In Canada, online casino games include live dealer games that merge classic in-person table games and other experiences with modern live-streaming and gaming technology. The result is an immersive experience shared online with fellow players.
But that’s not what all players want — sometimes a relaxed, solo experience is more desirable. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between live and non-live online baccarat, so players can make an informed decision and find the right game to suit their preferences.
Live Baccarat vs Online Baccarat
The most obvious difference in live baccarat vs online baccarat is the presentation. Live titles feature a human dealer streamed to players’ devices, while non-live titles usually use computer-generated graphics. However, some non-live titles use prerecorded video to simulate a live dealer experience, though these are quite uncommon.
Some aspects of baccarat vary in both live and standard online baccarat. For example, the number of 52-card decks shuffled together in the dealer’s shoe can vary depending on the individual title, with neither live nor non-live titles demanding a certain number of decks as a general rule. Similarly, both types of baccarat may or may not include baccarat side bets.
Standard Online Baccarat
The standard type of online baccarat experience is a single-player digital table game. Different software providers may put their own spin on the rules, but the basic gameplay of baccarat will be consistent.
At the beginning of each round (or “coup”), the player can place a bet on the banker, the player, or the tie bet winning. This solo experience allows players to take their time to think about baccarat tips and strategies since the opponent is the computer, representing the casino.
The player’s wager is collected automatically and the deck is shuffled. The game uses a random number generator (RNG) to randomly shuffle the deck so that the deal is fair and unbiased.
Then two cards are dealt to both the banker’s hand and the player’s hand. Again, this is an automated action. Depending on the initial hand totals, a third card may be dealt to either hand according to set baccarat rules, a process handled by the computer. Finally, the game calculates which hand wins and awards any payouts accordingly.
Live Dealer Baccarat
Live dealer titles open up the table to multiple players at once, who all sit around the same virtual table and participate in the same game. In this way, live games aim to recreate the experience of playing in person. There’s even a live chat to converse with the dealer or other players.
In terms of live online baccarat, most titles stick to the basic rules, although some live dealer baccarat variants add gameplay enhancements or tweak the odds slightly. Live dealer games allow a player to join and observe coups in real time before committing to a wager. Take this time to review the specific rules of a given title and to see how the gameplay proceeds.
Rather than using an RNG, a live dealer will shuffle the baccarat deck, either by hand or with mechanical assistance. The shuffling process is visible on-screen at all times. Then the shuffled deck is moved to a shoe from which cards are drawn.
Players can still bet on the banker, the player, or a tie. In a live game, a user interface will be overlaid on top of the live-streamed video. Here, players can adjust their bets. The dealer will announce that bets are closed and then begin drawing cards for the coup.
The software behind the live dealer game will understand which cards are dealt as the dealer reveals them. The game then automatically calculates hand values and awards payouts for winning bets, with the dealer’s role limited to handling the cards, not chips or money.
Which Baccarat Online Game is Right For Me?
Single-player RNG baccarat is perfect for players who like to play at their own pace without waiting for others. RNG titles are also better for bettors who choose to play with a shaky internet connection, as nothing needs to happen in real time.
On the other hand, live dealer baccarat is the perfect fit for players who want the social experience of playing at a land-based casino, with the added convenience of online play. Putting a face to the dealer and seeing them host the game, shuffle cards, and deal can be reassuring.
Players who want to know more about some of the commonly asked questions for both baccarat variants can learn more in an online baccarat FAQ.
