Online Baccarat in India (2023)

Baccarat is a popular card game invented in the middle ages and based on luck alone. The game is often played in Indian casinos both on the ground and online. The players can’t do much to affect the outcome of the game and the only thing to do is to rely on luck.

Online versions of the game can be streamed from an actual casino or they can depend on a random number generator to determine the outcome. We’ve created a list of casinos that offer baccarat for you to browse and choose from.

List of the Best Online Baccarat Sites in India

What Is Online Baccarat?

Online baccarat is the online version of the popular game of luck played in Indian casinos. The game works rather simply – a player can bet on the dealer or on themselves to be the first one to get the card value of nine. You can also bet on a tie which is the least likely outcome.

As is the case with most online betting games the edge to win is always in favour of the casino. The return to the player is less than 100 percent – meaning you’ll always lose a portion of your money, at least over a long period of time.

History of Online Baccarat

Baccarat has a long history since it’s one of the oldest and most well-liked Indian gambling games. It has been around since the middle ages and the version we know now was solidified in the 19th century. The game was brought to Europe in the 1940s.

As soon as online casinos became popular in India – baccarat became one of the most widely played games. It started in the early 1990s and it improved as the technology did and the internet became more widely available.

Current Online Baccarat Trends

Baccarat is one of the most popular games in the area. It’s about 9 percent of all the casino income in the region, but for some countries, it’s the most played game. For instance, in Macau, it’s over 88% of all winnings for the local casinos.

Since the Asian gambling market is on the rise, baccarat is one of the most important games that players and casinos should be on the lookout for. Casinos will invest in the mobile and online versions of the game in the years to come.

Online Baccarat India

Is Online Baccarat Legal in India?

India doesn’t have nationwide gambling laws. Individual states can outlaw or legalise gambling and that’s how the practice is regulated now. Two Indian states allow all gambling and therefore baccarat as well. Some states allow only games of skill and not games of luck – which is what baccarat is.

Most states don’t allow gambling. However, since the laws are rather old they don’t mention online gambling creating a loophole for players to use online gambling establishments based abroad. The funds made from these games are still taxed when deposited in India.

Baccarat is one of the most popular Indian games.

Indian’s Online Baccarat Laws

In most Indian states gambling is governed by the Public Gambling Act of 1867. This law doesn’t mention online gambling at all and that’s how the loophole was created that allows Indian players to use online casinos based abroad.

In the states that do allow gambling local laws apply and a few states are planning to legalise gambling in years to come since it’s proven to be so lucrative. It brings in cash for gambling taxation, but also from tourism associated with having a large gambling centre in your state.

Baccarat Taxes in India

The winnings from baccarat are taxed in India as is the case with winnings from any other gambling game. Even though gambling is technically not allowed in most Indian states as soon as you transfer the funds made from gambling abroad you are eligible for taxation.

The income made from gambling is taxed at 30 percent and it’s a flat tax that remains the same no matter how much you earn further on. The tax kicks in after 10.000 rupees which is the tax-free amount you can win from gambling.

Different Modes of Baccarat Available in India

There are two different modes of online baccarat available in India based on whether you want to use real money or only play for tokens. Playing for tokens can be fun and it can be a way for a novice player to learn about the game and get to know the rules before spending actual money on it.

When it comes to baccarat you can play for actual money – there’s a great variety in bonus structure and the size of the bet. Most players start with smaller bets until they get the hang of things, but since it’s a game of luck it doesn’t make much of a difference.

Free Online Baccarat

Free online baccarat is a version of the game you can play for tokens without having to risk any of your funds. The rules of the game as well as its bonus structure work just as it does for a real game. That’s why it’s such a great way to practice.

The edge is always made to be slightly in favour of the casino and there’s a big payoff when you manage to bet on a tie, but that’s a rare occurrence. This version of the game also comes with bonuses that you can use in the same way as the real ones.

Real Money Online Baccarat

Baccarat can also be played for real money. The rules of the game and the bonus structure are the same as when you play for tokens but in this case, you bet real money and can actually win or lose your funds. This comes with a lot of variations and you can play for small amounts or win and lose big.

Baccarat games also offer bonuses that a player should study and use. These come with wagering requirements and sometimes a bonus may not be worth your while if you need to add too much of your wagers in order to withdraw it.

Baccarat can be played for tokens or real money.

Basics of Online Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game based on luck alone that you can play in online or on-the-ground casinos. The goal of the game is to guess which of the hands (the player’s or the dealer’s) will win. It’s also possible to bet on the result being tied.

The hand that has a value of nine or is the closest to it is the one that wins. A live version of the game steams a dealer from a real casino and an online version uses a random number generator to determine the outcome.

Baccarat Rules

Baccarat is a game of chance and players can’t affect the outcome. The goal is to guess which side will come to a card value of nine first and if you do you win and get a payment:

  1. There are three betting options – the Player’s hand, the Banker’s hand, or a Tie. You will win the game if a bet you have placed matches the result of a hand.
  2. The hand value that is close to a total of 9 will win the round.
  3. Two cards are dealt to the Player and the Banker to start the game. In some situations, either one or both will get a 3rd
  4. The banker or player – who will take the 3rd card is decided based on the game’s strict rules. The software automatically deals with the participating player a third card if required.
  5. Ace is counted as 1, face cards and tens are counted as zero, and the other remaining cards are worth their actual face value.
  6. Only the final digit gets attention if the card values are added up in a baccarat hand. For example, 17 would be considered as 7.

Baccarat Terminology

There are a few terms that are commonly used when playing baccarat as is the case with other gambling games. Players should be aware of these terms and understand their meaning so that they can really enjoy the game and get the most out of it:

  • Action – the term for the total amount of money wagered in a game.
  • Down card – a card dealt face down.
  • Laderman – a casino term for the person who oversees a game of baccarat in a brick-and-mortar casino.
  • Streak – winning a few games in a row. It doesn’t determine the outcome of the following game.
  • Chemin de Fer is a baccarat game where players bet against each other.
  • Flat bet – a betting system in baccarat where the wager remains the same when you lose.

Popular Types of Online Baccarat in India

There are a few types of online baccarat you can play in online casinos in India. These are similar to the classic version and in most cases, the casino will simply call the game baccarat regardless of the type they are providing.

A player should be aware of the differences between the version and the chances that depend on it. Keep in mind that regardless of which type of baccarat game you’re playing – it’s still a game of luck meaning you can’t affect the outcome.

There are three common types of baccarat.

Punto Banco

This is the most popular type of baccarat game out there both in India and in the West. The casino banks the game all the time and commits to playing both hands according to the rules. Punto banco is dealt from a shoe containing 8 cards.

The game has the lowest edge of all casino games of luck. It’s a version that’s played by high rollers in most cases, but you can also find a table with small bets. With Punto banco, you can’t accomplish too much by counting cards.

Chemin de Fer

Chemin de fer is the oldest version of the game still in play. It was invented in the 19th century and it’s a somewhat faster version of the classic game (the term literally means railway in French). Six decks of cards are used to play this version and one of the players is designated as a banker.

The banker deals four cards face down: two to himself and two held in common by the remaining players. The player with the highest individual wager (or first in play order if tied for highest wager) is selected to represent the group of non-banker players. The banker and player both look at their cards; if either has an eight or a nine, this is immediately announced and the hands are turned face-up and compared.

Baccarat Banque

This version of the game is somewhat similar to Chemin de fer but the role of the banker is different. The role of the banker is put up for auction meaning that the player’s bid for it and those who have made the best bid get to control the game.

Any player may “go bank“, the first claim to do so belonging to the punter immediately on the right of the banker; the next to the player on his left, and so on alternatively in regular order. If two players on opposite sides desire to “go bank”, they go half shares.

New Baccarat Sites in India

Baccarat is one of the most popular gambling games in India. Countless casinos offer it being opened every day. Our list focuses on new sites and we define that as baccarat sites opened in the past two years. Within that, there’s a lot of variation to choose from.

When choosing from this list of the site make sure to take into account the quality of the bonuses and how wide the range of bets can be. That way you can make the most out of their offer as a novice player.

Are Online Baccarat Games Available on Mobile?

Online baccarat games are available on both mobile and desktop devices. In recent years there has been a move towards mobile gambling by most larger casinos since there has already been such a move with the players. Most younger players are using mobile devices to gamble already.

It’s also possible to deposit and withdraw funds using mobile devices. This is true for any payment method you may use and it makes the game easy to set up and play regardless of where you are and which version of baccarat you’re using.

Online Baccarat Bonuses in India

Indian casinos offer bonuses to baccarat players. These are made to attract new players and reward loyal ones. When using a bonus, a player can test the game and learn about it firsthand by playing it without having to spend funds of their own. The most common bonuses for baccarat players are welcome and match bonuses.

Keep in mind that baccarat bonuses often come with wagering requirements. This means you can’t withdraw the funds you’ve got in a bonus unless you add a portion of your funds. In many cases, this makes the bonus worth less if not nothing at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Online baccarat is simply the online version of the extremely popular game of luck, especially in Indian casinos. However, while the game has its roots in India, today it is played all over the world. The game rules are simple – you can bet on the dealer or on yourself to be the first to get the card value of nine, or you can bet on a draw. Of course, there are different variations of this basic game today.
  • Playing baccarat online in India is not fully legal, but it’s not illegal either. Since India’s gambling laws are from the 19th century, there is no mention of online gambling, so online casinos from abroad are operating on that loophole. However, keep in mind that The income made from gambling is taxed at 30 percent for all winnings over 10,000 rupees.
  • Among a few different versions of online baccarat, three are the most popular at Indian casinos — Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque.

Play at the Top Indian Baccarat Sites

There are many Indian baccarat sites out there with a variety of bonuses and game versions. When choosing the site that will suit you best, you should take into account all of these features as well as how much you’re willing to spend.

We’ve compiled a list of baccarat sites for you. Check it out and choose baccarat sites for you, regardless of which version you like best. The sites on our list are suited to high rollers and novice players alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baccarat is based on luck alone.

There are 3 commonly played versions – Punto Banco, Chemin de fer and Baccarat Banque.

There are the common casino bonuses and wagering requirements as well.

Yes, there are modes for playing for free.

There are 2 Indian states that allow all gambling and, therefore, baccarat as well.

Sean Byrne
Sean Byrne LinkedIn

Sean is a talented sports and casino content editor who was born and raised in England. He has always had a love for sports, particularly football (soccer) and cricket, and has been an avid sports bettor for many years. Sean's passion for sports and gambling led him to pursue a career as a writer, and he has since become an expert in creating engaging and informative content for sports and casino websites.