Why does Baccarat have a reputation as a game of high rollers? In live casinos, baccarat frequently has its separate gaming area reserved for high-rollers, away from the main floor. These exclusive baccarat rooms or salons feature lavish décor, plush seating, fine dining, and attentive service – meant to cater to VIP clientele. Players bet tens or hundreds of thousands per hand. The private, members-only nature of baccarat rooms adds to the game’s prestige. Big spenders play in an intimate setting away from the crowds. The specialised rooms perpetuate baccarat’s identity as an elite experience.

Higher limits

Casinos often impose higher betting minimums and maximums for baccarat than for other table games. While blackjack or craps may have a minimum bet of $5 or $10, baccarat tables frequently have a $25, $50, or even $100 minimum. Maximum bets at baccarat reach into the tens or hundreds of thousands per hand. These higher limits aim to attract serious gamblers and deter casual players. The lofty betting requirements contribute to viewing baccarat as a game for the 1%. 

Baccarat at M98 has relatively simple rules and gameplay based entirely on chance with no skill involved. However, over the centuries, players have developed complex betting and outcome-tracking strategies, hoping to gain an edge against the house. Baccarat’s element of strategy, despite its random nature, makes it more sophisticated and appealing to serious players who want to maximise their skills. It also means players with large bankrolls and disposable income better capitalise on various betting techniques. The strategy factor additionally contributes to Baccarat’s reputation as an exclusive game.

Association with high rollers

Some of the biggest, most legendary gamblers in history were baccarat aficionados. Famed gamblers like Wild Bill Hickok and Alice Ivers preferred baccarat for high-stakes play. Their tales of winning and losing incredible sums at baccarat lived on. More recently, famous high-rolling baccarat players include movie stars Charlie Sheen and Ben Affleck, along with billionaire Kerry Packer. Their baccarat exploits keep the game in the limelight as one catering to the ultimate VIPs. Hearing stories of celebrities betting hundreds of thousands per hand or famous whales breaking casinos only adds to the mystique.

Use as a status symbol 

Because of its long association with the elite, baccarat emerged as a way for people to flaunt wealth and status. Playing baccarat, especially in live casinos’ exclusive high-limit rooms, became an event for the rich and famous. It was a chance to be seen betting big and mingling with fellow high-rollers. Casinos also use luxury baccarat services to entice their most valued clients. High-losing players may get perks like penthouse suites, private jet flights, and other VIP treatment centred around baccarat. For certain groups, playing baccarat became as much about ego and image as about the game itself.

Links to Asian culture

It eclipsed all other games to become the undisputed king of Macau’s gambling mecca, with VIP baccarat rooms attracting huge bets. Baccarat also gained traction in other Asian markets like Singapore and Malaysia, becoming the game of choice for their rising middle and upper classes. With Asian cultures more inclined to view gambling as a status symbol, baccarat fits that role perfectly. Its historical prestige in the West made it appealing as a way for Asian elites to project an air of sophistication. Baccarat’s premium image in Asia gave the game a further aura of exclusiveness.