A Guide To Poker Online
“Poker is the game closest to the western conception of life, where life and thought are recognized as intimately combined, where free will prevails over philosophies of fate or of chance, where men are considered moral agents, and where – at least in the short run – the important thing is not what happens but what people think happens.” ~John Lukacs.
Poker is one of the most globally popular card games for good reason. It takes skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to come out on top, making it the perfect game for those who enjoy a challenge. Played across the centuries, poker is synonymous with in-person gambling and casinos. There are many notable films made in its honor. Take for instance, ‘Rounders’ (1998) starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, or ‘Casino Royale’ (2006) with Daniel Craig – both excellent examples of poker on the big screen. Although its origins are a bit of a mystery, poker is thought to have originated in Persia or Egypt around the 16th century. It made its way to the United States in the early 1800s, where it was played in gambling houses along the Mississippi River. Since then, poker has become a mainstay in popular culture and is now one of the most commonly played card games in the world. Poker can be played in many different forms but in recent years has made the transition to being a mainstay in online casinos.
How to Play Poker
Whether you’re already a seasoned poker pro or a first-time player, poker online is easy to pick up and play. The basic premise of the game is to make the best hand possible using the cards you are dealt and those in the ‘community’ pool For example, the best hand possible is a ‘royal flush’- where you have a ten, jack, queen, king, and ace all of the same suit. Other good hands include a ‘straight flush’ (any five cards in numerical order of the same suit), ‘four of a kind’ (four cards with the same numerical value), and a ‘full house’ (a combination of three of a kind and a pair). The worst hand in poker is ‘high card’, where you simply have the card with the highest numerical value. When you play poker for real money in an online casino, you are playing against the dealer. So, as well as knowing what hand beat what, you need to know how betting works when you play poker online in a casino accepting Australian players. Here is a rundown on some poker online betting terminology:
- Ante: the initial bet all players must place before any cards are dealt
- Call: to place money into the pot to see another card
- Bet: to increase the amount of your bet
- Fold: to give up your hand and stop betting
- Check: to neither bet nor fold
In poker, as in life, it’s often good to ‘know when to hold ’em and know when to fold em.’ This means that you need to be strategic about which hands you play and which you throw in the ‘muck’.
Play Poker at the Best Casinos
Poker Rules
Picking up the rules of poker online may seem complex at first; however, with a bit of knowledge and practice, you will be on your way to becoming a poker pro in no time! Here are some key things to remember when playing Texas Hold ‘Em (one of the most popular poker games in online casinos for Aussie players):
- To begin the round, you will be dealt two cards, which are placed face down
- The first round of betting begins
- Three community cards (the ‘flop’) are then dealt face up in the middle of the table
- Another round of betting starts
- A fourth community card (the ‘turn’) is then placed face-up
- Another round of betting starts
- The final community card (the ‘river’) is placed face-up
- The final round of betting starts
The player with the best hand using any combination of their two cards and the five community cards wins the pot! If you’re feeling ready to take your poker game online, check out our top-rated online poker casino at the end of this article where you can play poker for real money. We only ever list licensed and secure casinos so you can focus on playing your best hand.
Poker Strategies
The best advice to follow when playing poker online is to call and bet when your hand is strong and fold when it is not. This may seem like common sense but it is sometimes hard to do when you’re hoping that your hand will improve. Don’t chase ‘draws’ (cards that could improve your hand) as this is generally a losing strategy. When you play poker online, remember that there will always be another hand. So fold hands that are ‘too marginal’ and get your money in the middle when you have the best of it. A good way to practice playing poker online is to play for free using ‘free money’ at first until you get a feel for the game and develop your own strategy. When you’re ready to play poker for real money, make sure you ‘shop around’ and compare bonuses between different casinos before choosing where to play.
Poker Chances of Winning
The odds of winning in poker online vary depending on the game you’re playing as well as the starting hand you’re holding. You can improve your chances of winning at online poker by paying attention to the strength of the dealer’s hand. If it is ‘too strong’ you should probably ‘fold’ and if it is ‘weak’, you have a good chance of winning. If you’re playing Texas Hold ‘Em, remember that ‘suited cards’ (cards of the same suit) have a better chance of making a flush than ‘unsuited cards.’ The odds of a pair improving to a ‘set’ (three of a kind) are about 15 to 1 if the game you are playing is using a single deck of cards. While you can’t always control what cards you’re dealt, knowing the odds of certain hands improving will give you a better chance of stacking the deck in your favor when it comes to playing poker online. Just don’t be one of those players who hold onto their favorite hand ‘for luck’ and never folds- that’s how you end up going home broke!
Poker Variants
As mentioned, Texas Hold ‘Em is one of the most popular poker games found in online casinos accepting Australian players. Other versions of poker you might also come across include Seven Card Stud Five Card Draw. The ‘draw’ in poker refers to the number of cards you are dealt before taking your turn. Whereas ‘stud’ refers to the ‘community cards’ that are dealt face-up in the middle of the table for all players to use.
Best Poker Casinos Australia
We searched all over for the internet to find Australian poker players the best online poker casino going. We were delighted to discover that one particular casino had everything that a poker player could ask for excellent payouts, a huge variety of poker games, and even live poker. When you’re searching for the greatest online poker experience, look no further than… Spartan Slots Casino – When matched up against other online casinos in Australia, SpartanSlots brings a good contingent of classic casinos, like poker, games to the fore. As well as its impressive welcome bonus, regular promotions, and VIP loyalty program, the site also enchants poker enthusiasts with live dealer Casino Hold ‘Em. Which is a perfect option for when you want the look and feel of playing poker in a bricks-and-mortar casino but don’t want to leave the comfort of your own living room to do so! So, if you’re searching for one of the finest Australian-friendly poker casinos in 2025, we recommend that you try out Spartan Slots.
Play Poker Online at the Best Casino in February 2025
When it comes to playing poker online for real money, finding the finest casino is critical. When you’re looking for a site to play poker online, there are certain factors to consider. Make sure the casino has a variety of poker variants first and foremost. Also, make sure they have a good reputation for fairness and reliability. Finally, make sure the casino has a good selection of bonuses and promotions for poker players. That way, you can increase your odds of coming out on top, which is what the game of poker (and life) is all about! That is all there is to know about online poker, in a nutshell. After reading this guide, it’s time to put your new knowledge to the test and start playing real money casino poker. So go over to Spartan Slots and start your poker-playing journey. May the flop be with you!