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February 12th, 2026
Baccarat: from royal courts to modern casinos
An iconic table game, baccarat has crossed the centuries without ever losing its aura. Long associated with aristocratic circles, private lounges, and hushed tables, it’s now an integral part of modern casinos, both land-based and online. From its European origins to its global success, including Macau and pop culture, dive into the history of baccarat, a game that has evolved while preserving its identity.
The origins of baccarat
Baccarat is a card game built on a simple principle: placing a stake on the hand that comes closest to the number 9. The first written record of the game dates back to 1822 in Marseille. At that time, baccarat mainly developed in southwestern France, particularly around Bordeaux, before gaining popularity in other regions.
One legend suggests the game was brought over from Italy at the end of the 15th century, but this theory remains widely disputed. What is certain is that baccarat quickly established itself as a favorite among the bourgeoisie and private gaming circles.
From private play to aristocratic circles
Before the official legalization of casinos in France, baccarat was mostly played in private gaming circles. It became a symbol of social distinction, appreciated for its calm pace and refined atmosphere. The oldest form of the game is Baccarat Banque, a three-player game. Later came Chemin de Fer, a variant where players take turns acting as the Banker. These versions helped shape the image of a game reserved for an elite. Baccarat established itself as a prestige game, balancing minimal strategy with pure chance.
The rise of modern baccarat: Punto Banco
A major turning point came in the 20th century with the emergence of Baccarat Punto Banco. This version developed in Havana in the late 1930s and marked a significant shift. In Punto Banco, the player places a stake on either the Player hand or the Banker hand.
This simplification made baccarat more accessible and contributed to its international expansion, particularly in American casinos and later in online casinos.
Baccarat rules in a few words
Baccarat is generally played with six to eight standard 52-card decks. Two hands are dealt: the Player hand and the Banker hand.
Card values are specific:
- Ace = 1 point
- Cards from 2 to 9 = face value
- 10, Jack, Queen, King = 0 points
Cards are added together, and only the units digit is kept. The hand closest to 9 wins.
Players can place a stake on:
- the Player winning,
- the Banker winning,
- a tie.
From prestige to accessibility
Today, baccarat is no longer reserved for private lounges. Thanks to modern casinos and online casinos, it’s accessible to a much wider audience. Whether played in its classic version, in live casino format, or in faster-paced variants, baccarat has stood the test of time by adapting to new forms of entertainment without abandoning its heritage.
You can find our different baccarat games in the Table Games category at Casino1.
FAQ – Everything you need to know about baccarat
Can you play baccarat at Casino1?
Yes. Casino1 offers several baccarat versions available online, letting you discover this iconic game in a modern, smooth environment designed for online gambling.
Is baccarat at Casino1 suitable for beginners?
Yes. Thanks to its simple rules and clear flow, baccarat is easy to pick up. At Casino1, essential information is available directly in the game rules to guide players as they discover the game.
What is Baccarat Punto Banco?
Punto Banco is the most widely played version today. Players place a stake on either the Player hand or the Banker hand.
Why is baccarat so popular in modern casinos?
Baccarat combines clear rules, a fast pace, and an immersive atmosphere. These qualities explain its lasting success in both land-based and online casinos, including at Casino1.