Vegas Loves Baccarat. So Do We!
by Bodog Casino | Sep 14 2010
Because of the monstrous boom of gaming technology, whether it's online or in live casinos, there are certain casino games that have become more popular than others in the last decade.
Texas Holdem is essentially a sport now because of the online realm and the fact that people can play each other all around the world. Tech has helped slot machines as well. Where mechanical slots had certain limitations such as the amount of reels, the digital version has no restrictions, giving players more variety.
Surprisingly, despite all this new tech, it looks like you can't beat the old school side of gaming.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported that while slots for August on the Vegas strip stayed the same at $461.1 million won, Baccarat's gross win rose by nine percent. Yes, the old school, James Bond Baccarat you're thinking of.
On the Strip in May and June the gross win in Baccarat dropped by 37.1 percent and 60.8 percent, respectively, on the Strip compared to a year earlier. But it picked up in July with reported winnings at $74.4 million.
The question is why?
It could be because Vegas has been putting in some extra effort to get high rollers at their Baccarat tables. In order to get the big spenders many Strip casinos have been giving customers free flights, complimentary suites, meals, gifts and other perks. And let's not forget that the house only has a two percent edge on the game. Any longtime gamer would enjoy those odds.
Plus, Baccarat is huge in Asian countries like China, and there are rumors that Vegas big wigs are going all the way to the East to find the veteran, big-spending players they want.
"We have (marketing) people focused on those parts of the world that have not suffered the crisis that we have [in the United States]," Joel Simkins, a gaming stock analyst said.
Then there's the simple fact that it's fun and easy to learn.
How it works is you have a Player, a Banker and Tie to bet on. Pick one and you've got the gist of the game. We suggest checking out the Bodog Casino school to get the details on how the game is scored etc. For now just keep in mind that the "Tie" has the longest odds therefore it's the toughest one to hit. You'll find some people like to chart how many times the "Banker" has won or the "Player" has won.
Whether it's one of the elements or all of the above, numbers like those above prove old-school games like Baccarat are here to stay.
