There may be some confusion between online poker and live dealer poker, as both take place online. There are some similarities, as the hand rankings don’t change whether you’re playing poker online or over a live stream with a human dealer. You will also find many variations of poker in both formats. This is where the similarities end. Knowing the differences will help you adjust your playing style and win more.
Game pace
If you play online poker, you may play tens of thousands of hands each month. There’s no human dealer, and you play against a machine that uses a random number generator (RNG). The entire process is automatic and relies on a facility that houses servers supporting hundreds of games. There are no delays due to handling cards or chips.
When playing live dealer poker at one of the US online gambling sites, the pace is much slower than when playing online poker. You usually see only 30 to 40 hands an hour. The live dealer takes time to shuffle and deal cards, etc. Live players like to take their time and interact with the dealer and other players via live chat.
Number of tables
When playing online poker, it is possible to play at multiple tables simultaneously. You don’t have to be digital-savvy to play online poker, but if you play at multiple tables, you need to be able to switch between games/windows and not get confused.
When playing live dealer poker, you usually play at one table at a time. There is one dealer feed per table.
Game selection
If you’re sitting in front of a display using a poker app to play, you have access to a wide variety of different poker games. You can play anything from No Limit Texas Hold’em to Pot Limit Omaha. You can also choose to play in different poker tournaments with varying prize levels.
Live dealer poker also offers a wide range of tables with various betting limits. Many game variants are available in live format. It’s the ideal format if you want to experience a casino-type vibe without taking an actual trip to a casino.
Type of players
Online poker (especially at mid-to-high stakes) tends to attract regular and experienced players. Weaker players are hard to come by when playing online poker, especially at the higher stakes. Experienced players can make enough money in a day playing online poker to make it their main income.
Live dealer poker online often attracts a mix of players. Many are recreational players, so competition at equivalent stakes can be softer than when playing online poker.
Tells and interaction
In online poker, there is no physical interaction, so tells are limited to betting patterns. Many online poker players use HUDs or trackers that offer relevant data instead of reading physical cues.
In live dealer poker, you can’t read opponents’ faces or body language either, as you can’t see your fellow players. All you see is the human dealer on camera. You can chat with other players via text, but you can’t see them.
Atmosphere and pressure
The pressure is low when playing online poker in the sense that you’re behind a screen instead of facing off against other players. The downside is that it can feel solitary and a bit soulless. Beating a machine may not offer the satisfaction that comes from beating real-life players.
With live dealer poker, you have a dealer shuffling and dealing real cards. You can chat with other players, which gives you a more social experience. However, you are playing in your own environment, which can be less intimidating than sitting in a busy poker room in a brick-and-mortar casino.
Bonuses and rewards
Online poker sites often give bonuses like welcome offers and VIP programs for poker play. This can boost your bankroll in a way you don’t experience when playing live in-person poker.
When playing live dealer poker, you can also benefit from bonuses. They also come with the wagering conditions you find when playing online poker and can be even more rigorous. Always read the bonus terms, or you could end up trying to clear a bonus by playing a game that doesn’t count.
