Baccarat was introduced to the French by the Italians in the 1500s, while there are some that claim that baccarat was invented by the French. Both theories contribute to the fact that baccarat was an immense hit with the French nobility of the time. The nobility were constantly looking for new and exciting pastimes and they welcomed the game into the courts.

While the French nobility were leaping from charitable gaming to covert baccarat sessions, the game was spreading around the continent. British aristocracy was very keen on baccarat and the game was very popular in Victorian England. Baccarat was played in exclusive venues like Crockford’s Club in London and the Queen’s court was also hosted by John Aspinall for games playing.

Baccarat made its way to Argentina and a variation called Punto Y Banca evolved. This form of the game migrated to Cuba where it was renamed Punto Banco and also underwent some minor rule changes. This type of baccarat became known as American baccarat – the European version of the game allowed players to bet against each other and the house took a percentage, while in the American form all players were able to bet against the house.