The game has a storied place in casino history and is still one of the world’s most popular table games. Its popularity has increased with the recent availability of online baccarat. Unlike some casino games, which are restricted to VIP areas, baccarat can be played by anyone with an internet connection.

Baccarat is a card game that requires players to bet on whether the player’s hand, banker’s hand, or tie will win. The goal of the game is to get a total as close to nine as possible. A winning player’s hand pays out 8 to 1; a winning banker’s bet is paid out 9 to 1. However, money payouts for leading dealer bets are less common and can vary widely from casino to casino.

Baccarat games are designed to be easy for even novices to play. Players simply walk up to the table and place their bets. A croupier then deals two cards to each box, the player and banker. The player’s and banker’s hands are compared to see which is closer to 9. A third card may be drawn if the first two cards are of equal value.

When the banker’s hand has a total of 8, 9, or 10 (called ‘naturals’) it wins. If the player’s hand has a total of 8 or 9, it must stand and no third card is drawn. In the rare case of a tie, the stakes are returned to the bettors.

In addition to betting on the outcome of a hand, players can also place bets on the number of points the player’s or banker’s hand will win by. This bet is called the EZ Baccarat bet, and is popular among baccarat players because of its high payouts. EZ Baccarat bets pay out 8 to 1 if the player’s or banker’s hands win, and 5 to 1 if the player wins by a tie.

While baccarat is no longer the largest contributor to casino profits on the Las Vegas Strip, it remains a major draw for visitors and is especially popular during the Chinese New Year. The game’s high winning potential, relatively low house edge and reputation for prestige make it an attractive option for casino operators.

Despite its relatively simple rules, baccarat has a rich history of strategy and variation. The game has been featured in a number of movies, including the 2007 Rush Hour 3, where the main characters meet up for a round of baccarat. The game is also featured in the 1956 French heist film Bob le Flambeur. The game is often portrayed as an upper-class game enjoyed by wealthy and fashionable people. While this is not entirely accurate, it does paint an image of the game as a sophisticated and luxurious gambling experience.