The casino game, baccarat, may be less popular than other casino games such as roulette and blackjack, but it has definitely achieved an incredible following of fans that total literally millions from around the globe. This simple to learn card game has its roots steeped deep in 15th century Europe and is considered to be an elegant game that has stood the test of time.
Here are some interesting facts that I bet you didn’t know about baccarat:
1. The game of choice among high rollers at Las Vegas casinos is baccarat. Loaded players are drawn to the high betting limits and top prizes that can be won, as well as the exclusive reputation that baccarat enjoys. It is not rare to find players wagering on $100,000 hands – certainly not a pastime for the faint-hearted! As an aside, over 70% of the high rollers who visit the casino floors at Vegas casinos are of Asian origin.
2. Baccarat offers a great value bet – with odds on the banker bet (in 6 or 8 deck baccarat) only 1.06%. It is not surprising then, to learn that the famous Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, lost a staggering $55 million at its baccarat tables to high roller players in the months October and November, 1997! In the same vein, on the first night that baccarat was offered at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the casino lost $250,000. Also, baccarat – in its multiplayer form - was shown to be the best returning game at the Sands in the year 2002, with figures of a very impressive 98.5%.
3. Baccarat (or chemin-de-fer) enjoys popular representation in mainstream culture. The game is a firm favorite for Ian Fleming’s James Bond, and the secret agent is regularly featured in movies such as Casino Royale playing the game in one format or another. Other 007 movies where the game features include Dr. No, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and For Your Eyes Only.
4. Baccarat enjoyed a fantastic growth in popularity with the advent of online gambling, and it is one of the more popular games among internet punters at some of the best online casinos in the market today. Online baccarat is very easy to play and has great returns!
Tags: baccarat, casino games, high rollers, vegas
