This article first appeared in the Sep/Oct 2016 issue of WGM.
DUOBAO combines baccarat and poker to create a new table game aimed at upping the excitement.
Baccarat may well have been the cornerstone of Macau’s success over the past 12 years, but with the market now shifting from VIP to mass – and a new generation of younger players emerging in the process – it could be time to change things up.
That’s the theory behind the latest spin on traditional baccarat, DUOBAO.
The brainchild of Macau Gaming Information Association (MGIA) Chairman Charlie Choi, DUOBAO combines baccarat with elements of poker, slots and lottery to create a new and enthralling game.
“The problem with traditional baccarat is that it’s a little bit boring,” explains Mr Choi.
“Young players aren’t interested in a 1:1 bet, they want some excitement by being able to place bets at bigger odds.
“DUOBAO gives them the opportunity to do that.”
The base game in DUOBAO is exactly the same as traditional baccarat with players able to bet on Player or Banker as usual. However, players also have the option of betting on any of 14 possible “poker hands” – such as flushes, straights and full houses – which are formed by combining the cards dealt to both Player and Banker in any given hand.
For example, a flush pays 75:1 and wins if Player and Banker show five cards of the same suit between them. In hands where only four cards are dealt, these side bets are considered a push.
This means that while players can still place their usual 1:1 bet on Player or Banker, they also have the chance to shoot for odds of anything from 11:1 for a pair to a massive 66,000:1 for six of a kind!
“We think this will appeal to the younger generation who are looking for something a bit different to traditional table games,” Mr Choi says.
“Poker is one game that is definitely growing in popularity in Asia and all around the world, so by incorporating it into baccarat we’re adding a new level of excitement that we think will be of interest.”
When it eventually makes its way onto casino gaming floors, DUOBAO will be accompanied by high quality monitors and flashy displays to enhance the player experience, but for now you can try it out on the MGIA app.
As well as a free play option, VIP players can also buy credits via iTunes with any credits won on the DUOBAO app able to be exchanged for hotel rooms or food and beverage at various locations across Macau.