Mini Baccarat

There is really nothing “mini” about Mini Baccarat, other than it is somewhat simpler in the mechanics of play. This is because no more than seven players sit around the table, with a single croupier. Thus, the scale of the game is much more like blackjack than traditional Baccarat, which uses an oversized table (for up to 15 players at a time) and the services of three casino staff members.

Mini Baccarat is also the version of Baccarat that most online casinos offer.

The rules of Mini Baccarat are the same as Baccarat in almost every respect. It is essentially American Baccarat played at a table with a reduced table layout and a smaller number of players. An additional benefit for newcomers to the game is that Mini Baccarat tables often provide play at lower betting levels. The tradition or convention of being “dressy” to play Baccarat does not translate over to Mini Baccarat, which is as casual a game as any other in a Las Vegas casino.

Mini Baccarat is different from the large-table variety in one very important respect: In Mini Baccarat the role of banker is not shared with the players, but rather is kept exclusively with the croupier. If one reviews the discussion about the house edge in Baccarat, it becomes clear immediately that this rule worsens the winning prospects for players, when compared with Baccarat. This is because the position of banker, when occupied by a player, offers a nearly even edge with the house, whereas the position of player does not. This is due largely to the fact that ties go to the banker.

As the dealer is always the banker, there is never any need to touch the cards. It may be difficult to establish that habit, but the dealers are accustomed to having to remind newcomers to the game that players do not touch the cards.

The table layout below shows that there are three betting circles for each player, the near one for betting on the player hand, the middle one for betting on the bank, and the farthest one for betting on a tie. Beyond these three betting circles, and in front of the croupier’s position, are the commission boxes so that the dealer can keep track of who owes what to the house. The shoe from which cards are dealt is to the left of the croupier’s seat.

As in Baccarat, the payoff for a winning bet on the Banker hand is 1 to 1. The dealer keeps track of winnings and will collect the house commission when the player cashes in chips.