Where Does Baccarat Come From? Lawrence Dunn, November 6, 2023November 6, 2023 When you think of baccarat, your first thought might be a tuxedo-clad James Bond playing the game in some fancy Monte Carlo casino salon. However, baccarat is actually a very simple and easy to play game that has Italian and French roots. Its history goes back centuries and it has remained popular even in modern casinos and online gambling sites. It is a classic game that has become a part of the culture of many countries. The game has a very simple concept; it is all about who can get closest to nine on the bank, player, or tie bets. The rules are based on an ancient Etruscan legend in which a virgin would have to throw a nine-sided die and the result would determine her fate. If she threw an eight or nine, she would be elevated to priestess status while anyone who threw lower than six was banished to the sea to drown. This is probably where the name comes from. Although there is a lot of debate about the origins of baccarat, it is widely accepted that the game originated in Italy and then moved to France where it became a favorite among the elite. This was the time of the emergence of the life of leisure and this brought new games to the attention of those who could afford to enjoy them. The game evolved into the form we know today but with one important difference; it took on a new name – Chemin de Fer. This game became quite popular in South America and Tommy Renzoni, a Las Vegas hotel owner, brought the game to the US around 1959. It was not very well received at first and it had a slow start but it eventually gained popularity with gamblers. The game grew to be a staple of the casino industry and it was a part of the culture of Sin City for years to come. Baccarat has also been adapted for the online gambling world where it is now a very popular game. It has been modified from the original version in some ways but it is still played with the same rules and is a very elegant casino game that is usually found in a separate area of the casino floor which is often roped off. There are some variations to the game in terms of odds and a table for fewer players but the basic rules remain the same. In addition, many online casinos also offer a Mini Baccarat option that has slightly different rules with smaller betting limits and is designed for a more intimate setting. This is a great way to try the game out without risking too much money. You can also play this game for free at many online casinos which is a great way to see if you like it before you decide to invest any real money. Main