The table is staffed by only one dealer who is responsible for handling the cards. The layout, however, conforms to the regular baccarat table and each of the seven seat positions correspond to a number and betting box with spots for banker, player, and tie. Lacking the formality and large group of players, mini-baccarat is played fast and is a good place to learn how to play. To get a high stakes game of baccarat going, many times a casino will employ a shill to play. A shill is someone who poses as a gambler to lure others to the table.
Shills are often expensively dressed women.
They play with the house's money to 'break the ice' of the game. Once a few real players start playing, shills generally leave the table, vacating their seats for real patrons.