Jenna james | June 22, 2022 | Updated on: February 22nd, 2024
Online poker has numerous advantages over land-based venues. Poker has long been very popular with Australian poker players, returning to the 1960s with house games. Playing online poker in Australia is easier and more convenient than going to an actual casino. There are benefits of playing real money poker or even free online poker in a poker room, especially at Australian casino sites.
If you are looking to play online poker, you have come to the right place! It is legal to play Online poker for real money in Australia, though there are restrictions placed on online casinos offering it. Our expert guide, covers where to play, popular poker variations and more.
Australian gamblers’ entry into poker starts with online poker machines. Casinos and free pokies websites are filled with video poker games offering huge progressive jackpots. These games are like playing slot machines.
Bonuses and Promotions – Free money is a common way top poker casino sites try and recruit new AU players. Almost every poker room offers a lavish welcome bonus to new players upon their first deposit.
Gaming Software – the best online poker in Australia provides punters with two options. You can download the software from the poker site or choose to play instantly in your browser.
Player Traffic – Another key aspect of an online poker site is its overall player traffic that it receives;, if there aren’t enough real money Australian players coming to the website to play poker, what’s the point? You could also be stuck waiting longer than necessary for games to start.
Customer Support – If you are new to online betting, it’s only normal that you’re going to have questions. An important factor in any poker site is their customer support options.
Safety & Security –There are a few telltale signs at online casino sites that users can look out for when deciding whether the platform is safe and secure. The first thing to check is whether the gambling site has a licence. Secondly, check that the casino site uses at least 128-Bit SSL encryption and offers a variety of popular banking options.
Variety of Games – What makes a good online poker site? One that offers a variety of different casino games and at least has a full suite of different poker games on offer. When a casino offers variety, you are bound to find a suitable gaming table, regardless of your skill level, and betting preference.
Most Popular Poker Games in Australia
While Australian casinos don’t offer you full online poker rooms, they also offer poker variations. These games also share similarities with traditional poker but operate somewhat differently. Here are the most common ones that you’ll find online:
Texas Hold’em – Hold’em is the most popular poker variant and is often played in online poker tournaments.
3-Card Poker – Build the best possible hand with only three cards and play against the game dealer.
5-Card Draw – One of the easiest poker game variations, make sure to build the strongest five-card hand to win.
Video Poker – Simple and easy to learn, and player-friendly.
Omaha – Build the strongest hand using three community cards, and two of the four dealt.
Caribbean Stud -Pit your hand against the dealers in a game with no bluffing or deception.
How to play Poker Online
There are Different poker variations, but the basics remain the same. Poker is played using the standard deck of 52 cards, without jokers. The game aims to either be the last person remaining in the hand or win a showdown by the strongest hand of enduring players.
The two punters to the left of the game dealer will have to post bets before the hand even starts. These bets, also known as the blinds, are set by the stakes of the game.
Once the blinds are in, all poker players receive their initial starting hands with two face-down cards. Betting proceeds clockwise around the game table, with every player able to choose between the fold, call and raise.
After a few rounds, the remaining players will show their cards, and the player with the best five-card hand – using any combo of their hole cards and the community cards – wins the pot.
In the case of an exact tie, the tied poker players will then split the pot evenly. After the hand, the button will move one seat to the left and a new hand then begins.
Learn The Hands – If you’re new to the game, study the poker hands thoroughly. When caught up in the game, it will be easy to skip over recognized hands, so be sure to double-check your cards.
Play For Free – Though you often can’t win any money when playing for free, we recommend playing free poker before gambling any of your cash. This will let you learn the game and test your gaming strategy risk-free.
Keep Good Cards – this should go without saying; however, don’t break up or give away a good hand in the hopes of getting a better one.
Mobile Poker in Australia
Whether you are an android or apple user, online poker rooms have made mobile poker measurable. In some cases, it may require downloading the poker app. In other cases, you can play directly through an online browser. Once a poker player has registered, they can access their account on a mobile or tablet.
If you decide to use a poker app, you will also have the same access if you are an android or apple user, head over to your App Store and start downloading your poker rooms app. There are a variety of free and real money poker apps available.
The most important factor to consider when playing poker online in Australia on mobile is your WIFI connection. You must be connected to a strong WIFI signal. And if you are playing mobile poker using a data plan, you want to keep an eye on how much data you use.
Poker Legislation in Australia
The Australian Parliament updated its restrictions on the Interactive Gambling Act. And this has caused some of the bigger international poker brands to shut down their operations in Australia. Despite the increased restrictions, it is easy to find online poker in Australia.
In 2001 the Interactive Gambling Act was set into law, making it unlawful to operate an online gambling website within Australian borders. Though, it is not illegal for AU players to play online poker in Australia using an offshore operator.
Accreditations help ensure that while you play online poker in Australia, you also get games audited for fairness and receive high-quality customer support.
Online Poker – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Poker Legal in Australia?
It is legal to play online poker in Australia. You cannot own or operate an online poker website but can play at poker gambling sites.
Is It Possible to Play Poker for Free?
Yes, you can play poker games for free. This is a great way for new poker players to get comfortable with online games.
Can one Play Online Poker on my Mobile?
Yes, generally, a poker online site offers a mobile option. This comes in the form of an instant play through an internet browser or downloading the free poker software onto your mobile device.
Can I Play Poker on Mobile?
Of course! You can play poker games on mobile by downloading an app or through your web browser.
How Does Online Poker Work?
Online poker is a virtual representation of the same poker games in Australia and worldwide. It allows you to play poker under the same rules as at a live casino or a home game with your friends.
Is online poker fair?
Yes. Online poker games are fair if you are playing at a legitimate site.
