One of the most popular casino games that can be played in real time is Live Poker. It is offered by numerous leading gaming houses together with its many variations, some of which enjoy worldwide fame. Played for centuries, this card game is often the first that springs to mind whenever the word ‘casino’ is mentioned. It resembles Blackjack in that, alongside luck, it also demands skill and strategy. Because players can influence the final outcome through their knowledge and abilities, poker is among the most played games of all time.
Live casinos use cutting-edge technology and advanced systems to provide players with an experience that is second to none for entertainment and excitement. They can enjoy Live Poker with a live croupier who deals the cards in real time, which greatly enhances the sense of realism. Furthermore, the live-streaming technology employed by most online casinos enables players to observe the entire gaming process and every action involved. They can even chat with the dealer and the other poker enthusiasts while playing from home.
Reasons to Try Live Poker
When online poker first appeared, many players did not even consider giving it a try because the computerised version removed much of the fun. However, the introduction of Live Poker completely changed the way players viewed online gambling. Thanks to live-streaming video, players can now watch croupiers perform their duties in real time. The attractive and professional dealers also greatly enhance the overall experience that poker fans enjoy when playing their favourite game live.
Moreover, players can communicate with the dealer and with the other poker enthusiasts via the live chat feature. This option enables poker fans to establish a personal connection with everyone involved in the game. The human element is therefore no longer missing when Live Poker is played online, which is great news for outgoing players who like to socialise and chat when they visit a casino. It is undeniable that live games offer a range of advantages and exclusive features that are not available in brick-and-mortar casinos. The rapidly increasing popularity of this type of game is, in itself, proof that Live Poker appeals to a huge number of players worldwide.
Most Popular Live Poker Variation – Casino Hold’em
One of the most popular variations of Live Poker is Live Casino Hold’em and, as such, it can be found in most online casinos. This game can also be played with a professional dealer in real time, giving players an experience similar to that at their favourite land-based casinos. Poker enthusiasts can therefore enjoy this engaging variation of the game from the comfort of their homes while still experiencing genuine casino ambience. Thanks to sophisticated live-streaming technology, they can watch an attractive dealer who not only conducts the game professionally but also keeps it moving at a brisk pace.
Like any other live game, Live Casino Hold’em offers a range of benefits and unique features that significantly enhance the player’s experience. One notable advantage is that most live casinos provide special bonuses and tempting deals for this variation. This perk is one of the reasons why Live Casino Hold’em is considered worthwhile by players around the world. The table limits vary from one online casino to another, giving players the freedom to choose stakes that suit their budgets.
Other Popular Live Poker Variations
Poker is extremely popular among casino fans, and you will find plenty of its variations at live casinos. If you would like to try something similar to Casino Hold’em but with additional features or a few tweaks to the rules, consider the options reviewed below.
Live Caribbean Stud Poker
This particular poker variation currently has three live-dealer versions, available at interactive casinos powered by Xpro Gaming, Vivo Gaming and Evolution Gaming.
Although all three games share the same rules, the Xpro and Vivo Gaming versions can accommodate only up to five players at a time, whereas Evolution Gaming’s Live Caribbean Stud Poker deals a single hand that applies to an unlimited number of participants.
The game is extremely easy to play, with the player’s main goal being to beat the dealer’s hand. Before each round begins, players place the so-called Ante bet. After they receive their five cards and the dealer reveals the final card of their own hand, players must decide whether to raise and play or to fold.
One feature that makes Evolution’s version even more exciting is the possibility of hitting a progressive jackpot, awarded whenever a player is dealt a Royal Flush. In addition, players can place a 5+1 side bet, which pays for various combinations incorporating four of the player’s cards and one of the dealer’s cards.
Live Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker
Yet another highly entertaining live-dealer poker version you can enjoy online is Live Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker by Evolution Gaming. In this variant, your main goal is to form the best five-card hand using two hole cards and three of the community cards on the table.
As with other poker variations, Live Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker requires an Ante bet before each round begins. The game also offers a bonus and a progressive jackpot, both of which can be won if you make the corresponding side bet.
When the round starts, you will receive two hole cards dealt face up. You can decide to fold your hand or raise your bet and play. Following your decision, the dealer reveals three community cards dealt face up. The player can check (do nothing) or raise before a fourth community card is dealt face up. Yet again, the player must decide to check or bet, with the fifth and final community card being dealt at the end.
The side bet applies to the two hole cards dealt to the player, with different payouts being offered for specific pair combinations. The progressive jackpot is won when the player forms a Royal Flush. If there are several players with a Royal Flush during the same gaming session, the prize pool is equally divided between them.
Live Three Card Poker
Poker fans can also enjoy Live Three Card Poker by Evolution Gaming. Similar to Baccarat with Squeeze, this variant allows a slow reveal of the cards, making the game far more thrilling.
At the start of each round, players place their Play bets. They may also make side bets and play for bonus payouts. The players then receive three cards face up, while the dealer draws three cards face down.
Players must then decide whether to continue by placing an Ante bet, or to fold and forfeit the round. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hand and the higher-ranking hand wins.
Players are awarded an Ante Bonus if their three cards form a Three of a Kind. Meanwhile, the Pairs Plus bet pays when the player’s hand is a pair or better. There is also the 6 Card Bonus, which wins if the player’s three cards and the dealer’s three cards combine to form a five-card hand of Three of a Kind or better.
Key Features in Live Casino Hold’em
In Live Casino Hold’em, players can compete against the casino online and interact with one another. They can establish a more personal connection with the other participants and chat while playing their favourite game from a comfortable spot. This social element is a key factor that greatly enhances the excitement this variation of Live Poker offers. Even though the game is virtual, the live-chat feature ensures that the human touch remains.
While playing Live Casino Hold’em, players can choose from several betting options. The standard wager is the Ante bet, placed before any cards are dealt. Players may also place a Bonus side bet alongside the Ante, which pays when the first five cards dealt show a pair of Aces or better.
In addition to these two pre-deal wagers, you can also make a Call bet. This is placed when you decide to continue with your hand after the three community cards have been dealt.
Another appealing feature of Evolution Gaming’s Live Casino Hold’em is the progressive jackpot. To be eligible for this prize, you must place a side bet. The jackpot is awarded when a seven-card Straight Flush is formed from the player’s two hole cards and the five community cards.
Evolution Gaming has also released an additional version of the live-dealer game. With 2 Hand Casino Hold’em, players are dealt two separate hands and may choose to play either one or both.
Some live casinos have taken their interfaces to the next level by offering a special multi-user interface. This enables players to observe the moves made by everyone at the table as if they were in a land-based casino. Such features compensate for the absence of a physical setting by allowing poker enthusiasts to witness every action on the table.
Players can also watch a professional dealer deal the cards in real time thanks to the live-streaming technology employed by most live casinos. Casino fans no longer have to sit behind a computer or mobile screen and play on their own, as this advanced system serves as a window into a new gaming world. It is the most realistic experience they can enjoy while playing Live Poker from the comfort of their homes.
Live Casino Hold’em Strategy
As you may already know, poker is best played when you utilise the right strategy. When playing Live Casino Hold’em, you once again have the opportunity to apply strategic thinking and increase your chances of securing a generous payout.
Just as in a brick-and-mortar casino, in live-dealer Casino Hold’em you compete against a real dealer. Your goal is to beat their hand. Your hole cards will guide you on whether to fold or to call.
As a rule of thumb, there are several strong hole-card holdings that justify a call in Live Casino Hold’em. If you are holding a pair, an Ace or King, or even a Queen or Jack, you should generally call. However, if the community cards are all of the same suit and you do not hold one, a Queen or Jack alone is usually insufficient and it is better to fold.
If you have a Flush or Straight draw and need only one card to complete the hand, you should call. Similarly, if your hole cards are of higher value than the community cards, calling is recommended.
When your hole cards do not match the community cards, or you are not holding a card higher than ten, you should fold, unless you have a Straight or Flush draw.
Holding unpaired cards with low values that do not match the community cards will also mean that it is best to fold.
Pros and Cons of Live Casino Hold’em Poker
When you are wondering whether playing Live Casino Hold’em is worthwhile, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.
The biggest advantage of playing Casino Hold’em against a real professional dealer is the authenticity of the entire experience. You will be able to enjoy a realistic casino adventure in the comfort of your own home while trying to beat the dealer.
All of the croupiers who work at Live Casinos are professionals who know how to handle the cards and conduct an entertaining game of Casino Hold’em. What is more, thanks to a Chat feature, you will be able to communicate with the dealer and other players who have joined the live table. This makes the experience even more authentic, fun and interactive.
Since Live Casino Hold’em is played in real time with a professional dealer, you will see the cards being dealt before your eyes. There is no RNG involved; a real human hand reveals the cards in every round. This transparency assures players of the game’s fairness.
Live Casino Hold’em is a fun game that has several variations online. Depending on the Live Casino where you choose to play, you might have different betting options. In addition to the standard Ante bet, you may also be able to place side bets that can be very rewarding if luck is on your side.
Players who enjoy taking risks might also appreciate Evolution Gaming’s version of Live Casino Hold’em. It allows a side bet that qualifies participants for a generous progressive jackpot. If there is a seven-card Straight Flush, you could quickly boost your casino balance thanks to this jackpot.
Another great perk of playing Live Casino Hold’em is the accessibility of the game. You can enjoy your favourite poker variation no matter where you are. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you will be able to load the game on your smart device and play on the go.
In addition to the various pros of live-dealer Casino Hold’em, there are several cons you should bear in mind. When you decide to play against a real dealer, remember that Live Casino Hold’em, like other live games, cannot be played for free. This means you will need to top up your casino balance before you start playing.
Having to deposit money into your account in order to play the live version of Casino Hold’em can be a bit inconvenient. If you are not used to the game and prefer to practise first, you are advised to resort to virtual versions of the game. You can bet at a Live Casino once you are confident in your poker skills.
Another disadvantage mainly concerns players who decide to play on the go. If your Internet connection is not strong enough, this will disrupt your Live Casino experience. You might not be able to fully enjoy your game of Live Casino Hold’em or place bets in real time without a stable connection.
Conclusion
Live Poker and its various forms can be found at most reputable online casinos because of their immense popularity and challenging nature. The foremost priority of every well-established online casino is to provide a second-to-none experience for its members and to surpass even the highest expectations of how Live Poker can be played. Thanks to versatile live-streaming technology, the way live games are perceived has changed significantly. If you are a fan of the card game, you now have the chance to apply the right strategy, play against a real dealer and revel in an authentic poker experience from the comfort of your own home.