So, you heard about that new poker site, PokerView.com that has live webcams and you want to know if it’s legit or just another one of those dumb, social poker sites. Actually, it’s a little bit of both, and it’s also unlike anything that the Internet has ever seen before. PokerView.com offers live dealer poker that allows you to stare your opponent in the face as he pushes all-in and tries to bluff that big pot; before now it’s all been guesswork. At PokerView, it’s just like sitting inside your favorite traditional poker room (except the snacks are definitely cheaper).
Live Texas Holdem at PokerView – The Good
On the plus side, seeing your opponent face to face is a huge advantage. Before live webcams were added to poker rooms, we often had to decipher what it meant when it took a player those long twenty seconds to raise; was it intentional, his nerves getting to him or just plain lag? Well, that’s not an issue anymore because PokerView puts you dead in the center of the action no matter what table you’re at.
Here’s another reason we like PokerView- A lot of our readers end up pretty darn good at reading players over the Internet and they begin to think that they really have what it takes in the industry. Once they attend a local tournament, however, their body language makes their play all too predictable and they end up making an early exit. PokerView is like the middle-grounds between attending a casino and playing online; you can still see your opponents but you’re not forced to fork out a massive buy-in either.
Of course, we wouldn’t even bother reviewing PokerView if they did not have a good foundation in the first place. Their customer service was knowledgeable and friendly every time we called and the big first time deposit bonus also helps out a lot. They also gladly send their new members a premium webcam to get them started, so everyone gets a free gift right off the bat.
Texas Hold'em poker is a live dealer casino game. It uses 52 cards. Players use 2 hole cards and 5 community cards which are 7 cards, and then choose the best 5 card hand. Players only need to think how to win the dealer and don’t need to consider about the suit. This is a testing intelligence and courage poker game. Live Texas Hold’em Bonus is Evolution’s game variant played against the house and accepting no bets after the River card. All players play the same hand, though each can obviously make their independent decisions. Both you and the dealer will start off by receiving 2 hole cards, yours dealt face-up and your opponent’s face-down. Evolution Gaming’s Live Ultimate Texas Hold’em is an exciting version of the classic poker game, Texas Hold’em. Released in 2014, it has grown to become one of the company’s more sought after games due to its high-quality streaming, multiple camera angels and professional dealers. US Legislation Effects On Live Dealer Texas Hold’em. While the US Government has yet to comment either way on this exciting new technology, they have recently made mention of repealing the Safe Port Act of 2006 with new legislation that would allow the government to capitalize on the $65 billion dollar industry of online poker. William Hill – William Hill’s live dealer portfolio includes games such as 3 Card Brag, Live Football Roulette, and Live Hi Lo. 888 Casino – Get $88 no-deposit bonus at 888 Casino and play Live Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Live 888 Poker, and Live Auto Roulette.
Live Texas Holdem at PokerView – The Bad
Obviously, it’s hard to put a lot of faith in any new poker destination- whether its land based or on the Internet. Even though PokerView has done everything right so far, only time will tell if their gambling innovations will turn into a global phenomenon or a flop. Some people simply do not like webcams (gamblers included) because they love the mystery of the Internet; it will be interesting to see if those types of people give the live dealer poker a try.
Live Texas Holdem at PokerView – Overall
Honestly, we had a great first few experiences at PokerView. The graphics are very good, the layout menus are positioned just right, and it’s hard to beat being able to talk a little smack to your opponent as he accidentally bets heavily into your full house. While it’s not quite traditional casino poker and it’s certainly different from the other gambling websites, only time will tell if PokerView becomes the dominant live poker site that so many are hoping it will be. In our opinion it’s one of the best online poker rooms around right now…but that decision is ultimately up to you. Go grab a free webcam, play a few hands, and let us know what you think.
Live Dealer Technology Is Finally A Reality
Sportsbook.com (not open to USA Players) announced earlier this week the unveiling of their new state-of-the-art virtual casino that features real-life dealers in the place of the traditional computerized interactions that players have become accustomed to. This innovative change was made largely due to the negative press that has recently plagued the industry in regards to faulty computer systems and intelligent cyber hackers, which is explained in detail by MSNBC. The event chronicled a former employee who hacked into AbsolutePoker.com and won over $700,000 by being able to view other player’s hole cards in Texas Hold’em, and the worldwide gambling communities have been leery about the legitimacy of wagering online ever since.
Sportsbook.com has never experienced any of the security breaches that rendered Absolute Poker on the brink of bankruptcy, largely because they ensured that their software remained well above industry standards in terms of security and the protection of each individual player. Their move from the virtual world to live online dealers was made purely from a marketing standpoint, because with live web cameras and actual dealers handing out playing cards, their system mimics playing inside a real life brick and mortar casino more than any online entity to date.
Customer Response Has Been Phenomenal
“I really dig the live dealers because it’s like being in an actual casino,” Robert Parker of Miami, Florida said. “The dealer was calling me by name and everything, and it really makes you feel like you’re part of the action and not at the mercy of the computer programs.”
Another player, Tony Polamalu from St. Louis had this to say, “I stopped betting online because you never really knew if the games were legit. I’ve missed it though, so I’m really glad Sportsbook.com made the move to live dealers. I won almost two hundred bucks tonight playing Hold’em and it was a great time.”
Essentially, the technology behind the move is simple. Sportsbook.com places a centralized camera directly in front of the dealer to give the viewpoint that simulates sitting at an actual poker table. At the Texas Hold’em tables, the player wagers in the exact same manner that he would inside a regular casino, placing a bet pre-flop and again after the flop, the turn, and the river. Each opponent has actual cards in front of them so there nothing is left to chance in terms of manipulations or ways to cheat the system, and so far players have been very supportive of this new era in online gaming. From start to finish, the play is identical to that of a real life casino.
Jennifer Galston of Seattle, Washington added, “All these other websites say that the odds are fair and all, but how do we really know? Sportsbook.com is actually backing up their claim by proving its fair for everyone. Somebody even said the US government is bringing poker back to the states because of them.”
US Legislation Effects On Live Dealer Texas Hold’em
While the US Government has yet to comment either way on this exciting new technology, they have recently made mention of repealing the Safe Port Act of 2006 with new legislation that would allow the government to capitalize on the $65 billion dollar industry of online poker. Fox News reported that the Safe Port Act did not outlaw online poker or any type of gambling within the United States; instead it simply made it difficult for players to transfer money to and from the virtual casinos that they played at. The Wall Street Journal reports that Majority Leader Harry Reid is seeking supporters within the Senate to eliminate that stipulation with a new bill early in 2018 which would bring full online gaming back to Americans without all the deposit complications.
Bet365 has also unveiled their plans to launch live dealer poker rooms for worldwide players. Their casino already offers live dealer games of baccarat, blackjack, and roulette; with many more planned to launch in early 2011. Like the Sportsbook.com website, they implement a hybrid technology that combines live cameras with internet technologies so that each player can watch the action live on their computer monitors, but there is also a dedicated section that shows the action digitized for players who prefer the clean, sharp images of wagering online. Many of the online games also implement strategy tutorials right within each hand itself to help novice players learn the game as they build confidence in wagering.
Due to the enormous investment behind implementing live dealers within their establishments, both Bet365 and Sportsbook.com have declined to comment on additional implementations of their live dealer casinos for the time being. Gamblers worldwide have taken these trend-setting moves to indicate these two live dealer casinos have taken their wishes to heart and wish to prove the legitimacy of online poker and other Vegas style games, which was why they were considered industry leaders to begin with.
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How to Beat Live Dealer Online Casino Hold’em Games
Casino Holdem pitches your Texas Holdem skills against the house. This game first appeared in the early 2000s and saw a rise in popularity on the back of the 'poker boom'. Now you can find it spread in casinos across the world, from Las Vegas to Macau. The game is also a favourite of online casino players, and thanks to developments in technology, you can now enjoy Casino Holdem on Live Dealer tables too.
Here you can find out the best strategy for playing Casino Holdem at the 888 Live Casino. The games are provided by Evolution Gaming and are ran by very friendly and professional dealers in Latvia and Malta. While the casino's software is used to interact and place your bets, all the action is real and can be watched via HD quality live streams. These games create the best casino experience you can find, without actually travelling to one, and by following the simple strategy below, you can increase your chances of being able to celebrate a win.
Best Live Dealer Casino Holdem Games Online
Non-US Players: My go-to studio is operated by Evolution Gaming, and is available via the leading big brand PlayTech powered casinos. If you are in the UK, then Titan Bet Casino is a very strong (and fully licensed) rec. Outside of the UK then I recommend the long-running Europa Casino instead.
US Based Players: The Vegas Technology studio offers this game, and the very easy recommendation of the casino which hosts them is the long-running BetOnline.ag. Based in Panama, this brand is already the leading US offshore sportsbook – and is fast becoming the go-to casino as well.
Live Dealer Casino Holdem - The Basics
Playing Casino Holdem is very similar to a regular Texas Hold'em game. The key differences are your ability to bet is restricted, and you are only playing against the house, not the other players.
Live Dealer Texas Holdem Poker R Deluxe
If you wish to be dealt into a Casino Holdem hand, you must first place an ante. This can be anything within the table limits, although it is worth remembering this bet size controls your next wager, if you wish to play the hand to the end.
Two cards are dealt to both yourself and the dealer, with the dealers hand faced down. The Flop is then dealt and you decide if you wish to continue or not, based on the strength of your hand. If you do not think your hand is strong enough you can fold and give up your ante bet. If you wish to continue however, you can call for twice your ante amount.
The Turn and River cards are then dealt and the dealer reveals their hand. In order to be able to play, the dealer must qualify by having one pair or higher. This is based on their best five card hand, so if the board pairs then the dealers hand automatically qualifies, without needing any help from their hole cards.
Should the dealer have the best hand, you will lose both the ante and call bet. If the dealer does not qualify, you win the ante bet and the call bet is pushed back to you, or if the dealer qualifies and loses you win on both. While call bets are simply paid at even money, your ante bet is paid out as follows:
- Royal Flush - 100/1
- Straight Flush - 20/1
- Four of a Kind - 10/1
- Full House - 3/1
- Flush - 2/1
- Straight or Less - 1/1
Live Dealer Casino Holdem - The Best Strategy
While Casino Holdem appears a simple games of 'fit or fold' on the flop it is actually more complicated than that.
For a start if you keep folding when you miss you will give up far too many antes, plus you need to remember the dealer has to qualify in order to play their hand. You should also consider the chances of your hand improving on the Turn and River, as well as whether the payouts make your decision mathematically correct or not.
This all creates many variables, although learning optimal strategy can bring the house edge down to around 2.5%. Instead here are some easy to remember rules, which while not perfect, will bring the house edge down, near to this level.
- Always call with a pair or higher
- Always call if you are holding A high or K high, with your hole cards
- Always call with two overcards
- Call with Q high or J high, so long as the board is not suited and you do not hold that suit in your hand.
- Call if you only need one card to complete a straight or flush
- Unless you hold a card higher than 10, or a straight or flush draw, fold on paired boards
- Fold everything else
Live Dealer Casino Holdem - Side Bets
The Casino Holdem game on 888 Live Casino, offers you an 'Aces or Better' side bet. While the payouts are attractive, like all side bets this is generally a sucker bet, where you give-up an unnecessary advantage to the house. In this case the house will gain a 6.26% edge.
If you wish to play the Ace or Better bet, you must place your wager in the marked area, before the deal. Once the Flop is dealt, if you can make a five card poker hand, ranking AA or higher your bet will be paid accordingly. The Aces or Better bet is paid out separately to the main ante and call bet, so you will still get paid out even if you lose the hand.
Play Live Texas Holdem
The payouts for Aces or Better are as follows:
- Royal Flush - 100/1
- Straight Flush - 50/1
- Four of a Kind - 40/1
- Full House - 30/1
- Flush - 20/1
- AA, Two Pair, Straight - 7/1
Those recommendations once again: where to find the best Casino Holdem live dealer games online!
Non-US Players: My go-to studio is operated by Evolution Gaming, and is available via the leading big brand PlayTech powered casinos. If you are in the UK, then Titan Bet Casino is a very strong (and fully licensed) rec. Outside of the UK then I recommend the long-running Europa Casino instead.
US Based Players: The Vegas Technology studio offers this game, and the very easy recommendation of the casino which hosts them is the long-running BetOnline.ag. Based in Panama, this brand is already the leading US offshore sportsbook – and is fast becoming the go-to casino as well.