| Updated: September 18, 2025Speed 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 a large number of online casinos, with bet limits ranging from $/€1 to $/€15,000 per round.
With this version of classic baccarat, Evolution Gaming focuses on the game itself, stripping it of all gimmicks, unnecessary features, 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 the game rounds last only 27 seconds.
Rules and Gameplay
Evolution Gaming’s Speed Baccarat uses an 8-deck shoe, and before each round, players can bet on the Banker hand, the Player hand, or on a tie. The game follows the rules of standard baccarat – the dealer deals two cards face-up to both the Player and the Banker and draws a third card if necessary. The usual Third Card Rule applies.
The two hands are then compared, and the one closer to 9 wins, paying even money (1:1) if it is the Player hand, or the same 1:1 without the usual 5% commission on a winning Banker hand. If the two hands have the same value, it is a Tie, which pays 8:1.
Distinctive Features
Alongside the main bets, players can also place any of six different side bets. These wagers are optional, yet they offer attractive 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. However, if the first two cards dealt to either hand are of the same value or suit, the Either Pair side bet pays 5:1.
Furthermore, Perfect Pair pays if either the Player or the Banker hand consists of a perfect pair, i.e., two cards of identical rank and suit. If both hands are perfect pairs, however, the payout jumps to a whopping 200:1. The last two side bets are Player Bonus and Banker Bonus, and when placing them, players wager that one of the hands will win the round with a natural 8 or 9, or by at least four points. The payouts vary significantly, ranging from even money to 30:1, depending on the winning margin.
Conclusion
With Speed Baccarat, Evolution Gaming has created a wonderful, quick game of baccarat that will appeal to nearly every type of player, as it combines classic rules with faster gameplay. In addition, it offers a wide betting range, and the table is available 24/7.