Poker is a card game that comes in multiple variants. It is huge with players frequenting brick-and-mortar casinos and their online counterparts alike. Also, it is one of the most popular casino games you can play at home with your friends for the sake of fun.
The first record of the name called Poker dates back to the first half of the 19th century. It was played in the United States, but some sources claim that Poker game played back then was the direct derivative of the Persian game called As-Nas. Although Poker has come a long way from the game played with a 20-card deck to all game variants we can enjoy today on the internet or offline, the main goal has remained the same. You need to create a stronger Poker hand to beat other players or the dealer.
At brick-and-mortar casinos, players can enjoy different Poker variants. Yet, with the invention of online casinos, the number of game variants has been constantly growing. Providers come up with a new take on the casino classic regularly, offering players more excitement and opportunities to win bigger prizes.
Once you join an online casino and visit the Table Games section, you can find a collection of Poker titles operated by the RNG. While they can offer loads of excitement, it’s Live Poker that will provide you with an experience that is closest to the one you can enjoy at brick-and-mortar casinos. The good news is that Live Poker games come in all shapes and sizes, with some of them even offering life-changing progressive jackpot prizes.
Playing Live Poker
Thanks to live casino technology, you can enjoy the real casino action at Poker tables without leaving the comfort of your home or on the go. The only difference would be in the fact that when playing Live Poker online, you need to beat the dealer and not your fellow players.
Real-life dealers host all Live Poker variants, and the action takes place in real-time. You are enabled to interact with the dealer and other players through a live chat feature. At the same time, the action is streamed via HD cameras. Live dealers are friendly and will make you feel comfortable while playing your favourite Poker variation.
At land-based casinos, table limits may not be suitable for all kinds of players. On the other hand, at live casinos, Poker games have a wide betting range, thus catering to both penny punters and high rollers. While a betting range varies from table to table, in most cases you will be able to play Poker for as little as €0.50 and as much as €5,000 per hand.
The Best Live Poker Variants
Not so long ago, live casino players could choose from a few Blackjack and Roulette tables only. Luckily, new games have been added over time, so today Poker enthusiasts are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of game variations on offer. Each of them has its unique set of rules and side bets, ensuring that even the pickiest of gamblers will find the game to their liking.
The provider that offers most of Live Poker games in the market at the moment of writing this article is Evolution Gaming. On this page, you can find in-depth reviews of each one of them. Besides Evolution, another gaming company that offers one of the most popular Poker variants, Live Casino Hold’em, is Ezugi.
Here is the lowdown on some of the most popular Poker games you can play at live casinos online.
Live Casino Hold’em
This is one of the all-time favourites when it comes to Poker games, online and offline. Available at tables powered by Evolution and Ezugi, Live Casino Hold’em invites you to beat the dealer with a 5-card hand of a higher ranking. Besides the main wager, players can place two side bets, a Bonus Bet and Progressive Jumbo 7 Jackpot side bet, for added excitement and a chance to win bigger prizes including a progressive jackpot.
Live Three Card Poker
Another popular variant of the game where the main goal is to beat the dealer with a better 3-card hand. Play Live Three Card Poker to beat the dealer who must have a Queen high hand to qualify. Yet, the game offers three more ways to win thanks to side bets including an Ante Bonus, Pair Plus and 6 Card Bonus bet. The most lucrative among them is the 6 Card Bonus bet that can earn you up to 1,000:1.
Live Three Card Poker screenshot
Ultimate Texas Hold’em
Despite the fact that its rules that are a bit more complicated than in the previous two games, Ultimate Texas Hold’em attracts many players eager to win with the best 5-card hand. When playing the game at live casinos, you need to beat the dealer who needs a pair or better to qualify. Besides an Ante, Blind and Play bet, gamblers can go for a Triple Bonus bet. It wins regardless of the dealer’s hand when the player creates a 5-card poker hand combining their two cards and three flop cards. The side bet can pay up to 50:1. This game also comes in the Bonus version offering the First Five Jackpot side bet that can earn you a progressive jackpot.
Live Caribbean Stud Poker
This is another progressive Poker variant exclusive to Evolution-powered live casinos. In Live Caribbean Stud Poker, the dealer must have an Ace and a King or higher to qualify. It offers a 5+1 Bonus side bet paying on a three of a kind or higher and delivering up to 1,000:1. Another optional wager is a Progressive Jackpot side bet you have to play for a chance to win an ever-growing jackpot prize.
Live Poker FAQ
Can I Try Live Poker for Free?
Just like other live casino games, Live Poker variants are not available in free-play mode.
What’s the House Edge in Live Poker?
The house edge in Live Poker is an advantage the house has over the player. It varies from game to game, with the main game and each side bet having their own house edge. Optional bets typically have a higher house edge, meaning that they involve more risk, so play them responsibly.
What Kind of Bonus Can I Get When Playing Live Poker?
Unfortunately, you won’t find many online casinos offering bonuses designed with Live Poker enthusiasts in mind. However, you can use regular welcome or reload bonuses to play game variants to your liking. Or, you can make use of cashback offers in case you lose your money while playing Live Poker games.
How to Win a Progressive Jackpot When Playing Live Poker Games?
While Poker is a skill-based game, where you can increase your odds by playing by the perfect strategy, winning a progressive jackpot comes down to sheer luck. If you want to try your luck at any of the games offering life-changing prizes, make sure to play a side bet that will qualify you for it.
