We all love playing and betting live these days. It used to be that to bet on your favourite football team, you would need to place your bet, pre-match at a bookie or on an online betting site. However, now you can enjoy live football betting in play for an even more rewarding and exciting experience at most good bookies.
But this isn’t just restricted to the online sports betting industry. When online casinos and card rooms started out, it used to be you against the machine. But now the very best sites offer live casino games, where you get to play against real players with real dealers on real games that are live-streamed to your screen. This trend is one that is becoming hugely popular in the world of poker.
The rise of live online poker games has revolutionised the poker industry, it gives players the opportunity to experience the excitement and competitiveness of poker from the comfort of their own homes. They can participate in real-time games, interact with professional dealers, and compete against other players in a virtual environment. Let’s take a look at how you can get started.

A behind-the-scenes view of what an online casino’s live dealer studio looks like
Choose a Reputable Online Poker Platform
First, you need to select a reliable and reputable online poker platform that offers live poker games. Make sure that the platform is licensed, secure and provides a user-friendly interface for a great and seamless gaming experience. It’s always good to research and read reviews to find one that suits your needs and preferences.
Create an Account and Make a Deposit
Once you’ve chosen a platform, sign up and create an account. You simply need to enter the details required and agree to the platform’s terms and conditions. Once this is done, you need to deposit money into your online poker account. Most sites offer a variety of payment options such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Pick the one that is most convenient and secure for you.
Open the Live Poker Section
Once you have money in your account, open the live poker section of the platform. The live poker games are usually found in a separate section – and at the best sites, you will find a number of variations such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Stud Poker.
Choose a Live Poker Game
Select the live poker game that you want to join. Remember, different tables could have varying minimum and maximum buy-ins, so make sure you choose a table that suits your bankroll. You should also consider factors such as table limits, number of players, and game format (cash game or tournament) when making your choice.
Familiarise Yourself with the Interface
It’s always good to take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the online poker platform’s interface. Before starting, make sure you understand the buttons, features, and options available to you during the game, such as placing bets, making decisions, and chatting with other players or the dealer.
Interact with the Live Dealer and Players
One of the best things about live online poker is that you can chat and interact with the live dealer and other players. Make sure you use the chat feature to get involved in conversations, ask questions, and enjoy the social aspect of the game!
Understand the Game Rules and Strategies
This is obviously essential… Make sure you have a solid understanding of the poker game you are playing including its rules, hand rankings, and basic strategies. Generally, live online poker games are played with the same rules as traditional in-person poker, so if you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to study poker guides, read statistics, watch tutorials, or even join online poker forums.
Manage Your Bankroll
Effective bankroll management is vital to your long-term success in poker. You don’t want to run out of money after just having started. Set aside a specific amount of money for your poker bankroll and don’t play with more than you can afford to lose. Stick to your limits and adjust your bets based on how much money is left in your bankroll.
Practise Makes Perfect
Poker is a game of skill that requires you to keep practising, learning and improving. Study different poker strategies, read books, watch instructional videos, and analyse your gameplay to identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, poker is a game of both skill and chance, and winning outcomes are never guaranteed.