The Player’s Guide to Live Poker in South Africa

Poker in a casino? Gamblers know that poker is less about chance and more about skill. Then again, Sun City and Montecasino both have exclusive poker rooms, so the game of poker does have its place in a casino, even online. Casino poker is the same game in its spirit - but it’s played completely differently. Let’s dive into the world of the live poker games that you can play at South African online casinos.

South African Casinos Featuring Live Poker Games

What Is Live Poker?

Casino games are all about speed and entertainment. They are fast-paced and fun to play, not letting you get bored for even a minute. Poker is not a game that fits this description. Poker players rely on their skill and experience to read the room, and their goal is to defeat their opponents - other players. In casino games, you play against the house and don’t have time for long betting sessions and careful consideration.

The first casino poker games emerged in real-life casinos at the turn of the century. The first such game, Casino Hold'em, was introduced in 2000, and others were developed in the coming year. Most of them are based on community card games like Hold’em or Stud. Unlike traditional poker, these games are played against the house, and don’t have betting rounds - they are fast and fun to play.

Live Poker Variants

There are several variants of live dealer poker that you can play at online casinos:

Casino Hold’em

Live poker game of casino hold'em by Evolution Gaming. Source: evolution.com

Everyone’s favourite community card poker game has become a successful casino game thanks to an ingenious game designer in the year 2000. The game has two betting rounds and a few special conditions that you won’t find at the poker table.

Where to Play Casino Hold’em in South Africa

Hollywoodbets

4.8/5
R25 free bet + 50 Free Spins

Gbets

4.3/5
R25 no-deposit free bet

YesPlay

4.6/5
100% up to R3,000

Tusk Casino

4.1/5
Up to R15,000 + 300 free spins

How to Play Casino Hold’em Live Poker Game:

Three Card Poker

Live dealer three-card poker game

Three Card Poker is a simplified Brag version introduced in the mid-1990s. It is a poker variant with the speed of other casino table games but a familiar format and rules. It’s a simple card comparison game between the dealer and the players. The game is simpler and faster than Casino Hold’em and just as much fun to play. 

Where to Play Three-Card Poker in South Africa

B Casino

B Casino no longer accepts South African players

Gbets

4.3/5
R25 no-deposit free bet

YesPlay

4.6/5
100% up to R3,000

Playa Bets

4.8/5
100% up to R2,000

How to Play Three-Card Live Poker

Hand Rankings

With just three cards in a hand, the hand rankings in Three Card Poker differ from the standard game. Here they are in order:

High cardAny single card that’s higher than the dealer’s
PairTwo cards of the same rank
FlushThree cards of the same suit
StraightThree cards in ascending order
Three of a kindThree cards of the same rank
Straight flushThree cards of the same suit in ascending order

Side Bets

The standard game of Three Card Poker comes with several side bets built right into the game.

Pair PlusA side bet on any pair or better
Ante BonusA side bet that you’ll have a straight or better
PrimeAvailable in some casinos, it pays if the three cards of the player are all of the same colour
Six Card BonusAt selected casinos, this side bet pays for the best five-card poker hand formed by the player and dealer hand. 

Teen Patti

Live dealer teen patti or indian poker evolution gaming

Not technically a poker variant, we include Teen Patti here because it is very similar to three-card poker variants. It is based on Three-card Brag, a popular card game. Sometimes, it’s also called flush or flash. It’s a fast-paced game with plenty of betting opportunities and the potential for quick payouts. 

Where to Play Teen Patti Poker in South Africa

Hollywoodbets

4.8/5
R25 free bet + 50 Free Spins

B Casino

B Casino no longer accepts South African players

Gbets

4.3/5
R25 no-deposit free bet

Tusk Casino

4.1/5
Up to R15,000 + 300 free spins

How to Play Teen Patti

Teen Patty Hand Rankings

The hand rankings in Teen Patti are similar to the standard poker hands, with a few differences:

DoubleTwo cards of matching ranks
ColourThree cards of matching suit
SequenceThree cards in ascending order
Pure SequenceThree cards of the same suit in ascending order
TrioThree of a kind

Side Bet City

Side bet city live poker game by evolution gaming. Photo source: evolution.com

Based on the rules of Five Card Draw, Side Bet City adds an extra spin to live poker casino games. It’s very simple and fast, and especially fun to play. 

Where to Play Side Bet City in South Africa

Hollywoodbets

4.8/5
R25 free bet + 50 Free Spins

B Casino

B Casino no longer accepts South African players

YesPlay

4.6/5
100% up to R3,000

Playa Bets

4.8/5
100% up to R2,000

Side Bet City Rules

The game is played with a single 52-card deck. After each round, the used deck is shuffled, and a freshly shuffled deck is used for the game. You get to place your bets before the cards are dealt on which hand will win:

You can bet on either of these options or several of them. When all bets are placed, the dealer deals three cards on the table. This one is followed by two more, then the last two. Once all the cards are on the table, the hand values are evaluated based on the standard poker rankings, and your winnings are paid out. 

Live Poker FAQ

  • What is live poker?

    Live poker is a thrilling form of casino poker played in real-time against either a real dealer or other players, typically through an online platform that streams the game live. Unlike traditional casino poker where you play against other participants, live poker in online casinos often pits you against the house, providing a fast-paced and dynamic gaming experience that’s both engaging and fun.

  • Where to play live poker?

    In South Africa, several online casinos offer live poker games, providing an authentic casino experience from the comfort of your home. Some popular options include Hollywoodbets, Gbets, YesPlay, Tusk Casino, Playa Bets, and B Casino. Each of these platforms provides a variety of live poker variants, ensuring there’s something for every poker enthusiast.

  • How does live poker work?

    Live poker involves a real dealer who deals cards and manages the game via a live video stream, creating an immersive experience that mirrors playing in a physical casino. Players place bets and make decisions in real time using the online interface. The dealer’s actions are streamed live, and the results of each game are determined according to standard poker rules. This setup allows for an interactive and engaging gaming experience that combines the excitement of live play with the convenience of online access.

  • What are the popular variants of live poker?

    There are several exciting variants of live poker available at South African online casinos. Casino Hold’em, a popular community card game, is played against the house and offers a streamlined version of traditional Texas Hold’em. Another favourite is Three Card Poker, which is a fast-paced game where players compete against the dealer with just three cards. Teen Patti, similar to Three Card Poker, offers quick payouts and plenty of betting opportunities. Lastly, Side Bet City, based on Five Card Draw, provides a unique twist with its simple, fast gameplay and various betting options.

  • What are the rules of Casino Hold’em?

    In Casino Hold’em, players compete against the dealer using community cards to form the best possible poker hand. The game starts with each player and the dealer receiving two cards. Players place an Ante bet to play and can also place a bonus bet. After the community cards are dealt, players decide whether to continue by placing a Play bet or fold. The dealer’s hand must qualify with at least a pair of 4s. If the dealer does not qualify, the Ante bet pays according to a paytable and the Play bet is a push. If the dealer qualifies, hands are compared, and payouts are made based on the standard poker hand rankings.