Live Dealer Online Poker
Live dealer poker is the next step in the evolution of Online Poker – offering the convenience of online play without sacrificing the scintillating sensory experience of a real-life poker room. Unlike with, say, slots, a major part of the thrill of poker games like Texas Hold ’em, Omaha and 7-Card Stud, lies in their strong social element, with players gathering around the dealer to face off against one another and not simply a machine.
At a live dealer poker room, your hand is dealt with you by a real person, streamed live onto your screen via the internet. Certain live dealer poker sites also allow players to interact with one another via chat boxes but players who use abusive language toward other participants will be swiftly removed.
With the ultimate hands-on experience of live dealer poker, traditionalists can be satisfied that an actual professional dealer is shuffling and dealing their cards within plain sight without the use of the Random Number Generator (RNG) used by standard online poker sites.
Thanks to ever-increasing internet speeds and live streaming technology in the US, the live dealer poker format allows players to fold, raise or show their hands digitally on real-time, high-definition video feeds on their desktops or mobile devices.
Oversized card decks are often used to increase visibility for live dealer poker players, further enhancing the tactile experience of an actual poker room. Players should be able to clearly view the number and suit of each card.
Most leading live dealer poker sites allow players to try their hand at the table without playing for actual money.
Once players are more comfortable with the site’s rules, graphics, streaming speed and dealer styles, they can then play for real money with a substantial pot. In terms of the game itself, live dealer poker is virtually identical to standard real money online poker, enabling players to seamlessly transfer their card skills to the newer format.
| Rank | Poker Site | No Deposit Bonus | Play | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | BetOnline |  | 5/5 | 200% Bonus | Play now |
| 2 |  | Tiger Gaming | | 4.9/5 | 100% Bonus | Play now |
Slow-paced Live Poker Games
Players will notice that it takes quite a bit longer to complete a hand of live dealer poker, much like in real-life poker. This means that live dealer poker is ideally suited to more meticulous players keen on a slow-paced game. The best live dealer poker sites offer both single- and multiplayer modes, which can accommodate tournaments of up to nine players.
The rules of live online poker are also essentially the same as those for standard US online poker. For games against the house, the dealer must qualify with a pair of fours or better. You will receive 10 to 30 seconds to make your decision before you are identified as inactive and lose the hand.
Best Live Dealer Poker Sites
Based on all of these elements and more, we have identified and reviewed the best US-facing live dealer poker sites out there. So the best place to start is right here, by going through our reviews and taking your pick.
If the site you have chosen does not require software installation, you can then start playing almost right away using the video stream that runs straight through the web browser.
If not, it will take you less than ten minutes to register with your chosen site, install the relevant software make an electronic deposit to be used in wagers.
Win your place that the table right now! The safest, most entertaining US-facing live dealer poker sites are right at your fingertips.