- Evolution Gaming has the best collection of live-dealer video poker games, including Texas Hold’em.
- Live video poker combines online gambling with face-paced casino action.
- The live dealer takes on the role of a banker, distributing and collecting cards from the virtual machine.
Over the last two decades, technology has advanced rapidly. It transformed nearly every industry and our daily lives in ways we never thought possible. One area that benefited substantially from all these changes was the gambling sector.
Online casinos have been around since the early 2000s, but they lacked something important – interaction. People still enjoyed playing their favorite games from home, but they longed for a more immersive experience.
Live gaming provides players with just that; it allows them to enjoy online gambling with real human dealers. Hundreds of houses now offer this service, providing numerous table games and popular card ones like blackjack or poker.
While searching through different options, you might come across an intriguing category called “live video poker.” In this post, I will explain what it is, which games are available, and where you can play them.
What Is Live Video Poker?
As its name implies, this variant brings together live casino features and video poker machines. Essentially, it’s the same classic game you know and love, streamed to your computer or mobile device via a video link. You get the best of both worlds – the convenience and accessibility of online poker mixed with the excitement and social aspect of live play.
The game is broadcasted from a studio equipped with multiple cameras and advanced streaming technologies. A professional croupier acts as a banker, handling all the cards and managing bets while adhering to strict timing rules. Players can see every move she makes through the HD camera stream.
During each round, the dealer distributes five cards to every player at the table (up to 4 players maximum) and herself. She plays one hand just like you do – drawing or holding cards to achieve the highest rank possible. Once the results are in, payouts are made automatically based on the video poker paytable displayed on screen.
Most live video poker titles focus on popular twistings of the basic Jacks or Better rule set, such as Three Card Poker or Ultimate Texas Hold’em, adding extra betting rounds and side wagers to spice things up.
Where Can You Play Live Dealer Video Poker?
If you search for live video poker games, your first order of business should be finding a reliable platform to play on. Superior streaming quality, diverse banking methods, and attractive bonuses are some factors to consider when choosing your operator. Here are my recommended sites offering this exciting variation:
Rolling Slots Casino $1000 + 25 Spins
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Generous Welcome Bonuses, a vast selection of Rival-powered games, and download/instant play/mobile platforms are the key characteristics of this site. Rolling Slots Casino is licensed by the Panama Gambling Commission. Its live dealer suite is powered by VIG and includes three video poker titles – Three Card Rush, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Fortune Wheel Time.
Wild Casino $5000
Wild Casino welcomes you with a whopping $5000 bonus with a 100% match on your first five deposits. Their well-designed platform offers hundreds of high-quality games from leading software providers.
Licensed in Panama, this site accepts US players with various banking options. Their live gaming portfolio encompasses ten video poker variations, such as Three Cards Ranch, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, and Face Up Poker.
BetOnline $3000 + 300 Free Spins
BetOnline has been in the game since 2001 and built a solid reputation among gamblers worldwide. This famed sportsbook also offers a complete casino platform with live video poker, slots, table games, and more.
Newcomers can claim a welcome package worth $3000 + 300 free spins. BetOnline holds a Panama license and supports various deposit methods, including cryptocurrencies. Their collection consists of ten variants – Three Card Rumeria, Switch, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, etc.
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If you’re a slot enthusiast, DuckyLuck Casino might be your new favorite spot. This platform boasts over 400 reel-spinning titles from renowned developer Rival, along with live video poker, progressive jackpots, and more.
New customers can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus package totaling $7500 + 150 free spins. This site accepts US players and proposes all the popular variants – Three Card Raise, TX Hold’em, Face Up, and Three Card Rummy.
Las Atlantis Casino $5000 + 10% Cashback
This underwater-themed gambling den offers a unique experience with a massive game selection and top-notch live video poker tables. All the titles are provided by Betsoft, ensuring stellar graphics and smooth performance.
Las Atlantis is open to Americans and accepts several cryptocurrencies. Their welcome promo rewards you with a bonus pack worth $5000 + 10% cashback. Expect to find all the familiar faces – Three Card Rumble, Ultimate Hold’em, etc.
online casino usa acceptedHow We Ranked Our List of Live Video Poker Sites
When evaluating potential gambling destinations, safety always comes first. Licenses ensure that the venue plays by the established rules and treats customers fairly. All of my recommended operators hold valid permits from recognized regulatory agencies.
A varied gaming catalog is essential for keeping players entertained. Having faith in the fairness of the outcomes relies on regular audits conducted by third-party organizations. My top sites checked all those boxes, so make sure to check them out and claim your welcome bonus before proceeding to the live poker video section.
Most Popular Live Video Poker Games
Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play are the biggest names in the iGaming industry right now. They dominate the market with hundreds of tables and innovative concepts, but their main products are traditional casino games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. If you want to play live video poker, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Fortunately, smaller studios like VIG and HoG Studios fill that niche perfectly. Their portfolios consist solely of poker variations, ensuring high production values and undivided attention to detail. Here are the most sought-after proposals in this category:
Three Card Poker Relative Return
RTP: 96.63%
Payouts: Up to 100:1
Three Card Poker Relative Return is a thrilling game that blends video poker with a classic card game. Your goal is to beat the dealer using only three cards. You can also place an additional Ante Bonus bet, where higher ranks bring larger rewards.
no deposit free bet casinoThis title stands out thanks to its innovative Relative Return mechanism, which guarantees better odds than the original version (96.63% vs 96.6%) even if the dealer wins. That means more profit in the long run.
Ultimate Texas’ Hold’em
RTP: 96.61%
Payouts: Up to 500:1
Ultimate Texas’ Hold’em puts a poker twist on live video roulette, inviting you to challenge the dealer in a friendly game of TH. You have three betting rounds (pre-flop, on the flop, after the turn) (on the river) to create the strongest hand possible.
An additional Trips bonus wager can boost your earnings with payouts reaching up to 500:1 for a Royal Flush. This title follows the same ruleset as its casino counterpart.
Three Card Raise
RTP: 96.63%
Payouts: Up to 100:1
Three Card Raise is another proposal inspired by the classic card game. The main difference is that you can increase your initial Ante bet by up to three times (once after getting the cards and twice before the showdown).
Feeling confident about your starting hand can earn you a prize even if you lose the main wager or the final poker showdown. The Ante Bonus pays up to 100 times your initial stake for a Straight Flush.
Face Up Card Poker
RTP: 96.47%
Payouts: Up to 50:1
Also known as Aces and Faces Live, this HoG Production adds a video poker twist to the gameplay. After placing the initial bet, players and the dealer receive five cards face-up. You can keep or discard any of yours, then hold/draw supplementary ones.
The goal remains the same – get a pair of jacks or better to qualify for payouts that go up to 50 times the wager for a Royal Flush.
Three Card Rummy Professional Series
RTP: 99.42%
Payouts: Up to 10:1
Best Mobile Casinos in Australia (2023) Top Australian Mobile CasinosThree Card Rummy Professional Series is the only title on my list that focuses exclusively on your hand’s strength. There are no bets against the dealer; everyone plays against the bank to create the lowest possible rank.
Following the standard rulings of the Rummy card game, the best result is a Straight (any three consecutive cards). This achievement pays 10:1, making it ideal for conservative players.
How to Play Live Video Poker
Playing live video poker is very similar to its offline sibling. The difference is that all actions are done virtually through the buttons and windows on your computer or mobile screen. Here are the steps you must follow to start playing:
1) Join a Live Video Poker Platform
Begin your journey by signing up on one of the recommended gambling websites. Provide your personal details, verify your account, and benefit from the welcome bonus to kickstart your bankroll.
2) Look for the Video Poker Section
Once logged into the casino, locate the live tab and navigate to the video poker page. These games are usually found in separate lobbies managed by smaller studios rather than the big live casino provinters of Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play.
Best Maryland Online Casinos of 20233) Choose a Table and Place Your Bet
Select a free seat at one of the tables and adjust the settings to your preferences. Pick a wager value and decide whether to place any side bets. Keep in mind that each title has different limits, so make sure you can afford the chosen amount.
4) Enjoy the Round and Follow the Rules
The round begins once you’ve placed your bets. The dealer randomly generates five cards for herself and each player at the table. She then checks for pregnancy and pays out any winning hands according to the rankings and the selected paytable.
5) Collect Your Prize and Leave the Table
Whether you win or lose, you can press the “Leave Table” button to return to the lobby and choose a new destination. Don’t forget to request your payout if you fulfilled the casino withdrawal minimum.
Live Video Poker Rules – How to Play
Even though each title in this category has specific gameplay mechanics, they all share some fundamental rules. Understanding them is crucial to enjoying your sessions without confusion. Let’ s break down the basics of live dealer video poker.
Setting the Bets
Before beginning a round, players must place their bets. The “Basic” wager is mandatory if you want to play, and it qualifies you for the main paytable prizes. Additional side bets provide alternate paytables with much bigger rewards.
You must also select your preferred value from the available range. Keep in mind that the higher you go, the larger the payouts and the bigger the minimum roller requirement.
Poker Showdown Rules
After the distribution, you have multiple opportunities to improve your hand depending on the game. When all players are ready, the dealer reveals her hidden cards to enter the video poker showdown.
The ranked are taken from standard poker, so feel free to revise them if needed. In case you both have the same hand, the one who got it first receives half of the bet as a push and loses part of his wager. For example, a push for a flush would be a straight.
Payouts & House Edge
The potential gains depend on the rank of your poker hand compared to the dealer’s. The winner gets its payout from the Basic wager paytable, while the loser receives nothing. Ties mean a loss of the Basic bet but a return of that wager in a push.
Side bets come with their own tables listing special combinations like colored pitches in baseball or paw prints in dog parks. For instance, a paytable may begin like this:
bet mgm casinos- Pair of Jacks or Better – 1:1
- Straight – 4:1
- Three of a Kind – 9:1
- Straight Flush – 6:1
- Four of a Kind – 30:1
- Royal Flush – 100:1
All these variables also affect the theoretical house edge percentage. Perfect strategy play video poker usually hovers around 3%, but side bets can raise it or lower it based on their individual returns.
For instance, a table that pays fewer rewards for a Straight Flush will require better odds to balance the expected losses. However, if it offers a huge prize for a Royal Flush, the casino might still earn decent revenue due to most players failing to hit that rank.
Strategizing in Live Video Poker Games
Video poker is a game of skill, unlike most live casino propositions that rely entirely on luck. Even though the face-to-face element adds an extra layer of excitement, it removes the possibility of implementing tactics. Since the dealer only follows predetermined rules, there’s no need to hurry up and decide before the timer runs out. Everything happens automatically, regardless of your choices.
Great Free Casino Games You Can Download Right NowHowever, you can still influence the outcome by picking the best hand before the showdown. A simple strategy can help beginners learn how to make the correct decisions under pressure.
- Hold any pairs, high pairs, straight draws, flushes draws, four to a royal flush.
- Hold high pairs and draws to one-eyed royals (four to a straight flush minus one card of the missing rank).
- Discard everything else.
Three Card Rake and Three Card Rummy add Ante Bonus wagers that reward specific hands at the beginning. You can use a specific strategy for each one to maximize those profits:
Three Card Rake
- Hold a Straight or higher to qualify for the max payout.
- Hold a Pair to Qualify since the payout for this combination is not as lucrative as a Straight.
Three Card Raise
- Raise if you have a pair of jacks or better.
- Raise with no pairs but a King or Queen, plus good draw possibilities toward a big combo.
In conclusion, understanding live video poker strategy can enhance your enjoyment by giving you some control over the session’s outcome. Remember that perfect implementation requires plenty of practice, so don’t feel discouraged if it takes time to master.
Slots LV Promos We Wish Other Casinos Would StealTips to Win at Live Dealer Video Poker
Mastering the strategies above and following these tips will significantly improve your chances of winning:
- Choose a table within your budget and stick to it. Never chase losses or try to win back bonuses with bigger bets.
- Take advantage of any promotions offered by the casino, such as welcome bonuses, reloads, cashback, or loyalty rewards. Read the terms carefully to understand the wagering conditions.
- Use the demo mode or low-limit tables to test out different strategies and get comfortable with the game speed before increasing your stakes.
- Manage your emotions during play, especially during losing streaks. Video poker is a volatile game, and results can swing wildly in the short term. Stay disciplined and trust your plan.
- Consider setting win goals and loss limits before starting your session. Once you reach either threshold, stop playing and walk away.
- Prioritize fun and enjoyment over immediate winnings. Live gaming is meant to be an immersive experience, so savor every moment and appreciate the thrill of playing real money poker against a human dealer.
Live Video Poker vs Traditional Video Poker
At their core, traditional video poker games and their live dealer versions share similar goals and mechanics. Both require players to build the strongest hand possible and offer payouts according to the poker rankings. However, some key differences exist:
- Social Interaction: The main distinction between traditional video poker and live dealer versions is the social aspect. The latter recreates the atmosphere of a land-based casino, allowing you to interact with the dealer and other players through chat windows.
- Real-Time Gameplay: In live video poker, each round unfolds in real-time. You must make your decisions within the allocated timeframes, adding an exciting element of pace and pressure.
- Human Element: The dealer shuffles, deals, and collects the cards randomly, introducing randomness and potentially affecting the RNG cycles of automated video poker titles. Some players believe that this human touch can introduce lucky streaks or hot/cold decks, although it’s impossible to prove objectively.
- Strategy Application: While strategy plays a significant role in both games, live video poker removes the need to press buttons quickly. Here, you just choose your option through the chat window after thinking about the best decision.
- Stakes: Due to the added costs for dealing staff and production value, live dealer video poker tables typically have higher minimum bets compared to their virtual counterparts.
Top Live Video Poker Software Developers
VIG and HoG Studios are the leaders in this branch, but many other developers have released similar games. Even though they are not as famous as Evolution Gaming or Playtech, they know how to entertain fans of video poker. Here are the best live video poker software providers:
Amazing Free Slot Games to Download (and 4 to Avoid)VIG
VIG (Viper Innovation Group) is the forefather of live video poker. Founded in 2016, this company launched the first titles in this category, such as Three Cards Raise, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Three Card Rumble. Their studios are located in Lithuania and Latvia, with plans for expansion in other regions.
HoG Studios
Short for “The Highly Organized Group,” HoG is another small team capable of delivering high-quality products. Face Up Poker Card and Three Card Rummy Live are their main claims to fame. Unlike VIG, this studio keeps all its tables exclusive for the Rogue Club brand.
maryland live casino onlineRealode
Created in 2021, this software provider aims to shake the live gaming world with innovative proposals. So far, they only launched one title – Fortune Wheel Time, a fusion of video poker and wheel of fortune games. Suprisingly, its tables can be found at four of my recommended sites.
Authentic Gaming
Authentic Gaming uses dozens of HD cameras to broadcast the action from physical tables at partner casinos. Their flagship product is Upper Class, a live video poker twist on Three Card Poker with extra side bets. Although its limited availability, it is possible to find rooms at BetMGM and Borgata.