the – 10 value. For instance, 14 is considered 4. If the total of hand you placed bet is close to 9 then you collect the profit. The game is very simple and easy. You can play online bingo as it is fast and instant access to the game. Several online casinos offer free demo games of baccarat, where you can practice and improve your skills.

Where to Play Baccarat?

Playing live Baccarat.

Once you have learned the basic rules of the game and how it works, you would want to try a few hands, right? As we mentioned in the introduction that most land-based casinos offer baccarat tables. Players just need to pay the baccarat table fee, buy some tokens, and they are good to go.

However, we think that online gambling can be a feasible option to play this card game. These days, where digitalization has facilitated the users experience, playing baccarat online is way more convenient. They can come in two forms, digitally with the machine and live with real dealers. Both ways of playing are extremely popular and exciting for the players. We have found one well established online casino that recently added to their portfolio the popular Playtech games in addition to their Evolution gaming live offers, therefore we strongly recommend that you’ll try out their much fun eight Decks online baccarat card games.

Baccarat Strategies and Tips

Novice and old players always look for the top strategies for baccarat to guarantee a profit. However, first, we want to make a thing clear that there no certain strategies and tips in baccarat that ensure winning. Unlike blackjack, this casino game is purely a game of luck. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t use some tactics. Here are some tips and tricks that can be used to increase your chances of winning.

Don’t Bet on A Tie or Draw

Betting correctly.

Although there is no foolproof baccarat strategy, there is a small detail that you have to know. As we said there are three kinds of bets here: on the player’s hand, on the banker’s hand, and on the tie. Here, the third type of bet seems very attractive at first glance, since it is associated with a payout that makes you dream.

However, in baccarat, your best weapon is rationality. Betting on a tie has only one chance in thirty of making us win. It also offers the casino an advantage of 14.3%. So, opt for this bet as little as possible.

Betting on Banker’s Hand

Many novice players think that betting on the banker’s hand or betting on a player’s hand have similar chances of winning. But betting in a banker’s hand is a good strategy. Although this bet will get you 5% of the profits in the casino, the chances of winning with this bet are more. The bet on the hand of the bank offers us an opportunity to win up to 44.64%.

Be Responsible

Every person who plays in a casino needs to know that some you win and sometimes you lose. Although it can be a bit difficult to digest, you must accept this reality before even thinking about a strategy for baccarat. We should set a financial goal and set a limit on ourselves. Defining an objective will allow us to be satisfied with certain gains and not fall into excess. In terms of investment, sticking to a limited budget will prevent us from wasting our financial resources and falling into irrationality. Always play responsible to enjoy gambling.

Important Tips

• Bet in favor of the best score from the dealer.
• Don’t try to bet on a tie
• Learn the basic rules of the game and know how it works
• Use bonuses and other perks offered by the casino provider
• Do not insist on a losing streak and play responsibly
• Don’t trust any guaranteed strategy. It is pure luck but uses your instinct as well.