| Updated: Speed Baccarat by Evolution Gaming is a fast-paced, simplified version of live-dealer baccarat that offers a wide range of side bets. Released in 2017, the game can be played for real money at many online casinos, with betting limits ranging from $/€1 to $/€15,000 per round.
With this version of classic baccarat, Evolution Gaming focuses on the game itself, doing away with extra features such as multiple camera angles and the squeeze option found in some of Evolution’s other baccarat variants. Instead, cards in Speed Baccarat are dealt face-up, and each round lasts only 27 seconds.
Rules and Gameplay
Evolution Gaming’s Speed Baccarat uses an 8-deck shoe. Before each round, players can bet on the Banker hand, the Player hand, or a tie. The game follows the standard rules of baccarat: the dealer deals two cards face-up to both the Player and the Banker, then draws a third card if necessary. The usual Third Card Rule applies.
The two hands are then compared, and the hand closer to 9 wins. A winning Player hand pays even money (1:1), while a winning Banker hand also pays 1:1 without the usual 5% commission. If the two hands have the same value, the result is a Tie, which pays 8:1.
Distinctive Features
Alongside the main bets, players can place any of six optional side bets, with payouts of up to 200:1. The first two are Player Pair and Banker Pair, which win if the initial two cards dealt to the respective hand form a pair. Each of these wagers pays 11:1. The Either Pair side bet wins if the first two cards dealt to either hand form a pair and pays 5:1.
The Perfect Pair side bet wins if either the Player or Banker hand contains two cards of identical rank and suit. If both hands contain perfect pairs, the payout increases to 200:1. The final two side bets are Player Bonus and Banker Bonus. These wagers predict that one of the hands will win the round with a natural 8 or 9, or by at least four points. Payouts range from even money to 30:1, depending on the winning margin.
Conclusion
Speed Baccarat combines classic baccarat rules with faster gameplay, making it suitable for players who prefer quicker rounds. It also offers a wide betting range, and the table is available 24/7.