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Baccarat is continuously proving to be a growing money maker for all land-based casinos. No game in Las Vegas is more intimidating than baccarat. It is played in an elegant, high limit room with staff ready to fulfill all your needs. Despite the expensive appearance of baccarat, it is an incredibly easy game to play. Baccarat actually requires no skill as moves are the result of the cards dealt.

Baccarat Continues to Grow

Although currently a rarity, baccarat is beginning to grow in across the industry. The simplicity of the rules mixed with the sophistication of the game make it a popular competition. Also, since no skill is involved and there is a low house edge, players flock to this game. Once the first card is dealt you are as good at the game as a player that has been playing for 20 years.

Throughout this recession, baccarat has generated more revenue than any other table game in Nevada. In 2009 represented 17 percent of the Las Vegas Strip’s gambling revenue compared to 9 percent in 2004. These numbers are so incredible baccarat was the focus of all seminars at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas.

The Mathematics of Winning

Baccarat has the same 50-50 odds of winning as flipping a coin. To make money, the casino slightly skews the odds in their favor. Nevertheless, it is one of the most reasonable games in the casino. Overall, the house edge for baccarat is 1.1 percent compared to 2 percent for an unskilled blackjack player. In comparison, American roulette has an edge of 5.26 percent.

Baccarat in the Media

Media reports have recently highlight losses of $115 million between two baccarat players in Singapore which opened its first two casinos this year. Macau is the world’s largest and most lucrative gambling market. As expected, it also contains the highest concentration of baccarat tables in the world. In the Chinese culture, baccarat is the most appealing way to showcase your wealth.

Baccarat is a game that continues to grow in numbers and revenue generated by casinos across the globe. As this trend spreads, Las Vegas will add more tables to accommodate new and veteran players to this gambling forum. A dream for Chinese baccarat players is to come to Vegas and win. Adding additional tables will draw more players from the Asian market to come to Las Vegas. Hopefully baccarat will pull many casinos out of the recession.

Las Vegas continues fall victim to the repercussions of the economic recession with fewer visitors, all of whom are spending less money in the city. It was recently reported that overall winnings on the Las Vegas strip fell by 6.3 percent during the month of May. The biggest hits were taken on the Baccarat tables and at the sports books. This is the second straight month of decline.

Clark County May Results

Across the state, combined winnings by all casinos have fallen by 4.7 percent. Although better than May 2009 still not good for business. Gambling winnings dropped 0.7 percent at downtown Las Vegas casinos while falling 8.8 percent at North Las Vegas properties. On the other hand the Boulder strip saw a rise by 5 percent, but Mesquite casinos fell off by 5.8 percent. Overall the amount of winnings across Clark County fell by 5 percent which was 6^th straight month of decline.

Other Nevada Counties

Washoe County claimed a 7.9 percent decrease in winnings, South Lake Tahoe 12.5 percent decline, Elko County was down 1.1 percent along with Carson Valley. It was a tough month for casinos throughout the state of Nevada.

The Strip Breakdown

The Las Vegas strip accounts for more than 50 percent of Nevada’s profits. In May Baccarat earnings fell nearly 37 percent which ended a period of 12 month increase in profits from the game. Ironically casino guests wagered more in Baccarat but the “hold” within the game dropped from 13.3 percent a year ago to 8.2 percent in May. This simply means the casinos didn’t have luck on their side.

Similarly the profits at sports books fell significantly by 42 percent as bettors won more at the beginning of the NBA Playoffs. On the other hand Blackjack profits improved by 2 percent along with a 21 percent increase in craps. This was only the second improvement in the past 10 months. Finally, slots went up by 3.5 percent while roulette fell 14 percent.

Overall the state of Nevada collected 3.69 percent less taxes than the previous fiscal year. Although these drops are a direct effect of the recession (and a little bad luck), as always the economy will rebound and so will the casinos. In the interim, it’s simply going to take a little innovative and creative though to lure guests back onto the casino floor.