Italy
It has been said the game was first played with a Tarot deck in
the Middle Ages in Italy Before long it had migrated to Frances
where it was popular with the aristocracy.
France
This French version evolved into "Chemin de Fer', the main
difference between Chemin de fer and main stream baccarat is one
of the players banks the game instead of the casino, the casino
taking a commision of course.
Britain
A game simular to Chemin de fer called Super Pan 9 is played in
some British casinos, banks are not allowed to exceed house limits
and 5% commision is charged on winning bets. The modern game of
Baccarat as we know it originated in Great Britain, where it is
also know as Punto Banco.
Everywhere
It was then passed along to most of the British Empire and South
America and finally to Nevada. The infamous Dunes casino introduced
baccarat in the late 50's, and since then it has made its final
migration online.
Baccarat is an international game being very popular among the Asian
population who visit Las Vegas each year. The highest of the high
rollers often come from overseas to try their hand under the chandeliers
of the stylish Vegas baccarat rooms. In casinos based in the Portuguese
territory of Macao, near Hong Kong, the popularity of baccarat is
unrivaled. Unlike the heavily ordered and systematic American casinos,
these Portuguese tables often allow multiple players to bet on a
single spot at the same time, while the expert dealers mentally
keep track of each players commission on winning bank bets.
For information on strategies to apply and the odds on winning
visit our Baccarat
Odds page.