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By Simon Carling
Gambling Expert
Live Dealer Hold'em - 2024's Best Live Dealer Casinos

Nothing beats the exciting experience of competing with other players and the dealer to have the best five-card hand, just like in a real casino. With live dealer Hold’em, you’re able to actually interact and speak with the dealer, along with betting as little as $1, all while playing in a real social setting.

There are thousands of Australian online gambling live dealer Hold'em games out there. Some are great, some are okay and some are downright bad. How do you choose?

Our team has put together the best live dealer Hold’em sites for you. We have thoroughly gone through all the options and we are proud to say that we only recommend Hold’em sites that:

  • Are reliable and trustworthy
  • Offer lucrative bonuses for online gambling
  • Have excellent security features
  • Have plenty of options for deposit and withdrawals
  • Have outstanding customer support

Live Dealer Hold’em - Explained

Live dealer Hold’em is an online gambling game where the best five-card hand wins real money. First, players place an ante and an optional bet. The minimum and maximum bets depends on the online casino you choose. Then the players and the dealer receive two cards, face down.

Following that, three community cards are spread. They are called community cards because these cards are shared by all players, which they can use to make their best five-card hand. The live dealer then places a bet. Players can fold, and thus forfeit their previous amounts wagered. Or they can call. If a player calls the bet, the dealer will hand out two more community cards. Whoever has the best hand wins real money.

For the dealer to win, a qualifying hand of at least a pair of fours is needed. If the dealer does not have a qualifying hand, the remaining players get an automatic win.

Common Hands in Hold’em Poker

Here we give you a rundown of the most common winning hands in Hold’em online poker. Read on to improve your game!

Straight Flush

Identical suits of five cards that are in numerical order. The best straight flush is a royal flush: an ace, a king, a queen, a jack and a ten of the same suit. If there is a straight flush tie, the highest rank at the top of the sequence is the wining hand.

Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank or numerical value, with one side card called the kicker. If there is a tie, the player with highest rank or numerical value wins. If there is still a tie, the player with the highest kicker wins.

Full House

Three cards of the same numerical value or rank, with two other cards of the same numerical value or rank. When there is a tie, the highest rank three-card wins. If there is still a tie, the highest rank two-card wins.

Flush

Five cards of the same suit. The player whose hand contains the highest ranking card wins the pot in the event of a tie. Sometimes, it may take the second, third, fourth or even fifth card to break a tie.

Straight

Five cards that are in numerical order but are of different suits. When there is a tie, the highest ranking or numerical card wins.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank, with two other cards. The highest rank or numerical value wins when there is a tie. The player with the highest ranking side cards wins if they share the same three of a kind.

Two Pair

Two sets of two cards with matching rank or numerical value, with one side card. To break a tie, the player with the highest pair wins. If players have identical pairs, the tie is broken by the highest side card.

One Pair

Two cards of matching rank, with three other side cards. To break a tie, the highest pair wins. If players have the same pairs, the highest side card wins the pot.

High Card

If players do not have any of the above hands, the player with the highest card wins the pot.

The Best Hold’em Online Sites

We have done the hard work for you, so you can get straight to gambling online. Our team has spent countless hours researching the best live dealer Hold’em sites. Our recommendations are only the best casino gambling sites offering you the highest bonuses, including premier welcome bonuses. Our suggested online casino sites also offer you first-rate security measures.

Live dealer Hold’em has succeeded in making poker even more stimulating. Whether you are a new or an experienced poker player, you will appreciate the social setting of live dealer Hold’em. Rather than just sitting through the motions, you will be living every moment as you bet, call and win.

Don’t forget to compare our reputable Australian online gambling live dealer Hold'em sites to ensure you have best chances to win real money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What basics do I need to know about live dealer Hold'em?

It is very important to realize that casino hold ‘em is very different to the game of Texas Hold ‘Em you will play at dedicated poker rooms, and requires a different skill set. In this game it is player versus the dealer, and the most important thing to know is when to hold and – equally importantly – when to fold your cards, as there is no room for bluffing in this game.

Where will I find the games?

Although live dealer blackjack and roulette are the staples of live dealer casinos, more online betting sites are adding live dealer hold ‘em to their roster of games. Check out the casinos listed on these pages to see their live dealer offerings to find out where Australian players can enjoy the thrills of live dealer hold ‘em games.

How will this game compare with standard online Hold'em?

The live dealer game is modelled after virtual versions of Casino Hold ‘em, where it is a straight up shoot-out between the player and the dealer. Although the game was developed in order to take advantage of the enthusiasm for Texas Hold ‘Em poker, the Casino version does away with the bluff and mind-games of the competitive poker game and is a more streamlined version of the original.

What strategies do I need to know to play?

The most important consideration when playing live dealer hold ‘em is whether to play or fold after the first cards (2 pocket cards, 3 community cards) have been dealt. It is your decision at this point which will affect the outcome of your game, and this is the time to apply logic rather than gut instinct if you want to be successful.

Are these games offered on the mobile sites and apps?

Live dealer hold ‘em is available on mobile devices from a limited range of online casino sites, as it is still not one of the most widely played live dealer games. However, it is possible for Australian players to enjoy live dealer hold ‘em from their mobile devices, so check out the sites listed on these pages to find a mobile hold ‘em option for you.

How is the game kept fair?

Every site recommended on these pages is regulated and subject to regular independent testing to ensure that games are fair and pay out correctly. Online live dealer casinos are independently monitored by bodies such as eCOGRA to ensure that these games pay out fairly and correctly. You can rest assured that if we recommend an online betting site that you can play safely and securely online.