Poker is the ultimate classic casino game. From Vegas to London to Tokyo, everyone has heard of poker, but not everyone knows how to play and not everyone wants to go out to a casino. Online video poker is an internet sensation. Experienced the thrills and spine-tingling chills of playing real poker online without the inconvenience of leaving your home. We’ve got everything you need to know right here.
Video poker first arrived on the scene in the 1970s and actually started in casinos. Video machines similar to slot machines were placed meters away from real poker tables. The machines allowed players to concentrate on their own game, avoid interaction with other players, and still enjoy a fair game of poker. Then, video poker moved online so players could bet real money playing video poker at home.
Thanks to internet banking and online e-wallets like Paypal, players can now play video poker online for real money. This, of course, makes the game more exciting than just playing for fun. Video poker offers the real, high-stakes thrills of a live table. It’s a fairly simple game to play so it’s popular with beginners, and the complex strategies mean advanced players can always find a challenge.
Online video poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. The rules are fairly simple to master. Each player is dealt two cards face down. Three cards are dealt face-up in the middle of the table and betting begins. You use both, one or none of the two cards in your hand in conjunction with cards from the center to make the best hand possible. Each round of betting, another card is dealt face up in the middle until five cards are in the middle and the highest hand wins.
There are several rounds of betting and you can bet each round, match or fold. And remember the best part of poker; bluffing! Just because you have a bad hand, doesn’t mean you can’t play to win.
Video Poker is so popular that there are now several variations which are proving to be very popular and provide a nice variety for players to choose from. These are the most popular online video poker games in the UK.
Texas Hold’em: This is the most common and well-known form of poker and is very popular online. It’s basic rules with the classic bet, check, call, and raise the system of betting. This version of poker is the one you see in all the films and is popular for a reason.
Seven Card Stud: In this variation, two cards are dealt face down to each player and one face up. Then betting begins. Three more cards are dealt face up with betting after each round followed by one more card dealt face down. In the final round, everything is shown and the best hand wins. This is an exciting game as you don’t know your hand until the end.
Omaha: Very similar to Texas hold’em but in Omaha poker, players are dealt four cards before the first round of betting. Then three cards are placed face-up in the middle before the next round. One more card is added to the middle face up each round of betting. The winning hand must use two cards from their own hand to win.
Now you know how to play, you can start betting on real video poker right away. And you can! But we’ve made this list of the top video poker casinos in the UK so you get the best experience there is.
BetWay: Betway live casino videos are some of the best in the UK. There are multiple camera angles, great quality visuals and audio, and a wide variety of games. You can even ask for a private table. There are so many games on offer and a load of bonuses.
888 Casino: 888 has a huge range of games, lots of different payment methods, and regular live video poker games. When there aren’t live games, the video poker games are of such high-quality and feel interactive that they feel like live games.
Karamba: Karamba offers consistently high-quality videos for online poker. It works with the biggest casino providers. It only recently added live videos so you know they are the latest technology and it has a variety of other table games as well as poker.
Mansion: If you want to play regularly, Mansion Casino is the best for you. There are amazing progressive bonuses for regular players and ongoing promotions to keep you coming back. There are lots of live dealer video poker games available regularly so you’ll always find something you love.
All British Casino: Just like its name, this casino has a very British feel. Everything from its color-scheme to its games to the patriotic feel is well designed. It’s easy to use and has a massive range of games from a whole host of software providers. There are so many video poker games to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Poker is so popular that casinos offer smartphone casino apps so you can play video poker and bet real money wherever you are. The best thing about video poker apps is hyper-realistic graphics and special effects. These are the best of the best:
888 Poker: 888 poker really goes above and beyond in giving you tips; It’s like a free online poker trainer. There are advice and money incentives to help you become a better poker player. Not only will you improve your skill, you’ll get plenty of chances to win money and the sign-up offer is fantastic.
PokerStars: As the name suggests, PokerStars has a special focus on video poker games and the range is fantastic. It offers almost 30 different tournaments and a whole range of games and variations. It’s easily one of the most popular poker sites.
Bet 365: The Bet365 app allows you to play anywhere 365 days a year. There are amazing bonuses and the app experience is easy and straightforward. The video poker tables allow you to play poker online against other players and the app makes sure you only play against people of a similar level to you.
Paddy Power Poker: This is the best app for newbies. There are some great welcome bonuses as well as a super easy explanation of the rules for each game. Instant play means you don’t need to worry about downloading things onto your smartphone and it’s super easy to set up.
Video poker is an eternally popular casino game. Live table streams and video poker tables make the experience of playing poker online more immersive, more exciting, and as easy as opening up your laptop or phone. So, pick your game, get online, and start winning.
