Live poker offers a realistic way to play one of the most popular casino games. Variants of this classic card game are streamed from studios and land-based casinos. Form the highest-ranking five-card hand from cards dealt by the human dealer to win. This guide offers information on how to play, key mechanics, and the best options available at NordicAutomaten.
What are Live Poker Games?
Unlike traditional online poker, live versions are played via video link. Human dealers accept bets and deal cards. The action takes place in real time, with regular interactions between players and the dealer. Hold’em, Stud, and Three-Card are among the available live casino variants.
How to Play
Many live variants of poker online, including Hold’em, begin with the dealer handing out two face-down cards. A betting round then occurs before three community cards are dealt.
Two additional betting rounds take place after the fourth and fifth cards are dealt. The player with the strongest hand is declared the winner.
Here are the different hands that you can win while playing live poker at an online casino:
- Royal Flush: 10, J, Q, K, and A of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Four-of-a-Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
- Full House: Three-of-a-kind + a pair.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.
- Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two different sets of pairs.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: The highest single card.
The Best Live Poker Games at NordicAutomaten
At NordicAutomaten, over 10 live poker games are available. While there aren’t hundreds of options like with slots, you will find suitable options whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. They come from four providers: Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and OnAir. Some of the most popular titles are:
Live Casino Hold’em
- Studio: Evolution
- Min Bet: €0.50
- RTP: 97.84%
You play against the house in this Texas Hold’em-style game. Offering payouts of up to 100:1, one of Live Casino Hold’em’s key features is the ability to place a bonus bet alongside your original stake. It will pay out if a pair of Aces is dealt in the opening five cards.
Casino Stud Poker
- Studio: Playtech
- Min Bet: €0.50
- RTP: 96.29%
Casino Stud Poker from Playtech offers two side bets: 5+1 Bonus (91.44% RTP) and Progressive Jackpot (81.84% RTP). The latter is an optional €1 bet, and the jackpot is shared among all eligible players when won with a Royal Flush. You can play in landscape or portrait view, and the “Call” bet has a 98.19% RTP.
Casino Hold’em
- Studio: Pragmatic Play
- Min Bet: €0.50
- RTP: 97.84%
Pragmatic Play’s Casino Hold’em poker online game offers a 20,000x payout through the jackpot side bet. The jackpot hits every 45 days on average, while players can also place AA+ side bets where payouts reach 100x for a Royal Flush.
Texas Hold’em Bonus
- Studio: Evolution
- Min Bet: €0.50
- RTP: 99.47%
Texas Hold’em Bonus is another live online poker version from Evolution. Released in 2015, the game has two side bets, Bonus and First 5 Jackpot. You can earn a payout of up to 1,000x your bet, and an unlimited number of players can join. The game is optimized for both desktop and mobile.
Key Mechanics and Features of Live Poker
Live poker is significantly slower than RNG titles. You will be familiar with this if you have played live roulette, live blackjack, or live baccarat before. It’s because the human dealer must physically shuffle and deal hands.
Typically, players can expect around 25 hands per hour, compared to 100+. Bet, call, raise, and fold using the relevant on-screen buttons. The dealer keeps players engaged during breaks by making small talk and explaining complex rules.
Benefits of Playing Live Poker
There are multiple reasons why players with different levels of experience choose to play live poker. Here are some of the main ones:
- Social Experience: Several features boost the player experience, like real-time communication with the dealer.
- Accessibility: There is no need to drive to your local land-based casino. NordicAutomaten offers 24/7 access on desktop and mobile devices.
- Game Variety: Multiple variants are at your fingertips. You can choose your favourite or even play more than one at the same time.
FAQ
What is the RTP of live poker?
The RTP varies between games and bet types. You can find RTPs of over 99%, but side bets typically have lower RTPs.
Can I play live poker on mobile?
Yes, you can. Live games are compatible with the NordicAutomaten mobile website and can be played through your browser.
Are side bets available?
Yes. Many live poker games offer side bets. Bonus, progressive jackpot, AA+, and Pairs are the most common. Just remember that an additional stake is needed on top of your base bet.
