Of all the casino games, baccarat remains the most enduring, often drawing elegant crowds. So, when the switch to digital casino games came, it was a foregone conclusion that Punto Banco Baccarat would serve as the centerpiece of the table game ensemble. Thanks to technology, Punto Banco has never been more popular and rewarding. Get to know the many splendors of the classic and elegant Punto Banco Baccarat game at online casinos.
The Origins of Punto Banco Baccarat
Punto Banco is the oldest and most enduring of the baccarat games. The term “Punto Banco” refers to the player and the banker. The player’s and banker’s bets are essential to succeeding at Punto Banco. Even displayed in elegant Hollywood films like Dr. No, Punto Banco Baccarat dates back to Italy in the 15th century. Many baccarat experts like to believe that its roots started with tarot cards.
However, the name baccarat means zero, which comes from the Italian word baccara. After debuting in Italy, it didn’t take long for Punto Banco Baccarat to become a smash hit in France. In the 19th century in France, the French royal and noble class adopted Punto Banco as the widely popular Chemin de Fer variant. With Chemin de Fer, a player takes turns serving as the player and the banker and is the one who controls the shoe. The shoe is where the dealer passes the card to the baccarat players.
Game Variations of Punto Banco Baccarat
With the rise of online casinos starting in the mid-90s, casino game developers got their first crack at developing and launching a digital form of Punto Banco for players to enjoy. However, due to the technological limitations of the early Flash technology, the results were less than flattering.
Thanks to the switch to HTML5 technology and the rise of American iGaming, the top developers like Playtech and Evolution Gaming revolutionized the online baccarat experience. Players can still play an incredible and realistic hand of Punto Banco Baccarat with the live dealer at real money online casinos.
However, the live dealer options now have so many engaging variants for Punto Banco. One fan favorite is live Squeeze Baccarat. Squeeze Baccarat is a more dramatic form of Punto Banco, which follows all of the main rules and bets. The fun distinction is how the dealer takes their time turning over and revealing the cards to heighten the drama.
Speed Baccarat is another live dealer game that follows the traditional Punto Banco game. As the title suggests, speed is of the essence because most playing hands finish in 30 seconds or less.
With Dragon Tiger Baccarat, the popular side bet now has its own live version of the game. While not as fast as Speed Baccarat, Dragon Tiger is also a faster version of Punto Banco Baccarat. The notable difference is that only two cards are dealt. One card goes for the dragon and the other for the tiger. Bet if the cards are a tie or which one is higher to win.
Progressive Baccarat is the latest version of Punto Banco. In fact, it is exactly like Punto Banco, except you can win the progressive jackpot. Those who have the extra funds can make a side bet to possibly win a six- or seven-figure progressive jackpot.
How to Play Punto Banco Baccarat?
Punto Banco is a remarkably simple game to play. The goal is to have a playing hand that equals nine, which is a natural winner, or one that is as close to nine. Fundamentally, Punto Banco gives players the choice of the player, banker, and tie bet. Betting on the player means you believe the player’s hand will be the highest, and vice versa for the banker. Baccarat also offers the rare tie bet where you bet on the banker’s and the player’s playing hand is equal.
Unlike blackjack, you don’t have to worry about busting. In fact, Punto Banco Baccarat counts all tens and face cards as zero. Aces only count for one point, while the other cards count straight up. So, if it appears you have a playing hand worth ten or more points, you drop the first number, so the second number becomes the new value.
Chances of Winning at a Glance
The house edge plays an essential role in choosing which bet to make with Punto Banco. The banker’s bet is the most favorable, thanks to its 1.05% house edge. Some live Punto Banco variants offer no commission, meaning if the banker’s bet pays off, the house edge falls to 1% or even 0.5%. The player’s bet is also favorable at 1.25%.
Of all the bets, the tie is the most risky. The tie bet averages 14.35%, so use it sparingly.
No matter which route you go, Punto Banco Baccarat is ultimately decided by random.
To ease your mind about fair game results, the top game developers use a certified random number generator to ensure fair and transparent game results. Also, most online casinos offer friendly bonuses like reloads and cashback to help you enjoy Punto Banco Baccarat.
