Baccarat is the most popular table game in online casinos, consistently dominating the gaming tables compared to other games like Roulette, Sic Bo, or Blackjack. Its widespread appeal has led casinos to develop various online Baccarat variations to provide diverse and exciting experiences for players in the Philippines and worldwide.
In this article, Phwin will explore the most popular Baccarat variations and beloved online Baccarat variations currently available at Philippine online casinos.
The Popularity of Baccarat at Online Casinos
Baccarat’s dominance in online casinos is evident from the following statistics:
- It accounted for 88% of revenue in Macau casinos before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In Las Vegas, Baccarat generated over $1 billion in revenue, making up 45% of total table game revenues, largely driven by high rollers from Asia.
- Baccarat tables often attract high-stakes players, with bets ranging from $100,000 to $1 million per round.
- Baccarat is particularly beloved by Asian players, especially those from China.
How to Play Traditional Online Baccarat
The gameplay of online Baccarat closely resembles the local Bài Cào game in the Philippines. It uses multiple standard 52-card decks without jokers.
Each round offers three primary betting options:
- Player (Blue): The Player’s hand has a total closer to 9 than the Banker’s hand.
- Banker (Red): The Banker’s hand has a total closer to 9 than the Player’s hand.
- Tie (Green): Both hands have the same total.
Additional side bets may be available depending on the casino and variation. If your chosen outcome is correct, you win; otherwise, you lose your bet. Typically, Banker bets offer a payout ratio of 1:0.95.
Top 4 Online Baccarat Variations
Aside from the traditional version, here are the four most popular Baccarat variations found at online casinos, often featured on tables by Pragmatic Play, a renowned casino game provider.
1. Fortune 6 Baccarat
This variation revolves around the lucky number 6, introducing new betting options:
| Bet | Description | Payout |
| Lucky Player Pair | Player’s first two cards form a pair of the same value or suit. | Varies |
| Lucky Banker Pair | Banker’s first two cards form a pair of the same value or suit. | Varies |
| Player 6 | Player wins with 6 points. Bet refunded if Banker also has 6 points. | 1:14 |
| Banker 6 | Banker wins with 6 points. Bet refunded if Player also has 6 points. | 1:16 |
Fortune 6 Payouts:
| Condition | Payout |
| 1 card with 6 | 1:3 |
| 2 cards with 6 | 1:30 |
| 3 cards with 6 | 1:120 |
2. Super 8 Baccarat
This variation features side bets tied to totals of 8 rather than the number itself.
| Bet | Condition | Payout |
| Supreme Player/Banker Pair | First two cards form a pair of 4s (♦ suits earn higher payouts). | Varies |
| Super 8 | Player or Banker wins/ties/loses with a natural 8. | Varies |
3. Mega Baccarat
A unique variation featuring a dice roll to determine payout multipliers for the main bets (Player, Banker, Tie).
- Commission: 20% (e.g., a $1,000 bet costs $1,200 total).
- Multiplier Range: x2 to x100 applied when the dice total equals 8 or 9.
While the possibility of high multipliers is enticing, the actual odds are around 18% for an 8 or 9 dice roll, combined with a 50% chance of winning Player/Banker bets.
Example Scenario
If you bet ₱1,000,000 on the Player and win, and the dice roll shows 3 and 6 (a total of 9), your winnings will be multiplied by 3. This gives you ₱3,000,000 in winnings. However, with a 20% commission, ₱600,000 will be deducted, leaving you with a net total of ₱2,400,000 in profit.
Although the potential to win big with multipliers up to x100 sounds exciting, it’s important to consider the risks. First, the probability of rolling an 8 or 9 on the dice is only about 18% (2 out of 11 possible outcomes). On top of this, you still need to win your bet on the Player or Banker, which has a roughly 50% chance per round.
Finally, the majority of multiplier outcomes are only around x2 or x3, meaning you would need to play for an extended period and rely on luck to land a higher multiplier. Don’t forget the 20% commission is significantly higher compared to standard Baccarat games.
Despite these considerations, Mega Baccarat remains an exciting variation with its unique double-result feature and potential payouts of up to x100. It’s an excellent choice for players who enjoy thrill and high-stakes gameplay.
=> Read more: Improve Your Chances Of Winning Scratchcards with 9 Tips.
4. Mega Sic Baccarat
As the name suggests, this is a hybrid of Baccarat and Sic Bo. Instead of cards, dice rolls determine the outcome for Player and Banker bets.
Dynamic Multipliers: Random multipliers are applied to specific bets each round, adding excitement.
=> Read more: Guide to Win Baccarat Online Easily at PHWIN
Other Considerations at the Baccarat Table
Commission and Non-Commission Baccarat Tables
There is a significant difference between commission and non-commission Baccarat games. Commission tables require players to pay a 5% fee to the house on every successful Banker bet.
Non-commission Baccarat tables, on the other hand, pay out Banker wins at 1:1 instead of the typical 95:100. This substantially reduces the house edge for this popular bet option.
Progressive Baccarat Games
Unlike Bull Bull, some online casinos are known to offer “progressive” Baccarat tables. These games feature progressive bets with the potential for large payouts.
For example, there’s a progressive side bet known as the “Triple Match Return” available on certain Baccarat tables. While this may lower the game’s return to player (RTP) percentage, it can be an enticing option if you enjoy chasing big wins.
The Triple Match Return bet requires you to be dealt three 3s in diamonds (3♦, 3♦, 3♦). If this happens while you’ve placed the progressive side bet, you’ll win the displayed jackpot amount.
Live Dealer vs. Standard Online Baccarat
You’ll also need to decide whether to play standard online Baccarat or a real-time game managed by a live dealer. Live dealer casino games are generally run similarly to games played in traditional casinos. The primary difference is that they are conducted online, which may introduce variations in procedures.
As the saying goes, “Every casino is different“. While all have their own policies and procedures, the core gameplay of Baccarat remains the same.
The key decision revolves around the pace of your Baccarat sessions. Live dealer games with multiple human players at your table tend to be slower in terms of hands per hour. This is because the dealer must allow each player time to act and place bets.
If you’re short on time, standard online Baccarat games powered by independently verified random number generators (RNGs) offer a reliable alternative. These are ideal for players who prefer not to have a live casino experience on their desktop or mobile devices.
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Conclusion of Popular Baccarat Variations
If you find traditional Baccarat gameplay too familiar or mundane, these four exciting variations offer fresh experiences. With diverse betting options and dynamic rules, Phwin is sure to add a new layer of excitement to your Baccarat sessions. Good luck and happy winning!
