History Of Baccarat

Most Canadians are already familiar with the game of baccarat, which is popular across the world. The game is in essence similar to blackjack, but with the goal to be as close to 9, as apposed to 21.

The player in baccarat also has no choice as to how a hand is played, but rather simply bets on whether they think the player hand, or dealer hand, will be the winner. Onlookers in baccarat may also bet on a hand being played, even if they are not the current player.

So with the rules of the game now re-established, let’s take a look at how baccarat was created, how it spread across the world, and how it became a game known to be preferred by casino big spenders.

The Birth Of Baccarat

Baccarat was originally created in Italy, first seen in the 1400s. This makes baccarat by far one of the oldest existing modern casino games. There are rumours and various myths that the rules of the game were based around an old Etruscan legend, whereby the fate of virgins was decided by the rolling of a die. If the poor girl threw below a 6, she was cast out to sea and drowned, if she threw a 6 or 7, she was allowed to live but could not take part in religious ceremonies, and if she threw an 8 or a 9 was allowed to become a priestess. That baccarat is based around this legend really it just a myth, however, and little to evidence to suggest this is true. Chances are baccarat was invented like most other casino games; to be fun.

At first an Italian exclusive, baccarat made its way to France, where it became a favourite of King Charles VIII. He and his noblemen friends grew deeply fond of the game, and it quickly spread around the noble class of the entire country. And, since noblemen tended to have a great deal of money in their pockets, the game got a reputation for being preferred by those with a lot to spend, or big spenders, as they are known today. Eventually the game was adopted by French casinos, where it became accessible by the average person. But the game’s reputation for attracting big spenders has remained to this very day.

Modern Baccarat

Of course, you hardly need to be a big spender to enjoy baccarat at a Canadian casino, or at any online Canadian casinos. The game is no more or less demanding on the wallet than many other casino games. But, it is common for casinos, both online and real world, to have areas reserved for high stakes baccarat games. But this is perhaps done to please guests as apposed to being due to any forgone casino rules. Baccarat was, after all, the game played by James Bond in the classic Casino Royale book, so some casino guests must just enjoy feeling like they are on the same big spender level as Mister Bond. Everyone else is happy to play baccarat at a standard table.