The Biggest Payouts in Baccarat History

Baccarat has long held a mystique, often associated with high-stakes tables and an exclusive clientele. For many, the image of a ‘whale' placing colossal bets comes to mind, and indeed, to truly immerse oneself in the traditional casino baccarat experience, a substantial bankroll is often required. Given this, it's hardly surprising that the game has been the stage for some truly monumental wins over the decades.
What might astonish many, however, is the sheer scale of these victories. We're talking about winnings that frequently soar into the millions of dollars, transforming lives in an instant. This trend of increasingly significant payouts shows no signs of slowing down, suggesting that we'll continue to witness awe-inspiring baccarat triumphs in the years to come, especially as the game gains traction in the digital realm.
Online casinos, in particular, have become global hotspots for gambling, making games like baccarat more accessible than ever. This accessibility, combined with the thrill of potentially life-changing wins, has led to a fascinating history of baccarat jackpots that continue to captivate and astound players worldwide, including here in New Zealand.
Akio Kashiwagi: The Billionaire Baccarat King
When we talk about ‘billionaire baccarat,' we naturally anticipate a hefty jackpot. Yet, the actual sum won by the legendary Akio Kashiwagi often leaves people speechless. Kashiwagi was famously known as a ‘whale' in the baccarat world, a moniker earned due to his extraordinary betting habits.
His willingness to wager staggering amounts, often placing NZ$160,000 to NZ$320,000 (approximately US$100,000 to US$200,000) on single hands, set him apart. His most famous victory saw him walk away with a cool NZ$9.8 million (US$6,000,000) from a single competition, solidifying his place in baccarat lore.
The Crown Casino Melbourne's Costly Streak
While specific details surrounding this event remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, certain facts have emerged. Over several months, the prestigious Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, experienced a staggering loss of approximately NZ$89.7 million (US$55,000,000) across its baccarat tables. This prolonged losing streak reportedly pushed the Australian casino to the brink, though they ultimately managed to recover.
It's important to note that these losses weren't attributed to a single individual. However, amidst the numerous players contributing to this monumental deficit, one anonymous punter managed to secure an incredible NZ$19.5 million (US$12,000,000) win. Despite the magnitude of their victory, this fortunate player has successfully maintained their anonymity to this day.
Lin Haisan: World Series of Baccarat Champion
The NZ$19.5 million win held its place in the baccarat history books for a considerable period. However, it was eventually surpassed a few years later by an even more significant triumph. In 2015, during a record-setting event in Macao, Lin Haisan clinched a staggering HKD100 million, which translated to approximately NZ$21.08 million (US$12.9 million).
Haisan secured this immense fortune by winning the coveted World Series Baccarat Championship. To this day, Lin Haisan's victory remains a benchmark for baccarat winnings, though the ever-increasing jackpots in modern competitions suggest that new records could be set in the coming years.
Baccarat for Kiwis: The Online Advantage in 2025
While the colossal wins mentioned above often require substantial upfront investments to participate in high-roller casino games or elite baccarat tournaments, the landscape has evolved significantly with the advent of online casinos. For New Zealand players, online baccarat offers a compelling alternative.
Many reputable online baccarat platforms allow Kiwis to enjoy the thrill of the game and pursue significant winnings with a much smaller initial investment. This accessibility, combined with the convenience of playing from home or on the go, largely explains the surge in popularity of online baccarat among New Zealanders over recent years.
Looking for the right Baccarat casino now in New Zealand? If so, then check out where to grab bonuses like cashback or even no deposit bonuses. Here are some of the best online casinos and casino apps on Casinoble for Kiwis:
Remember to always gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655.
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