Baccarat History & Origin: Overview of the Theories

Unlike other games like Poker, there is little in the way of literature or reference to help shed light on the history of Baccarat. However, there are some plausible theories and hypothesis that have become popular.

One theory that most historians agree on, however, is that the card game originated somewhere in Europe, although the date is unknown. Because most of the card games at the time were associated with the Tarot, the belief has grown that the history of Baccarat is tied with those divination cards.

However, there is no concrete evidence to say that this was so. If this is true, it would mean that the game, or its descendants, were already around before the Crusades.

Proponents of a later beginning point to the Italian Lino Bussoli as being responsible for developing the basic rules of Baccarat. His date of birth is unknown but it is said to be sometime in the 15th century, which was when several variants of card and lottery games became popular throughout Europe.

Records show that Bussoli was both a loan shark and gambler. He is credited with inventing, or at least popularizing many forms of gambling, and some experts have suggested he played a pivotal role in the history of Baccarat, or may have even invented the game. However, as with the other hypothesis, there is little in actual documentation to authenticate any of these claims.

The history of Baccarat in the United States is also shrouded in mystery. One theory is that the game was brought to the Untied States very early, but it did not catch on, and was eclipsed in popularity by other games like Poker and Blackjack, and instead became widespread in South America.

Others hold the opposite view, and believe that Baccarat first came to Cuba (or Argentina) and then, through immigrants, taken to the United States and its casinos. What is certain is that by the 1960s, the game had become a fixture in Las Vegas casinos.

While the history of Baccarat is not as clear cut and defined as one may like, more theories and concepts are being developed concerning its past, and it is possible that there may be more facts that will be uncovered in the near future that will shed light on its origin.

Today Baccarat is played throughout the world, and is extremely popular in France, Britain and even Asian countries. In fact, it is the most widely played card game in Macao.