The Best Online Casinos for Macau Baccarat in 2025
Being a game based on chance rather than skill, Macau Baccarat has become the game of choice for high- and low-rollers alike. Fun to play and straightforward to understand, it offers plenty of thrills, which is why it's fast becoming one of the most popular table games in the world, especially in Asia!
How To Play Macau Baccarat
Macau baccarat is often used as a term for Punto Banco Baccarat, which has surged in popularity over the years – so much so that it has overtaken other versions of real-money baccarat, reigning supreme as the players’ choice.
Let’s get the basics straightened out first. Baccarat is a card game involving two card hands belonging to the ‘Banker’ and the ‘Player’, with three possible outcomes for each round of play, or ‘coup’: a win, a loss, or a draw.
In more historic versions of the game, players have a choice in how to play when dealt their particular hand, whereas in Punto Banco or Macau baccarat, the player simply chooses which of the two hands to gamble on, with the casino playing out the game according to a fixed set of rules.
An important distinctionIn Macau Baccarat, the game is much more about chance, with players backing one of two hands (the ‘Player’ hand or the ‘Banker’ hand) dealt out by a casino and played through according to a tableau, which is a fixed set of rules.
Yes, this does mean that the game’s actual player may not be betting on the ‘Player’ hand. We know it’s confusing but, hey, we didn’t make the rules!
A Typical Game
Here’s a sample of what a typical game of Macau Baccarat might look like.
- At the beginning of the coup or round, a croupier draws four cards from multiple decks shuffled into one.
- The croupier places the cards, face down, on the table in front of them. There will be two cards each for the ‘player’ and the ‘banker’.
- Gamblers are given the option to bet on which hand they think will win at this point. Different games will offer different game options.
- Bets are closed, and the cards are revealed.
- A third card may be added to either the ‘player’ hand, ‘banker’ hand, or both, depending on the tableau.
- The final points are counted, and winnings are dealt out to gamblers who correctly predicted the winning hand.
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- Accepts players from Singapore
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Macau Baccarat Rules
Now that you know what to expect in a typical round of Macau Baccarat, you might want to know the inner workings of the rule system behind all of the croupier’s moves. That’s exactly what we’ll give you below.
Cards & Point System
The aim of the game is to achieve a score as close to nine as possible. This is the highest score possible in Macau baccarat and is calculated by adding up the cards dealt out to the players. Players are initially dealt two cards, with a third dealt out depending on that particular card hand’s score, and according to the aforementioned tableau.
- Cards 2-9 are worth their face value in points.
- Aces are worth 1 point.
- 10s, Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 0 points.
- Jokers are not used.
But wait! – you might be asking. How can the highest score be 9 if, for example you’re dealt a 7 and a 4? That’s where the Modulo 10 counting system comes in.
Consulting the Tableau
In Punto Banco or Macau Baccarat, the ‘Player’ and the ‘Banker’ are simply two card hands which the real player, who we’ll call the gambler, chooses to bet on.
Since there are no real players behind the banker’s hand and the player’s hand, the moves are calculated using a ruleset known as the tableau. Here’s a simplified version of it:
- If either the ‘Player’ or the ‘Banker’ draw cards which add up to eight or nine in the first round (coup), this is called a natural. Any hand that draws a natural does not draw more cards from the deck.
The Tableau for the ‘player’ hand:
The player hand is the one on which the tableau acts on first.
- If a player’s first two cards add up to five points or fewer, then another card is added to that hand.
- If a player’s first two cards add up to six or seven, then they stand, with that being their final score for the coup.
The Tableau for the ‘banker’ hand:
The ‘banker’ hand has to adhere to a more complex rule set. This means that gamblers betting on this hand may have more of a surprise up their alley, adding to the excitement of the game.
The rules for the banker are dependent on the total number of points formed by both the ‘Banker’ hand and the ‘Player’ hand.
For a banker hand total of:
- Two or fewer: the banker gets a third card, whatever the player hand’s total is
- Three: the banker gets a third card except when the player hand’s total is 8
- Four: the banker gets a third card if the player’s third card is 2-7
- Five: the banker gets a third card if the player’s third card is 4-7
- Six: the banker gets a third card if the player’s third card is a 6 or a 7
- Seven: the banker stands
Macau Baccarat vs Traditional Baccarat: What’s the Difference?
There are some subtle variations between Macau Baccarat and more familiar table games, such as Punto Banco. In essence, these differences come down to the side bets and the way the dealer looks at their cards.
Third Card Rule
As in traditional live baccarat games, a third card is sometimes drawn depending on the Player or Banker’s cards.
The Player must draw if they have 0-5. The Banker must draw another card if their total is 0, 1 or 2. In addition, the Banker must draw a third card if the Player’s third card shows a specific value:
Banker’s Total 4: Banker draws if Player’s 3rd card is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
Banker’s Total 5: Banker draws if Player’s 3rd card is 4, 5, 6, or 7
Banker’s Total 6: Banker draws if Player’s 3rd card is 6 or 7
Side Bets
Macau-style baccarat online often features special side bets you won’t find in traditional games. The Dragon 7 bonuses pay 40/1 or 100/1. In the Baccarat Macau game from LiveG24, you can also place additional side bets, including:
● Big Total (all cards total more than 4 – pays 0.54/1)
● Perfect Pair (first two cards have same value and suit – pays 25/1)
● Either Pair (first two cards are same value – pays 5/1)
● Bonus Player (special bet on winning margin – pays 1/1 to 30/1)
● Bonus Banker (special bet on winning margin – pays 1/1 to 30/1)
Squeeze Baccarat
Squeeze Baccarat is a huge casino favourite in Macau, and luckily, you can find it at many of the best casinos online. In this version, there is an added ritual where the dealer will slowly reveal the value of the cards by either bending, twisting or turning them. You can even try out Controlled Squeeze games and be in charge of the reveal yourself!
No Commission
Traditionally, Macau Baccarat is played without a commission. That means you aren’t playing against the casino, but rather another player acting as Banker.
Macau Baccarat Tips
Now you know how to play baccarat Macau-style, how about some tips on winning?
- Avoid the tie bet: A bet on the two hands ending in a Tie pays a whopping 8/1. However, the house edge is an equally eye-watering 14.61%, so you should steer well clear of this bet.
- Stick to the Banker bet in commission games: By far the smartest wager to make in Macau Baccarat is the Banker bet. Although the house edge is a favourable 1.06% in a commission game, be wary of the edge in a No Commission Baccarat – surprisingly, it jumps to 1.46%.
- Avoid the side bets: Macau-style baccarat games offer a wealth of side-bet action. But while the payouts can seem generous, they should generally be avoided. The house edge on the Dragon 7 bonus, for example, is a huge 7.61%.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose: Good bankroll management is advisable whether you’re working out baccarat odds or playing two tables at once. Only bet with money you can afford to lose and stick to low-edge bets, such as the Banker. You should also look at the minimum bet on offer. Live dealer games such as EZ Baccarat and Live Squeeze Baccarat sometimes carry larger minimum wagers when compared to traditional computerised baccarat games. - Claim a casino bonus: Most online casinos offer bonuses and promotions – you can even unlock free cash by playing eligible baccarat games and accruing points. Redeem your points for cash and unearth additional benefits, such as access to a VIP manager.
Other Versions of Baccarat
Baccarat is one of the most popular table games across the world. In 2020 in Asia, for example, Macau’s casinos brought in over 26bn patacas ($3bn) on VIP baccarat alone. But there are other versions you can try out, too!
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Punto Banco Baccarat
Punto Banco, which is Macau Baccarat itself, is the most common form of the game online. While it is easy to play, you should watch out for the 5% commission taken on a winning Banker bet. In addition, there are no side bets available to place.
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Baccarat Banque
Baccarat Banque is less common than traditional baccarat games. It’s played with three decks and is aimed more towards high rollers. If you bid the most before the deal, you will be awarded the role of Banker.
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Chemin de Fer
Chemin de Fer is an exciting alternative to Macau Baccarat, where up to 12 players can compete against one another to achieve the best hand.
Macau Baccarat Game Providers
You can enjoy Macau Baccarat or Asian-style versions of the game from many of the top gambling providers.
Vivo Gaming is one of the leading live casino providers for Asian-style table games apart from baccarat, such as Dragon Tiger and sic bo, among other exciting titles.
LiveG24 produces dozens of live casino games, complete with customisable backdrops and multilingual dealers. They have created several Macau-style titles, including Live Macau Baccarat and Live Baccarat Controlled Squeeze.
Live Solutions is a unique live dealer operator that focuses on player and dealer interaction, allowing you to interact and chat with other players face to face when playing baccarat.
Leading developer Playtech has a long history of producing live baccarat games, such as its Prestige Baccarat title. As well as a Chinese backdrop, this game utilises the ‘Squeeze’ feature with special close-up camera views.
Our Verdict
Now you know how to play Macau Baccarat and win, why not set up an account and get started? As a fast, fun casino game that also offers a low house edge and plenty of side bet action, it's fair to say that you'll be highly entertained all throughout. Simply refer to our list of recommended casinos at the beginning of this article, choose your favourite site, register, and begin playing!
Macau Baccarat FAQs
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At Top 10-CasinoSites, we only recommend the best! If you're looking for the ultimate Macau Baccarat experience online, we'd single out 22Bet, King Billy, and 1xBet.
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Most online casinos offer live dealer games based on Macau-style baccarat. However, you can find computerised versions of Dragon Bonus Baccarat too.
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Yes. The Macau Baccarat table limits will be displayed in the casino lobby or on the game screen. You’ll also find a baccarat rules chart to read before you play.
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Macau-style baccarat is popular at most Asian casinos in destinations, such as Vietnam and Singapore. The game is less common in Europe.
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Absolutely. Table games are offered at legitimate online casinos which have been properly licensed in jurisdictions such as Malta and the UK. Software is audited and player funds are properly segregated.