Poker is one of the most popular card games on the planet, and it’s regularly played at casinos, both online and offline. When the internet came into existence, poker players wanted to be able to play at their own convenience, so playing online became the in thing. However, the authentic experience didn’t carry over in the early days. 

However, fast forward to the present day, and there is now what’s known as live poker. Live poker is essentially the poker experience enjoyed offline at land-based casinos, but it’s online. So, the convenience poker players were looking for when playing poker on the internet has been realised. 

Live poker is played at online casinos, and everything happens in real time. The sights and sounds will be reminiscent of a land-based casino, and there will also be a croupier guiding the action, who will interact with the players at the table and answer any questions as the games progress. 

Speaking of players, there will be other real-life players at the table, too, with standard games of poker also accompanied by tournaments at platforms such as BetVictor. So there’s something for everyone where live poker is concerned, and it will always be authentic as well as convenient as it’s playable online and on mobile. 

Anyone wishing to play live poker online must first find a platform where live poker, and the version of live poker they want to play, is available. As one of the leading platforms in the sector, BetVictor, and more specifically BetVictor New Zealand, is a great choice. 

The next step is to register an account with said platform if you don’t already have one. Registering an account is a quick and straightforward process. And if you’re a new customer, you will likely be in line for some new player bonuses that could potentially be used on live poker games. 

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From there, you must deposit funds that will be converted into chips when playing live poker before loading up a live poker game. Online Casinos like BetVictor New Zealand have multiple live poker titles available, so there will always be plenty to choose from. 

In most cases, the rules of live poker are the same as “real life” poker unless stated otherwise. So, after loading a game and finding a seat at a table, players will wait to join the next round, where they will be dealt two cards. 

Forced bets, known as the big blind and small blind, will be in play, as players aim to end the round with the best hand possible, or the winning hand, to be precise. “Community cards” are dealt, and using these is how a hand will be formed. 

Players will have all options available to them, such as being able to fold, check and call as they navigate each round while also being able to raise the stakes. The player with the strongest hand at the end of the round will win, and the pot will be given to them before a new game begins. 

Playing online poker, and more specifically live poker, is a fun and enjoyable experience, and it’s accessible to anyone and everyone. Naturally, as with most casino games, it’s possible to play for free, which is commonly referred to as free play. However, this often means that there won’t be any cash prizes up for grabs as a result. 

Most people choose to play live poker for real money, and this will involve them having made a deposit of funds into their account beforehand, or they may have bonus chips available to use. The cost of playing poker varies, but there will be tables to suit all budgets. Usually, players will have funds that are converted to chips at the table, and they will pay the big blind and small blind when they come around, as well as other bets, such as raising the bet or calling during a round. 

It's often the case that the blinds that are in play work in tandem with how much it’s possible to win per round. Playing for real money means playing with real money, but it will always marry up. If the stakes are on the low side, so are the prizes. 

What live poker games can I play? 

There are many live poker games available to play at BetVictor New Zealand, they include Casino Hold’Em types, as well as Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, another popular live poker title. 

Is online poker legal in New Zealand? 

Playing online poker and live poker in New Zealand is legal. This is in accordance with the New Zealand Gambling Act of 2003.  

BetVictor has a comprehensive online casino suite available to enjoy when visiting their platform. Like many other services, the online casino suite is divided into two parts – casino and live casino, with the latter growing in popularity in recent times. It’s here that live poker is available to play. 

In the casino section at BetVictor, players will find games such as video slots, jackpot slots, table games, instant win titles and bingo. They’re all games that are players vs the computer and the more traditional way to enjoy casino games online. 

The live casino section at BetVictor’s online casino includes live versions of games such as live poker and live roulette, with the action playing out in real time and usually with real-life hosts or croupiers. It’s also possible to play against other real-life players in the live casino section, such as when playing live poker.