Baccarat has long been considered one of the most exciting, glamorous, and mysterious games in the casino world. Known for its elegance and high stakes, it’s a game often associated with wealth, sophistication, and high-profile players. Some of these players have made a mark not just because of their impressive wins, but due to their larger-than-life personalities or dramatic stories. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 most famous Baccarat players—both celebrities and professionals—who have become legends in their own right.
1. Phil Ivey – The Master of Poker and Baccarat
Phil Ivey is perhaps the most famous professional gambler of modern times. While he’s best known for his poker skills—having won 10 World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and millions of dollars in poker tournaments—his prowess in Baccarat has also earned him a place on this list.
Ivey’s Baccarat fame isn’t based on regular wins at the tables, but rather on his ability to use a technique known as “edge-sorting.” This controversial method involves identifying small flaws in the design of cards and using them to predict the outcome of the game. In 2012, Ivey was involved in a high-profile case with the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, where he won $9.6 million using edge-sorting. The casino sued him, claiming he had cheated. Although Ivey denied any wrongdoing, the courts ultimately ruled in the casino’s favor. Despite this legal battle, Ivey’s involvement in Baccarat is still talked about as one of the most unique stories in the casino world.
2. James Bond – Fictional Icon of Baccarat
When you think of baccarat, you can’t help but think of James Bond. The iconic British spy, portrayed by Sean Connery in Casino Royale (1967), introduced Baccarat to a wide audience, especially in the thrilling scenes set in the elegant Casino Royale.
In the movie, Bond faces off against his nemesis, Le Chiffre, in a high-stakes game of Baccarat. The game not only shows Bond’s cool-headedness under pressure but also cements Baccarat as a game of sophistication and danger in popular culture. While the Bond films later shifted to other games like poker (Casino Royale 2006), the impact of Bond’s Baccarat games in the early films remains unforgettable. For many, James Bond is the quintessential Baccarat player, the personification of grace, power, and elegance at the casino table.
3. Akio Kashiwagi – The Baccarat King of Las Vegas
Akio Kashiwagi was a Japanese businessman who became infamous for his high-stakes gambling, particularly in Baccarat. Kashiwagi was known for betting huge amounts, sometimes risking over $100,000 per hand. His love for Baccarat brought him to Las Vegas, where he regularly played at the Mirage and other high-end casinos.
In 1995, Kashiwagi became a symbol of the high-roller lifestyle when he was involved in a series of massive losses and wins. He was once allowed to play Baccarat at the Mirage with an unlimited credit line—a rare privilege that showed his financial clout. His most infamous moment came when he lost over $12 million at the casino in just one weekend. His gambling story ended tragically when he was murdered in 1992, though his legacy as one of the biggest Baccarat players in history lives on.
4. Kerry Packer – Billionaire Baccarat Gambler
Kerry Packer, an Australian media mogul, was another larger-than-life figure in the world of high-stakes Baccarat. A billionaire, Packer was known for his enormous bets at casinos, with Baccarat being one of his games of choice.
Packer’s most notable gambling moment came in 1995 when he played Baccarat at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He won and lost over $20 million in a single weekend. It’s said that Packer made the casino nervous, because his bets were so large and unpredictable. His gambling adventures in Las Vegas became legendary, and he became one of the most famous and feared high-rollers in the world. His legacy lives on as a symbol of how Baccarat attracts not only professionals but also extremely wealthy individuals who are willing to risk it all.
5. Dan Bilzerian – The Instagram King with a Love for Baccarat
Dan Bilzerian, known for his extravagant lifestyle on Instagram, is a modern celebrity who has used Baccarat to add a touch of drama to his already glamorous life. Bilzerian is no stranger to high-stakes gambling and has been spotted at top casinos worldwide, playing Baccarat with massive chips.
With his social media following of over 30 million people, Bilzerian has brought a new type of celebrity gambling into the spotlight. His posts often feature lavish parties, exotic locations, and, of course, high-stakes casino games. While his Baccarat skills are not as renowned as some of the professionals on this list, his larger-than-life persona has made him a key figure in bringing Baccarat into the 21st century’s celebrity culture. For those inspired by his glamorous lifestyle and looking to improve their own game, there are plenty of resources to learn baccarat game, offering guides and strategies to help players master this elegant and thrilling casino classic.
6. Don Johnson – The Baccarat Strategist
Don Johnson made headlines for his amazing ability to win millions at the Baccarat tables using a strategy that many thought was impossible. Between 2011 and 2012, Johnson won over $15 million playing Baccarat at Atlantic City casinos. What set him apart was his ability to negotiate better conditions with the casinos, including rebates on losses and favorable rules on the game.
His big wins became a source of fascination in the gambling world. Johnson’s story is one of a man who used his sharp negotiation skills and a strategic approach to turn Baccarat into a game he could beat. His success is often seen as one of the best examples of how professional gamblers can use a combination of skill, strategy, and casino cooperation to win big.
7. Rick “The Dragon” Salomon – Celebrity Baccarat Gambler
Rick Salomon, known for his relationships with celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton, has a reputation as a high-stakes gambler who enjoys playing Baccarat. Salomon’s gambling story made headlines in 2007 when he won $2.8 million in a single night playing Baccarat at the Las Vegas Palms Casino.
Salomon, whose wealth comes from a variety of ventures including poker and celebrity appearances, has often been linked to the glamorous side of gambling. His nickname, “The Dragon,” comes from his poker prowess, but it’s his Baccarat victories that have helped solidify his place in the world of high-profile gamblers.
8. Tom Dwan – Professional Poker Player and Baccarat Enthusiast
Tom Dwan, a professional poker player known for his risk-taking style, is also a frequent Baccarat player. Dwan has made a name for himself in the poker world with his aggressive play and large bets. His involvement in Baccarat has attracted attention because of his high-stakes gambling lifestyle.
While not as famous for Baccarat as some of the others on this list, Dwan’s willingness to gamble large sums of money at the Baccarat tables shows his versatility as a player. His fans and followers love watching him take risks and play for millions, whether in poker or Baccarat.
9. Victoria Coren Mitchell – The First Female Baccarat Winner at the World Series of Poker
Victoria Coren Mitchell, a British television presenter and poker player, is one of the few women to achieve success in the male-dominated world of professional gambling. She has become well-known not only for her poker achievements but also for her participation in Baccarat games at prestigious events.
Coren Mitchell’s win in the World Series of Poker in 2006 earned her international recognition. As one of the few female players to conquer both poker and Baccarat, she’s become a role model for women interested in the gaming world. Her success in Baccarat, though not as widely covered as her poker career, still adds a unique dimension to her gambling reputation.
10. Frank Sinatra – The Rat Pack and Baccarat Legend
Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner and Hollywood icon, was also known for his love of gambling—especially Baccarat. Sinatra often played at Las Vegas casinos, where he was a regular in the high-stakes rooms. His connection to Baccarat and his friendships with other members of the Rat Pack, such as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., helped elevate the game’s status among celebrities in the 1960s.
Sinatra’s reputation as a smooth gambler was as legendary as his music. Stories of him playing Baccarat at the Sands and the Desert Inn are woven into the rich history of Las Vegas during its golden age. He was known to gamble huge amounts with ease, contributing to the mystique of Baccarat as a game for the rich and famous.
Conclusion
From the fictional world of James Bond to the real-life high rollers like Phil Ivey and Kerry Packer, Baccarat continues to captivate players with its elegance and potential for huge wins. Whether it’s through strategic play, celebrity status, or sheer risk-taking, these 10 players have helped shape Baccarat’s legacy as one of the most iconic games in the casino world. Today, the game remains as popular as ever, attracting new generations of players eager to make their mark at the tables.