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Baccarat will Always Mean Classy
Baccarat's reputation for being a posh and fancy game has more to do with presentation than fact. When baccarat is depicted in movies or photographs, the scene usually features a guy outfitted with a tux and a drink and a woman who is always gowned and bejeweled. Reality is a tad different, yet casinos do everything they can to nurture the aura of exclusivity and Baccarat will probably never shake its special status. Baccarat's history is shrouded in obscurity, which only adds to its mystique. Baccarat was invented in Italy in the 15th century; it has, of course, changed over the years and is constantly evolving. The word "baccarat" (the "t" is silent) is derived from the Italian word 'baccara," meaning zero, and refers to the zero value given to all of the face cards and tens.
Real Money Baccarat Gains Popularity
In Europe, the game of baccarat remains one of the most popular casino games. In the U.S. it is overshadowed by the casino giants - blackjack, slots, and poker. Nonetheless, in the States and the world over, real money Baccarat is gaining in popularity all the time, due mostly to the advent of online gambling.
Baccarat Variations
There are three common variants of baccarat (and many lesser-known versions): Chemin de Fer (sometimes known French baccarat or railway), Baccarat Banque (a.k.a. deux tableau) and Punto Banco (also known as North American baccarat). Punto Banco is probably the most popular form of baccarat; it was developed in Cuba and is similar to American baccarat in that the casino always banks the game. Punto Banco can be played at different sized tables - mini Punto Banco baccarat has 7 players; midi Punto Banco has 9 players; and large Punto Banco has 14 players.
Online Gambling has Changed the Face of Baccarat Forever
Despite Baccarat's reputation as a game for the wealthy, baccarat came down to the masses about 10 years ago, along with the advent of online gambling. Now, with wagers starting as low as $1, regular folks from all walks of life can enjoy playing baccarat for real money. Baccarat is one of the best casino games available in terms of odds and ease. The object of the game is simple: players bet on either of two hands dealt on the table, the player or the banker. The hand that comes closer to 9 wins. Baccarat has a very low house edge. If you bet on the player, the house edge is about 1.36%; if you bet on the banker the edge is an even better 1.17%. (There is a small "tax" to compensate for that difference.)
Baccarat is Perfect for Online Gambling
Despite online baccarat's populist approach, casino baccarat still fosters the air of glamour. Most baccarat areas are discretely sealed off (imagine red velvet ropes and you'll get the picture), the dealers are dressed in tuxedoes and the players are dressed to kill. In reality, though, baccarat is just a game of luck - a glorified slot game, if you will. The fact that it is so easy to learn has made its transition to the Internet a huge success. Millions of gamblers who would never have played baccarat otherwise, are playing real money baccarat; it has had a major rebirth in the last ten years, thanks to the explosion known as online gambling.
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