Baccarat isn’t just a game; it’s a tradition, a ritual, a brush with the opulence of high-stakes glamour—now available to anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection. Once tucked away in velvet-roped rooms of Monte Carlo, baccarat has quietly become a fan-favourite in online casinos across the globe.
Our guide shows you how to play baccarat in an online casino—step by step. Whether you’ve never played before or are transitioning from offline tables to digital gameplay, The Casino Count will help you learn everything from the rules to strategies, the types of baccarat games online, and how to keep your gambling safe and responsible.
How To Play Baccarat In An Online Casino Highlights:
- Card Values Simplified: In baccarat, Aces are worth 1 point, cards 2-9 retain their face value, and 10s and face cards are valued at 0 points.
- Betting on the Banker: Statistically, the Banker’s hand has a slightly higher chance of winning, making it a favourable bet despite the standard 5% commission on winnings.
- Responsible Gambling Emphasis: Always set time and monetary limits before playing, avoid chasing losses, and seek support if you suspect a gambling problem.
What Is Baccarat?
At its heart, baccarat is a simple betting game with three possible outcomes: the Player wins, the Banker wins, or it’s a Tie. Unlike poker or blackjack, you don’t control how the cards are played—you bet on the outcome.
The goal is to guess which hand will come closest to a total of 9.
The Basics – Card Values and Scoring:
- Aces are worth 1 point
- 2 through 9 are worth face value
- 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 0
If a hand totals over 9, only the second digit counts. So, a 7 and an 8 (totalling 15) become 5. The highest possible score is a ‘natural’ 9.
Step-By-Step: How To Play Baccarat Online
If you’re brand new or just haven’t played online before, here’s a full walkthrough:
1. Choose Your Online Casino
Start by choosing a reputable online casino. We recommend using licensed sites that offer transparency in their payout percentages. We also recommend reading Best Online Casinos for High Rollers: Where to Play and Win Big.
“Before placing a single bet, make sure the casino is legitimate—look for licenses, player reviews, and secure payment options.”
— Michael Brown, Co-Owner of The Casino Count
2. Sign Up and Deposit
Create an account, confirm your details and deposit funds. Most sites also offer a welcome bonus—just make sure you understand the wagering requirements before you accept.
3. Select Baccarat from the Game Lobby
You’ll usually see two types:
- Standard Baccarat (animated, fast-paced)
- Live Baccarat (with a real dealer, streamed in real-time)
Note for Mobile Players: Most online Baccarat games play best in Portrait mode on your phone, placing the betting grid clearly at the bottom for easy thumb access.
4. Place Your Bet
You have three options:
- Banker
- Player
- Tie
Statistically, betting on the Banker offers the best odds, even with the standard 5% commission.
5. Watch the Cards Play Out
Two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker. Sometimes, a third card is drawn based on pre-set rules (you don’t make this decision—the system handles it automatically).
Baccarat Odds and Payouts: Why the Banker Bet is King
Understanding the maths behind the game is the quickest way to lower the casino’s advantage. Unlike other games where odds fluctuate, Baccarat odds are fixed.
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge | The Verdict |
| Banker | 0.95:1 (Pays 1:1 minus 5% commission) | 1.06% | Best Bet: Mathematically the safest wager in the casino. |
| Player | 1:1 | 1.24% | Good Bet: A solid alternative if you want to avoid the commission calculation. |
| Tie | 8:1 (sometimes 9:1) | 14.36% | Bad Bet: The payout looks high, but the house edge is massive. Avoid this. |
Note: The Banker bet wins slightly more than 50% of the time (excluding ties), which is why the casino charges the 5% commission to balance the books.
The Third Card Rules: A Quick Cheat Sheet
In online Baccarat, the software handles the dealing automatically, so you don’t need to memorise these rules. However, knowing why a card was drawn adds to the excitement.
The Player’s Hand Rules:
- 0–5: Player draws a third card.
- 6–7: Player stands.
- 8–9: “Natural” – Both hands stand.
The Banker’s Hand Rules: If the Player stood (didn’t take a card), the Banker plays by the same simple rules: Draw on 0-5, Stand on 6-7.
If the Player did take a third card, the Banker’s move depends on what that specific card was.
- Banker 0-2: Always draws.
- Banker 3: Draws unless Player’s third card was an 8.
- Banker 4: Draws if Player’s third card was 2-7.
- Banker 5: Draws if Player’s third card was 4-7.
- Banker 6: Draws if Player’s third card was 6 or 7.
- Banker 7: Always stands.
Baccarat Variations You Will Find Online
Variations include:
- Punto Banco – The most common online version; the house handles everything.
- Chemin de Fer – Rare online; players take turns being the Banker.
- Mini Baccarat – A faster, lower-stakes version of Punto Banco.
- Live Speed Baccarat – Cards are dealt faster than standard live games—great for experienced players.
Common Baccarat Side Bets Explained
While the main game offers the best odds, many UK players enjoy “Side Bets” for the chance of bigger payouts. These are optional wagers played alongside your main hand.
- Player Pair / Banker Pair (11:1): You bet that the first two cards dealt to the Player or Banker will form a pair (e.g., two Kings).
- Perfect Pair (25:1): A bet that the first two cards will be identical in both rank and suit (e.g., two King of Spades).
- Either Pair (5:1): A safer bet that pays out if either the Player or Banker holds a pair.
- Dragon Bonus: A popular side bet that pays out based on the margin of victory. For example, if your chosen hand wins by 9 points (Non-Natural), the payout can be as high as 30:1.
Pro Tip: Side bets are high-volatility. They offer excitement and big wins, but they typically carry a much higher House Edge than the main game. Play them sparingly!
Explore the topic of bonuses further by reading High Roller Strategies: Maximising Your Wins in Online Casinos.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
While baccarat is luck-driven, some tactical play can improve your odds:
- Bet on Banker: Always your best shot—the Banker wins slightly more often than the Player.
- Avoid Tie Bets: They may offer high payouts, but the odds are low. They’re a classic rookie trap.
- Stick to One Bet Type: Switching constantly can lead to chaotic, emotional betting. Keep it consistent.
- Use Betting Systems Cautiously: Martingale and Paroli’s strategies can help with structure, but they don’t change your odds. Don’t chase losses.
Online Vs Offline Baccarat
Playing online is quicker, quieter, and more flexible. Offline baccarat has the charm of atmosphere, real chips, and tuxedos—but online baccarat removes the pressure, lowers the stakes, and offers bonus features you won’t find in a physical casino.
“Online baccarat gives players freedom to play at their own pace—whether you’re betting £1 or £100. That’s part of what makes it such a strong entry point for new players.”
— Michael Brown, Co-Owner of The Casino Count
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be exciting—but it should never be overwhelming. Here’s how to play responsibly:
- Set time and money limits before you start
- Never chase your losses
- Avoid playing when emotional, tired, or under the influence
- Use self-exclusion tools or deposit caps offered by your casino
- Reach out for help—services like BeGambleAware.org offer support 24/7
Remember: the casino is entertainment, not income.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Baccarat
Is online Baccarat rigged?
No, provided you play at a UK-licensed casino. Legitimate online casinos use a Random Number Generator (RNG) for virtual games, which is independently tested for fairness. Live Dealer games are streamed in real-time, allowing you to see the cards being dealt from a fresh shoe, ensuring total transparency.
Can I count cards in online Baccarat?
Card counting is generally ineffective in online Baccarat. In virtual (RNG) games, the deck is “shuffled” after every hand. Even in Live Dealer games, the shoe is usually changed when there are still many cards left (the cut card penetration is low), making counting impossible to use for an advantage.
What is the best strategy for beginners?
The “Banker” bet is statistically the best strategy due to its low house edge of 1.06%. A common strategy for beginners is “Flat Betting,” where you bet the same amount consistently on the Banker, rather than chasing losses with complex progressive systems.
What is “Commission Free” Baccarat?
This is a popular variation found online where the 5% commission on Banker wins is removed. However, there is a catch: if the Banker wins with a specific score (usually a total of 6), the payout is only 0.5:1 (50% of your bet) instead of 1:1.
Continue Your Learning Journey
If you enjoyed learning baccarat, you’ll love the rest of our how-to guides:
- How To Play Texas Hold’em In An Online Casino
- How To Play Roulette In An Online Casino
- How To Play Slots In An Online Casino
- How To Play Blackjack In An Online Casino
- How To Play Craps In An Online Casino
- Beginner’s Corner: How To Play Online Casino Games
You can also find bonus guides, safety tips, and exclusive offers on The Casino Count Blog.
Final Thoughts
Baccarat may look intimidating at first glance, but once you get past the glossy surface, it’s one of the simplest and most thrilling games online. No complicated decisions. No learning curves like poker. Just you, the cards, and the chance to predict the outcome.
Play sensibly and stay within your limits, and baccarat offers a rich and rewarding experience—especially online.
