Play Baccarat Online at the Best Sites in New Zealand

Want information on how to play baccarat online, if you are based in New Zealand? You are in the right place. Here we will explain all you need to know about the game, from its origins to the many different versions available at online casinos and the best strategies to use when playing. We also provide advice about finding the best baccarat casino for New Zealand players so that you know exactly where to get started.

An Introduction to Online Baccarat

The game of Baccarat originated in Italy in the 15th century and soon spread to France, where it became hugely popular with the aristocracy. It wasn’t until the 20th century that baccarat truly reached the masses, but today it is one of the most popular casino card games around.

The game is played at a distinctive table that typically seats up to 14 players, with positions numbered 1 to 15 (number 13 is skipped due to superstition). The layout is split into three main betting areas: one for the Player, one for the Banker, and one for a Tie. Each player places their chips in one of these areas before the cards are dealt. The dealer handles the cards, and players simply bet on which hand will come closest to a total of 9. In online versions, the table is often displayed from a top-down perspective, with digital chips and simple controls for placing bets.

How to Play Online Baccarat – The Basics

It is very easy to learn how to play baccarat online casino games. In the most widely played version of baccarat, punto banco, the game follows very simple rules. There are no decisions made by the players other than which position to bet on. The aim is to predict whether the Player hand or the Banker hand will have a total closest to 9 or if the game will end in a Tie.

Two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker hands. If either has a total of 8 or 9, it’s called a “natural” and no more cards are dealt. If neither has a natural, the drawing rules come into play. The Player hand draws a third card if its total is 0–5. If the Player stands (with 6 or 7), the Banker’s move depends on its own total and, in some cases, the Player’s third card.

In online baccarat, just like in the real life version, the card values are straightforward, cards 2–9 are worth their face value, 10s and face cards count as zero, and Aces are worth 1. Only the last digit of the total counts, so a hand of 8 and 7 (totalling 15) is worth 5. Simple, right? Now that you know how to play online baccarat – lets talk about the betting. Bets on the Player hand pay 1:1, Banker bets also pay 1:1 but usually incur a 5% commission due to the slightly better odds, and a Tie bet pays 8:1 or 9:1 depending on the game.

Common Baccarat Variants

While punto banco is the most common version, if you visit a top baccarat casino online, you will find several other baccarat variants. Let us at the GambleOnline team help by highlighting each one’s slight differences in rules and some are only available in land casinos. Below, you can learn about some of the most commonly found baccarat variants.

How to Play Live Baccarat Online

Live baccarat brings the atmosphere of a real casino directly to you, no matter where you are. Instead of using an RNG to determine the outcome of a round, live baccarat features real dealers handling real cards and the action is streamed in high definition from studios run by top software providers such as Evolution, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. Players can interact with the dealers and their fellow players using live chat. Virtual chips are used to place bets, and the live dealer games usually also offer statistical views known as roadmap scorecards, which some players believe can be used to spot patterns.

At a good online baccarat casino, you will find several variants of live baccarat, such as standard Punto Banco, Speed Baccarat, Baccarat Squeeze, and No Commission Baccarat. Some tables also offer side bets, which give players more chances to win. Compared to RNG versions, live baccarat is more immersive and social. It appeals to players who enjoy the casino ambience and seeing the physical cards being dealt. Many live casino games also feature multiple camera angles, close-up card reveals, and professional hosts, all of which add depth to the experience.

RNG Baccarat Games and Their Developers

RNG (Random Number Generator) baccarat was the first form of the game offered online. It delivers fast, automated gameplay without the need for human dealers or video streams. The games are powered by algorithms that ensure fair and random outcomes, and they are ideal for players who prefer a faster, more private gaming experience. There are several software developers that create baccarat games including:

• Evolution Gaming – While it is best known for its live dealer offerings, Evolution also provides RNG baccarat games as part of its “First Person” series. The games feature high-quality 3D graphics and user-friendly interfaces, which allow players to switch easily between RNG and live versions.
• Playtech – One of the most respected iGaming software developers, Playtech has produced several RNG baccarat games. Their versions often include features such as multiple side bets and customisable settings. They also offer excellent live dealer baccarat games suitable for all budgets.
• Pragmatic Play – Pragmatic Play offers several versions of live baccarat for both casual players and high rollers. This developer’s online casino games are feature-rich, with side bets on offer as well as roadmap scorecards. Furthermore, at every table, players are given the choice of regular baccarat or no commission baccarat.
• NetEnt – NetEnt is widely respected for its high-quality graphics and well-designed games. Their RNG baccarat titles, such as Baccarat Pro, provide a classic experience with customisable betting options to ensure they are suitable for all budgets. Furthermore, they offer payouts of 9:1 for Tie bets, making the games particularly player-friendly.
• Switch Studios – Switch Studios is part of Games Global (which purchased Microgaming’s catalogue of games) and it upholds all of the high standards the developer is so well known for. It offers realistic RNG baccarat titles complete with useful functions such as bet history and statistical analysis.

How to Play Baccarat on Mobile

Mobile baccarat lets you play baccarat online directly from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re using iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, the vast majority of online casinos now offer fully optimised mobile versions of their baccarat games online. Some casinos are available directly through a browser while others offer a dedicated downloadable app.

Mobile baccarat games are designed with touchscreen controls, simplified menus, and responsive layouts to suit smaller screens. While desktop versions often offer more detailed visuals and features such as multiple camera angles in live dealer games, mobile versions focus on speed, accessibility, and ease of use.

There are very few differences between playing mobile baccarat via an app or a web browser. An app does provide faster access and offers advantages such as push notifications for special offers. However, playing through a browser will not require any storage space, so it may be preferable for some. All of our recommended casinos have excellent mobile offerings allowing you to play with ease no matter where you are, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

Baccarat Online Strategies

You are probably wondering how to win baccarat online and although baccarat is a game of fixed rules with minimal player decisions, there are still some strategies that can help you win more consistently when playing baccarat online. While you can’t influence the cards, understanding the odds and knowing where to place your bets can help you play more effectively. Below are some straightforward strategies to consider when playing baccarat online.

Bet on the Banker

Statistically, the Banker bet is the best option in standard baccarat. It wins slightly more often than the Player bet, around 45.86% of the time compared to 44.62%. Even with the usual 5% commission on Banker wins, this bet still has the lowest house edge at around 1.06%. Most experienced players stick with the Banker, especially for longer sessions, as it offers the most consistent returns.

Avoid the Tie Bet

The Tie bet may offer high payouts (typically 8:1 or 9:1), but it comes with a much higher house edge, over 14%. The chance of both hands tying is relatively low, and this bet is rarely worth the risk. Most players avoid it altogether to preserve their bankroll and focus on the more reliable Banker and Player options.

Be Cautious with No Commission Baccarat

In No Commission Baccarat, the 5% fee on Banker wins is removed, which sounds appealing, but there’s a catch. If the Banker wins with a total of 6, the payout is usually reduced (usually to 0.5:1). This adjustment keeps the house edge the same and slightly weakens the strength of the Banker bet. In this version, the Player bet becomes equally viable, so the usual “always bet on Banker” strategy doesn’t apply as reliably.

Stick with a Streak

Some players like to follow trends, betting on the same outcome repeatedly if it has hit several times in a row. While baccarat outcomes are random and past results don’t affect future hands, this pattern-based approach can help keep your betting consistent. Similarly, many players will employ a betting system, such as the Martingale or Paroli.

Know When to Stop

A vital strategy is proper bankroll management. Baccarat is fast-paced, so it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Set spending limits before you play and also consider time limits and win limits. Stick to these limits and be sure to take breaks. Knowing when to walk away is perhaps the most important thing of all.

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