| Updated: October 3, 2024Speed 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 great number of online casinos and bets are available from $/€1 to $/€15,000 per game round.
With this version of classic baccarat, Evolution Gaming is focusing on the game itself, stripping it of all the gimmicks, unnecessary features, multiple camera angles or the squeeze option that can be found in some of the baccarat versions by Evolution. On the contrary, 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 are given the option to bet on either the Banker or the Player hands or to bet that the two hands will tie. The game follows the rules of standard baccarat – the dealer deals two cards face-up for the Player and the Banker and draws a third card if necessary. The usual Third Card Rule applies.
The two cards are then compared and the one closer to 9 wins, paying even money (1:1) if it is the Player hand, or 1:1 without the 5% commission on a winning Banker hand. If the two hands are of the same value, this is a Tie and it pays 8:1.
Distinctive Features
Alongside the main bets, casino players can also place any of the six different side bets. They are, of course, optional and they offer attractive payouts of up to 200:1. The first two are the Player Pair and the Banker Pair, which win if the initial two cards dealt to the Player or the Banker hands constitute a pair. These wagers pay 11:1 but that is not all. If the first two cards dealt to these two hands are of the same value or suit, the Either Pair side bet pays 5:1.
Furthermore, the Perfect Pair pays if any of the Player or the Banker hands comprise of a perfect pair, i.e. two cards with identical denomination and suit. If both hands are perfect pairs, however, the payout jumps to the whopping 200:1. The last two side bets are the Player Bonus and the Banker Bonus and when placing them, players bet that one of the hands will win the round with a natural of 8 or 9 or by at least 4 points. The payouts here vary significantly (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 most types of players as it combines the classic rules with faster gameplay. In addition, it has a wide betting range and the table is available 24/7.