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Daniel King

Live Poker vs. Online Poker in Canada: Which Delivers What Canadians Want?

Author: Daniel King | Posted on: 2021-05-31 | Last updated on: 2023-04-18

Using a live poker dealer online and playing online poker have much in common but are also two very different games in terms of style of play and tactics.

Have you ever wanted to have the opportunity to take on the house? Just you and the dealer, having a one on one battle of luck and betting skill. Live poker, using a live dealer in your online poker playing, gives you the chance to do just that. With modified gameplay to deliver a top-notch poker experience, live dealer poker gives you the best of both worlds regarding the benefits of online poker and the real casino excitement. Everything from live poker tournaments to real money games is available for you to play.

Best Canadian Casinos to Play Live Poker Online

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Online Poker Vs Live Dealer Poker

Live dealer poker and online poker are like siblings in many ways. The same heritage and the same DNA but noticeably different.

Live Dealer Poker Online Poker
Live interactions with the dealer Live interactions with the dealer
Offers payout of up to 100:1 Can consistently make more $/hour
Gameplay is slower than online counterpart Use more strategy and statistics to win
House has a better edge in live dealer poker Online poker gives you a better edge over the house
Convenient option for players because they can play from anywhere Convenient option for players because they can play from anywhere

Reasons to Play Live Dealer Poker

For those who play with a live dealer poker online, the reasons are obvious. However, if you have never had the opportunity to play in a live poker casino, you may now know why you should consider playing live casino poker.

  • Whether you are playing live poker real money games or live poker online free games, they are more interactive than playing regular online poker.
  • You can win up to 100:1 on your bets in live dealer poker.
  • You can watch the dealer and see his every move, for every hand.
  • By playing with a live dealer, you are recreating the live casino setting.
  • You can interact with the dealer after each win or loss.

Advantages of Live Hold’Em

You may want to play with real money or play a live poker online free version. Either way, there are many advantages to playing live Texas Hold ’em.

  1. It’s fun! Interacting with a live person is entertaining and different.
  2. You can choose your dealer. Often you can choose if they are male or female and even physical attributes like hair color.
  3. Playing in real-time makes it feel like you are in a real casino and makes every win* more exciting!

Live Poker Variations

Live poker vs online poker is a debate that will continue to be had for all time. There are those who like it and those who prefer to try and get their royal flush at an online table. You may want to play in live poker tournaments or simply get a few hands in. Either way, live poker offers a few variations of your typical poker games that are well worth taking the time to check out.

Live Casino Hold’Em

Live casino Hold’Em has a different gameplay than regular Hold’Em because you are playing one on one with the dealer.

  • You and the dealer are dealt two cards each (yours face up and the dealers face down) and the flop is turned face up.
  • You can bet that your hand will beat the dealers or fold your hand.
  • If you bet, the next two cards are dealt face up and the best 5 card hand wins the pot.

Live Caribbean Stud Poker

Live Caribbean stud poker is played exactly like its online counterpart.

  • The player is dealt 5 cards face down, and the dealer is dealt 5 cards, with one of them being face up.
  • If you believe you will have the better hand, you bet (typically 2x the ante bet).
  • If you have the best, you take the pot.

Live Three Card Poker

Live three card poker is a simple variant using the standard poker hand ranking. With only three cards, there are fewer winning hands, and the odds are different, with some hands ranking higher (a straight) than in traditional poker.

  • You must bet the ante to be dealt in.
  • You are dealt three cards face down.
  • Bet or fold your hand
  • If you bet, you get to see if you take home the money or the house does.

Live Games & Mobile Play

The mobile experience for live poker games is an evolving process. Initially, the options weren’t perfect, and the gameplay wasn’t what many players were hoping for. As mobile devices and the accompanying software have changed, the experience has improved significantly.

Most sites that offer live poker dealers online have software applications that allow them to be used on mobile devices. However, not every single game is available! It is worth it to take a look and see if your device supports the games you want to play. Ensure that these applications allow you to lobby (hold your place at the table and leave the game momentarily) if necessary.

It is important to note that using a tablet and a phone will result in a different experience. Tablets will give you more of a desktop-type experience, while a phone will have a more app-like look and feel to it.

Live Poker House Edge

Many people choose to play live poker, real money games and play live poker online, free versions. But, for real money or not, the house edge stays the same. The house edge is the percentage of money the house keeps over the other players.

With live poker online, the house edge changes depending on the game you play and the betting you do.

  • Hold’Em has the best house edge for the players. It is around 1%.
  • Caribbean Stud has an average house edge of 5%.
  • Three Card Poker has a house edge of anywhere from 3.5% to 7% depending on the betting.

How to Play Live Dealer Poker

how to play live dealer poker

To play live dealer poker, you must follow these simple steps.

  1. Find a site that offers live dealer poker that you want to play on and register.
  2. Choose the variation of live poker that you want to play.
  3. Make sure that you understand the rules and the betting system of each of the games. Keep in mind that these games are different than their online counterparts, so make sure you know how to play.
  4. Have a strategy and plan that will help you win the most hands possible.
  5. Play and win!

Live Poker Strategy

The strategy you use in live poker vs. online poker strategies will vary. However, you must be vigilant when playing live poker because it is you vs. the house and not vs. other players.

  • Hold’Em. Suited cards over 7 are worth checking out. Any hole cards you receive that are a low pair (under 7) aren’t worth keeping.
  • Three Card Poker. If you do not have a queen or better, it is best to fold. That is the minimum hand the dealer can play with.
  • Caribbean Stud. If you don’t have at least an Ace and King in your hand, it is best to fold it. A pair is a great hand, so that a bet would be suitable in that case.

Top Apps and Casinos to Play Live Dealer Poker

There are many great companies and sites to visit for all of your live dealer poker needs. Here are some of the most popular in Canada.

top apps to play live dealer poker

  • Bet Victor
  • Zet Casino
  • Casino Trpoez
  • Casimba
  • Duelz Casino
  • Dream Vegas
  • LM Casino
  • 888 Casino
  • NY Spins
  • Leo Vegas

Conclusion

Everyone that plays poker has a different idea of what they think is best. Some like to walk through the lobby of a real casino and play games in person. Others want to play online without the interaction of other people. Live dealer poker gives you the option to get the best of both worlds by combining elements of the two and offering variations of some of the most popular games available to play.

FAQ

How do you play a live poker dealer?

All you have to do is find a site that offers live poker dealer games and get playing!

Are live dealers real?

Absolutely. From the royal flush to the bust, every hand dealt by the dealer in a live poker casino is dealt by a real person.

What online casinos have live dealers?

Many online casinos offer live dealers, but it is worth looking at individual sites for what they offer.

What is live dealer Hold'Em?

Live dealer Hold 'em is a game where the dealer is a live dealer instead of a digital, automatic one.

What is the best live dealer poker game?

Live Texas Hold 'em is the most popular game in Canada (and worldwide) when people play live poker online.