Live baccarat from
Microgaming (pre 2010)
The below review is relevant to Microgaming's old live baccarat platform.
Following a platform update at the end of 2009, their games have changed.
For some reason Microgaming made the unusual decision of
beginning their foray into live casino games with a stable of baccarat
variations, rather than the normal baccarat/blackjack/roulette combination most
other platforms opted for. But if you're a fan of baccarat, you won't be
complaining as it means that you have access to 4 live baccarat options at
Microgaming casinos.
This platform also comes with the added bonus of being
eCOGRA reviewed and
certified.
Interface playability
Microgaming have plenty of experience in delivering games
that are intuitive to play, having developed well over 300 RNG games over the
last dozen years or so. Their live baccarat games are not surprisingly
very well presented. Links to game rules, help and live chat are all
readily accessible and bet commands are clearly presented and simple to use.
One point of note is that the default position on 'auto bet confirm' is yes, so
if you prefer to have the option of confirming every bet after placing it you'll need to uncheck
this setting.
It's fair to say that from an aesthetic point of view
(although this is clearly a subjective judgment), the games are not quite as
impressive as some of the other offerings out there (notably
Evolution's Baccarat).
No free play
Unfortunately Microgaming's live baccarat games are not
available in free-play mode. You will need to open a real play account and
deposit funds in order to load the games. Once loaded, you are free to
observe the deal without placing a bet for as long as you wish.
Baccarat variations
Where Microgaming has it over most of the competition is its live
baccarat variation range. Currently in the line-up are:
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Standard baccarat - dealt from 8 deck shoe | Tie, Player,
Banker bets | 5% house commission on Banker win | Screenshots and demo video
below.
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Dragon Bonus baccarat - dealt from 8 deck shoe | Tie,
Player, Banker bets | 5% house commission on Banker win | Dragon bonus bet
offered on Player or Banker margin | Screenshots and demo video below.
-
Zero Commission baccarat - dealt from 8 deck shoe | Tie,
Player, Banker bets | No house commission on Banker win | Banker win with
point count of 8 pays 1:2 | All other Banker wins 8 pay 1:1 |
Screenshots and demo video below.
-
Lucky Pair Side-bet baccarat - dealt from 8 deck shoe |
Tie, Player, Banker bets | 5% house commission on Banker win | Lucky pair
bet offered on Player and Banker first 2 cards | Screenshots and demo video
below.
Features - eCOGRA compliant: software and dealer studio
 - Many games: 4 variations to choose from, see below; -
Accessible from casino download or browser (Flash) games option;
- History: full bet history available;
- Table choice: Enormous table, dealer, bet limit range;
- Time between deals: 30 seconds;
- Variety of bet ranges: see
baccarat limits
page;
- Intuitive interface.
Recorded demo (std baccarat) video clip
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The live game lobby at Microgaming
casinos
Choose your baccarat variation from the live game lobby. Key
elements and bet limits of each game are summarized here. Detailed
game rules (provided above for convenience) are accessible from the game
itself. |
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Microgaming live standard baccarat
Not too many bells and whistles on offer here, but a very easy to
play and smart looking interface. Sexy features like chat and
video resizing are notably absent. Positives are nice oversize
cards, an eCOGRA compliant operation and ease of playability.
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Dragon Bonus
Side-bet baccarat - bonus Banker/Player side bets:
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Hand Combination |
Payout |
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Non-natural hand win by 9 Points
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30:1 |
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Non-natural hand win by 8 Points
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10:1 |
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Non-natural hand win by 7 Points
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6:1 |
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Non-natural hand win by 6 Points
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4:1 |
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Non-natural hand win by 5 Points
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2:1 |
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Non-natural hand win by 4 Points
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1:1 |
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Natural hand Winner |
1:1 |
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Natural hand Tie |
Push |
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Zero Commission baccarat:
Interface, game features and play options identical to standard
baccarat. The one difference is that there is no house commission
on the Banker win but Banker wins where the Banker hand = 8 pays 1:2
instead of the usual 1:1.
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Lucky Pairs baccarat - optional side
bets on pairs being dealt:
Hand
Combination |
Payout |
Description |
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Either Pair Hand |
5:1 |
You bet on Either Pair and win. ie
Banker or Player pair dealt |
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Banker Pair Hand |
11:1 |
You bet on Banker
Pair and win. ie Banker pair dealt |
|
Player Pair Hand |
11:1 |
You bet on Player
Pair and win. ie Player pair dealt |
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