The game that began in Italy, spread far and wide across oceans to new continents. In South America and the Caribbean, the game was played only against the house with the casino becoming the bank, this remained the same. This is what came to be known as “American Baccarat”

In Cuba, the game suited the local culture and was called “Punto Banco”. In the 1950s, It moved to Sands Casino in Las Vegas USA due to the then Castro government. Tommy Renzoni was the one who brought it.

But in land casinos, Baccarat remained isolated, unlike Roulette or slots that just caught on immediately. Casinos too marketed the game as one for the few, by having separate rooms with curtains, leather chairs, and high minimum bets. Lots of people were allured to it.

It's fascinating to see how Baccarat, originating in Italy, spread across continents and adapted to different regions. In South America and the Caribbean, it became "American Baccarat," played against the house. In Cuba, it suited the local culture and was called "Punto Banco." Tommy Renzoni introduced it to the Sands Casino in Las Vegas in the 1950s. Unlike Roulette or slots, Baccarat remained isolated in land casinos, marketed as an exclusive game with separate rooms, leather chairs, and high minimum bets. Its allure attracted many people. Thanks for sharing these intriguing details about Baccarat's journey!

good read!