Live games are becoming increasingly popular worldwide because they feature exciting gameplay and professional dealers. These games are broadcast in real time from a professional studio, which makes them extremely realistic. They are much more interactive and engaging than standard RNG games, as they give players the chance to communicate with each other or with the dealer via the live chat feature. Another notable aspect of live games is that they employ special live-streaming technology, which lets you witness the gaming process in real time as if you were at a land-based gambling venue.
One of the games that has been adapted to this format is an interesting variation of poker called Casino Hold’em. It is very similar to the popular five-card Texas Hold’em, but the main difference is that you compete against the dealer instead of other players. Compared to Texas Hold’em, this variation is considered faster-paced, which is why it is preferred predominantly by active players who enjoy dynamic games.
Basic Casino Hold’em Rules
Casino Hold’em is a poker variation that is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The cards are shuffled after every hand by either the dealer or an automated card-shuffling device. You compete against the dealer, and your ultimate goal is to beat his or her hand. To do so, you need to form the best possible hand according to the standard Texas Hold’em rankings: the highest is a Royal Flush, followed by a Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, and others.
At the beginning of the game, you must place a mandatory Ante bet. Depending on the casino, you might also be able to place an optional bonus bet. After that, the dealer deals two cards face up to the player’s hand and two cards face down to the dealer’s hand. Three community cards are then placed face up on the table, all of which are exposed.
This is the time when you must decide whether to fold or call. Your decision should be based on the value of your hand, and you have limited time to make up your mind. If you choose to fold, you forfeit your initial wager, that is, the Ante bet and any bonus bet. After that, the game continues and you can observe the outcome, but you cannot participate because you have already surrendered your bet.
Basic Casino Hold’em Additional RulesOn the other hand, if you choose the latter option, a Call bet is placed that is twice the size of the original Ante. For instance, if your Ante is $3, your Call bet must be $6, which means the total amount on the table is $9. If you have placed a bonus bet that wins, you must always call to collect its payout. Also, if you fail to choose one of the two options within the set timeframe, your hand is folded by default, in which case the dealer wins.
Once you have made your decision, the dealer deals two additional community cards, commonly referred to as the Turn and River. This brings the total number of community cards on the table to five. The two face-down dealer cards are then revealed. After that, both the player’s and the dealer’s hands are compared, and the winner is the one with the stronger hand. It is worth mentioning that the dealer needs at least a pair of fours; otherwise, his or her hand does not qualify.
Live Dealer Hold’em Gameplay
Live Dealer vs RNG Casino Hold’em
If you are new to live-dealer Casino Hold’em, there are several important things you should know before you play. First, live-dealer games differ greatly from standard Casino Hold’em because the technology they use is not the same. The standard version is entirely virtual, and the outcome of each round is determined by a computer program known as a Random Number Generator.
Live Casino Hold’em games, on the other hand, closely resemble their land-based counterparts because the gaming process is conducted in the same manner. A real dealer runs the game in real time and is responsible for dealing the cards. A webcam is positioned in front of each table, allowing you to follow the action as if you were at a brick and mortar casino. All Live Casino Hold’em games use live-streaming technology, enabling you and other players around the world to play in real time.
Another major difference between live-dealer Casino Hold’em and RNG Casino Hold’em is that the former lets you socialize through a live chat feature. Thanks to it, you can communicate with the other players who have joined the same table or with the dealer. This makes the whole gaming process much more enjoyable because you can meet fellow poker enthusiasts and have plenty of fun. In contrast to live-dealer Casino Hold’em, RNG Casino Hold’em games are not as interactive, as you play alone against a computer.
Choosing Where to Play Live Casino Hold’em
Nowadays, there are many online casinos that offer Live Casino Hold’em. However, some websites are better than others in terms of game selection, professionalism, and promotions. That is why you should take the time to carefully consider which live casinos deserve your time and money. In order to successfully evaluate a particular live casino, you need to take into account a few important things.
Firstly, you should always check the licenses the respective online casino has obtained to ensure it provides gambling services legally. For this purpose, it is a good idea to become familiar with the authorities that are responsible for issuing gambling licenses in your country. Secondly, it is advisable to check the payment methods the respective casino operator accepts. This way, you can be sure that you will be able to make deposits and withdraw money securely and instantly and play Live Casino Hold’em with peace of mind.
Another important step is to check the available contact options for getting in touch with a customer support agent. Most of the reputable online casinos offer three ways to reach them – via live chat, phone and email. It is also highly recommended to consider in advance the current promotions on offer and, most importantly, whether this online casino has special deals for live dealer games. Last but not least, it is a good idea to check the software provider that supplies the live dealer games as it will give you a general idea of the available games.
| Provider | Evolution Gaming | Playtech | Ezugi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betting Limits | $/€1 – $/€500 | $/€0.50 – $/€100 | €0.50 – €1,750 |
| Dealer Qualifies With | Pair of fours or higher | Pair of fours or higher | Pair of fours or higher |
| Side Bets | Jumbo 7 Jackpot | AA side bet | Bonus side bet (Aces or Better) |
| Progressive Jackpot | Yes (if the casino has opted for it) | No | No |
| Top Payout | Progressive jackpot | 100 to 1 for Ante and side bet | 100 to 1 |
| RTP | 97.84% | 99.18% | N/A |
Popular Casinos Which Offer Live Casino Hold’em
Choosing an online casino at which to play Live Casino Hold’em can be tough, considering that there are quite a lot of websites that offer this poker variation. Moreover, as it became clear, choosing a suitable live casino is extremely important since it greatly influences your gambling experience. Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the most popular online casinos where you can play Casino Hold’em in real time with live dealers.
Casino.com
Casino.com is a trustworthy casino website that is visited by hundreds of players on a regular basis. It has captured the interest of so many players from various countries because it offers a huge array of world-class online games. Whether you are keen on skill-based games or prefer games of pure chance, you will quickly find the perfect option for you. What is more, the games on offer are likely to surpass your expectations, as they feature impressive graphics and visual effects.
Casino.com Additional InformationWithout a doubt, the most sought-after games at this online casino are the live dealer titles, in particular Live Casino Hold’em. The game is broadcast directly to you via a video feed, enabling you to see every move the dealer makes as if he or she were standing in front of you. As a result, these games are extremely realistic, successfully recreating the dynamic gaming process and the splendid casino ambiance.
To play Live Casino Hold’em, you need a real-money account. If you still don’t have one, you can register and use this opportunity to win some extra cash. Every new user is entitled to a 100% welcome bonus up to $400, which also includes 200 free spins. You can use this exclusive bonus to play Live Casino Hold’em and have even more fun. This way, you can choose the Call option and use these free credits instead of your own funds.
Leo Vegas
Leo Vegas is a reputable casino website that stands out from the rest of the online casinos with its impressively wide range of online games. At this online casino, there is a suitable game for everyone, regardless of one’s taste and bankroll. You can choose from various categories, making it possible for you to discover the best game and get entertained like never before. Some of the most popular games at this casino website are the ones that feature a live dealer. This shouldn’t be much of a surprise, given that these types of games are extremely interactive and authentic.
Leo Vegas Additional InformationMost of the live dealer games on offer are powered by Evolution Gaming, including Live Three Card Poker, Live Casino Hold’em, Live Caribbean Stud Poker, and Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Poker enthusiasts can put their skills to the test by playing several variations of this all-time favorite casino game in real time. You will be able to see how the dealer flips the cards via a web camera while you play. The quality of the live streaming is so flawless that you will feel as if the dealer is conducting the game right in front of you.
Apart from its high-quality live dealer games, Leo Vegas is also famous for its user-friendly mobile platform, which features hundreds of popular games. If you possess an Android or an iOS smartphone or tablet, you will be able to enjoy Live Casino Hold’em at any time and place you wish. This gives you an incredible level of convenience and flexibility that no land-based casino can provide.
Royal Panda
Royal Panda is a fully licensed online casino that takes pride in its huge collection of casino games. If you are into skill-based games played with cards such as poker, this casino website might turn out to be the best place for gambling online. The reason why is that it offers both types of poker – RNG and Live dealer poker. Some of the variations that you can enjoy in real time are Live Three Card Poker, Live Casino Hold’em, Live Caribbean Stud Poker and Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Royal Panda Additional InformationAll live poker variations are streamed directly from a private studio whose interior has been specially designed to recreate an elaborate casino ambiance. This is the reason why every time you play Live Casino Hold’em, you will feel as if you were at an actual land-based gambling venue. The live streaming technology these types of games use also greatly contributes to the overall realistic experience.
All you need to do in order to play Live Casino Hold’em at Royal Panda is to open a real-money account, make your first deposit and simply load the game. The online casino accepts a number of payment methods, including Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, Visa and others. This enables you to choose your most trusted payment solution and transfer money conveniently and securely.
Guts Casino
Guts Casino is an award-winning online casino that offers a variety of live dealer games, among which Live Casino Hold’em. Besides these types of games, the casino operator also features a wide range of video and 3D slots, table games, progressive jackpots, video poker and other exciting online games. This casino website is one of the easiest to use thanks to its user-friendly interface, which enables you to find the games you are looking for in no time.
Guts Casino Additional InformationAt this online casino, you have the chance to play two poker variations in real time – Live Three Card Poker and Live Casino Hold’em. Both games are extremely realistic and exciting as they are streamed from a professional studio. Some of the dealers who conduct the gaming process are multilingual, meaning that you can request a specific language to be used during the course of the game. Some of the languages that the live casino supports are German, English, Norwegian and Swedish.
The online casino has teamed up with some of the most reputable software providers in the world, including Microgaming, Betsoft, NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The latter is the company that supplies Live Casino Hold’em as well as other live dealer games. The online casino has a fully responsive mobile platform thanks to which it is also possible to play all types of games on your smartphone or tablet.
William Hill
William Hill is a well-established online casino that has been around for a considerable amount of time. There is hardly any UK player who is not familiar with this brand as the company is one of the oldest in the gambling market. The fact that it has managed to retain its top position for such a long time is a good indicator that the online casino has what it takes to be considered a leader. Its live casino is renowned for its professional dealers, HD quality live streaming and huge diversity of casino games.
William Hill Additional InformationIf you are a poker fan, you will find this online casino especially suitable for you as it offers various poker games, including Live Casino Hold’em. The latter is powered by Evolution Gaming, a software provider that has proven to be one of the best in the industry. All live games are hosted by attractive dealers who are ready to guide you through the game and assist you if you need any help.
William Hill has become a must-visit online casino for many players as it has everything needed in order to provide top-quality live dealer games. You will be able to get a very authentic feeling while playing a favorite poker variation in live mode since these types of games are streamed in real time. Without a doubt, it has never been so exciting and accessible to play poker in the comfort of your own home.
EuroGrand
EuroGrand is a trustworthy online casino that belongs to the long-standing William Hill Group. With that being said, it is no wonder why this web-based casino is one of the best in the online gambling industry. Its live casino gives you the chance to play some of the most popular casino games in real time and, this way, get an ultimate gambling experience without even going to a land-based gambling venue. Thanks to the live streaming technology in use, it is possible to witness the dealing of the cards which happens at the time of playing via a web camera.
EuroGrand Additional InformationOne of the most exciting games you can try in real time is Live Casino Hold’em. It is powered by Playtech, which is the reason why the quality of the live feed is beyond satisfying. These types of games are broadcast from a studio in Latvia which resembles a standard land-based casino to a huge extent. In some cases, you will be able to see in the background other tables and dealers which further contributes to the authentic feeling you will get from playing the game.
In live poker, the dealers play a crucial role in the gaming process since you compete against them. In this sense, EuroGrand offers you the best croupiers as they are not only professional but also very well-versed. The dealers who host Live Casino Hold’em are very knowledgeable about the game, so if you need to refresh your memory about its rules, you can always ask them via the live chat feature. They will be more than happy to guide you through the gaming process and provide you with the assistance you need.
32Red
32Red is a popular online casino that is fully regulated by the Government of Gibraltar and the UK Gambling Commission. It has become a premier online casino for a number of players as it has proven to be professional, innovative and, most importantly, trustworthy. When it comes to live dealer games, you have the chance to play several all-time favorites in real time, from games of pure chance such as Roulette to skill-based ones such as Poker and Blackjack.
32Red Additional InformationIf poker has always been your passion, you will be delighted to know that this online casino offers three poker variations that you can try in real-time mode: Live Caribbean Stud Poker, Live Three Card Poker and Live Casino Hold’em. The latter is a variation which is played by hundreds of players the world over as it has proven to be especially exciting and challenging. All of the poker variations are powered by Evolution Gaming and can be played on various mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and Android ones.
Thanks to these types of games, it is possible to get a high level of entertainment by playing a casino game while sitting at the most comfortable spot for you. This online casino gives you the unique opportunity to get the best of both worlds and experience Casino Hold’em as if you were at a land-based gambling venue.
Codeta
Codeta is a sophisticated online casino that has an extensive selection of world-class live dealer games. It is suitable for both novice players as well as professionals as this online casino offers a wide range of different tables. This casino operator has gone the extra mile for its customers as its website contains various useful sections such as Game Tutorials and Live Casino FAQ. This makes it a perfect gambling destination for all types of players since it enables them to go through the basics of each game and learn how live dealer games work.
Codeta Additional InformationRegardless of your level of experience and available funds, you will certainly be able to find a game that corresponds to your gaming style. The diversity of the live dealer games on offer is truly impressive as you can choose from a wide range of casino classics. If you are into poker, you can compete against a dealer in real time by playing Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Live Three Card Poker, Live Casino Hold’em and Live Caribbean Stud Poker.
You can choose from several tables that feature different betting limits. For instance, the minimum bet which you can place in the variation Live Casino Hold’em is as little as €0.50, whereas the maximum amount is set to €1500. Live Caribbean Stud Poker offers slightly higher table limits, €1 and €3000, which makes a good option for high rollers.
Casumo
Casumo is an innovative casino website which is easily recognizable thanks to its entertaining and modern interface. It offers a wide range of popular casino games, including video poker, slots, progressive jackpots, table games, as well as live dealer games. The latter are predominantly supplied by Evolution Gaming, which is a software company best known for developing some of the most popular casino games in the entire gambling industry.
Casumo Additional InformationAt this online casino, poker enthusiasts can try two poker variants: Live Casino Hold’em and Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Regardless of which game you opt for, you will be able to get a very realistic experience as if you were playing at a leading land-based casino. The reason is that these types of games employ a special technology thanks to which the gaming process is streamed in real time. Everything in Live Casino Hold’em and in the rest of the live games is real, from the dealer to the studio in which he or she conducts the game.
At this online casino, you have various options in terms of table limits. There is a suitable game for every bankroll, which is extremely convenient as it enables you to join a table that corresponds to your available funds. This way, you are unlikely to exceed the money you have initially determined to use for the respective session.
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the largest gambling organizations, and as such, it is no wonder that its online casino has a strong reputation in the gambling world. It offers both types of online games, RNG and live dealer ones, which give players the freedom to choose whether they would like to play against a computer program or against a real dealer. Either way, the quality and the range of the games on offer are up to standard as all of them are powered by Playtech.
Bet365 Additional InformationBack in 2009, this casino operator was the first one to include in its portfolio live dealer games, including Live Casino Hold’em, from Playtech’s studio in Europe. It has been in partnership with this software provider for many years and both companies have achieved a lot together during this time. Another key accomplishment when it comes to live dealer games is the fact that Bet365 was the first casino website to start offering these types of games for iOS-based mobile devices.
If you are interested in skill-based games such as poker, you have the chance to play Live Casino Hold’em and get an extremely authentic experience without leaving the comfort of your home. All poker variants have European dealers as the games are streamed from a professional studio in Latvia. In order to play Live Casino Hold’em, you are not required to download any software as this game is available in browser play.