The real reason and there is ONE (1) only. Just one, not 2, not 3, just one.
All the talk about Macau and all the talk of how numerous casinos around the USA and around the world followed the lead of Macau and increased their baccarat tables or just added baccarat, etc. How the huge influx of players and increased demand for---and all that talk.
The internet and the false perception and explanations of the ease in winning the game with the lowest casino house advantage.
That is the number one reason, the internet and of course all the books and system programs/training to get rich quick.
There are many other factors that came into play, like lowering table min's and addition of the game to almost every gaming jurisdiction, but the number 1 reason, solely rests with the internet and its spread of numerous false perception innuendoes.
I once heard a lady from Hong Kong told me why the only game she played in casino was baccarat.
"Because I can bet against or with the house. The fairest game in casino"