History of Baccarat The Oldest Card Game

Baccarat remains one of the leading casino games worldwide. It is often grouped with blackjack, roulette and poker as part of the main offerings in both land-based and online gaming establishments. James Bond, the famous fictional spy, has showcased his fondness for the game in several novels and films, which has contributed to its reputation.

The widespread appeal of baccarat is often attributed to its straightforward gameplay. Rounds can be completed quickly, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate games that do not require extensive learning or complicated strategies. Baccarat also features a relatively low house edge and clear rules, making it accessible even for those who are new to casino gaming. With just a few sessions, most players can confidently understand how to play baccarat.

But where did baccarat originate? How did it evolve into the card game played globally today?

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The origin of Baccarat

Historical traces suggest that baccarat’s beginnings stretch far before its earliest written records in the nineteenth century.

Although the exact origins remain uncertain due to a lack of concrete documentation, examining the various stories and hypotheses surrounding the game provides valuable insight into its development.

A widely shared theory connects baccarat to the Chinese game Pai Gow, which means “make nine”. While Pai Gow uses tiles rather than cards, the objective of achieving a total of nine draws parallels between the two.

Other tales link baccarat to rituals in Ancient Rome. Vestal virgins would cast dice to determine their fate: rolling eight or nine meant elevation to high priestess, six or seven led to exclusion from the order, and lower numbers represented a grave outcome. These stories, although dramatic, highlight humanity’s long-standing fascination with games of chance and fate.

Despite these colourful anecdotes, most evidence points to Italy as baccarat’s true birthplace.

The earliest known reference to the game describes it as a “play of cards at tables”, taken from a French manuscript believed to date back to the 1330s. Even though many early records are French, strong indications support an Italian origin.

It started in Italy

Originally, baccarat was enjoyed mainly by Italian aristocrats. Playing cards were rare artefacts, likely crafted by hand or block printed, limiting access to those of higher social standing. The use of tiles, possibly inspired by those brought from China by Marco Polo in the late thirteenth century, is thought to have influenced early versions of the game.

With the invention of the printing press, card production increased. Cards were printed in packs of 78 and sometimes referred to as The Devil’s Picture Books, closely resembling early tarot decks.

Baccarat’s roots can be traced to the Tarrochi card game, prevalent in the 1300s. This game is considered a forebear to many modern card games. Felix Falguiere, credited by many as the inventor of baccarat, reportedly used tarot cards to create the first version.

Some historians see similarities between baccarat and other European games such as Macao (which also aims for a total of nine) and Le Her, a fixed-number game where the highest score claims victory, suggesting possible influences on baccarat’s gameplay and rules.

By the nineteenth century, publications like Hoyle’s Official Rules of Card included references to baccarat. The book described versions such as Baccarat en Banque, and later distinctions were drawn between this variation and Chemin de Fer, which would become well-established forms of the game.

The journey to France and England

After arising in Italy, baccarat gained a loyal following in France and later England. The name “baccarat” itself is the French adaptation of the Italian “baccara”, meaning zero. Although Felix Falguiere is credited with naming the game, it was the French spelling that endures today.

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Baccarat spreads across Europe

French soldiers returning from campaigns in Italy during the late fifteenth century introduced baccarat to their compatriots. The game found particular favour among French nobility, with recognised versions including Baccarat Deux Tableaux (Baccarat en Banque) and Chemin de Fer.

Baccarat maintained steady interest through the Napoleonic period, prompting Louis Philippe to make casinos illegal in 1837. As is often the case, this sort of prohibition only served to draw further attention to the game. Baccarat continued to grow alongside other casino games throughout Europe.

Notable enthusiasts have included King Charles VIII and author Ian Fleming. Fleming’s passion for baccarat undoubtedly played a role in making James Bond one of the world’s best-known baccarat players, albeit in fiction.

Baccarat arrives in the New World

Baccarat’s prominence in Europe ensured its eventual introduction to the Americas. The earliest documented game on record in the United States dates to 1911, although a New York Times article from 1871 refers to the Club-house at Long Branch featuring both “a roulette table and the baccarat board”, indicating even earlier presence.

While it is plausible that baccarat arrived in the United States prior to these dates, it was not until the twentieth century that it was formally recognised. During the years around the First World War, baccarat vied for attention with other established games such as blackjack and craps.

Baccarat took its place as a fixture of casino culture in 1959, when Tommy Renzoni introduced Punto Banco in Las Vegas. This American variant soon became a favourite with modern gamblers, helping to cement baccarat’s role in gaming establishments across the United States.

The game subsequently reached South America and the Caribbean, broadening its international appeal.

In contemporary brick-and-mortar casinos, baccarat retains an air of exclusivity. Reserved tables and limited seating often characterise the experience, echoing its aristocratic roots and maintaining its appeal among discerning players.

The digital age and baccarat today

The rise of the internet has fundamentally transformed access to baccarat. What was once reserved for a select group can now be enjoyed by anyone through online casinos. This shift allows players worldwide to experience the game from any location and even take on the role of James Bond in their own home.

Online platforms feature a range of baccarat versions, including European Baccarat, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Mini Baccarat and Banque. Live dealer options offer the chance to interact with dealers and other players in real time, providing the atmosphere of a physical casino with the convenience of remote play.

As technology continues to develop in 2025, baccarat’s digital presence shows no sign of slowing down. Innovations in live-streaming, mobile compatibility and user experience point to an exciting future for the game. Whether enjoyed in person or online, baccarat maintains its position as a classic and enduring card game for new and experienced players alike.

Last updated: 2025