Online Poker in Australia 2024

Are you looking to play online poker with real money in Australia? Read our guide to discover top poker sites, the best poker games and strategies. Start your real money poker journey with tips from our experts.

The Best Sites to Play Online Poker for Real Money

Raise the stakes! Discover top casinos offering online poker with our top picks.

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How We Choose Which Australian Poker Sites to Recommend

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Picking a poker site can be a rewarding experience, our experts try it first hand to bring out the best features. That’s why we write detailed Australian casino reviews. Here’s what we look at when we rate online poker casinos:

  • Safety and Reputation: The safety at online casinos is the most important thing. The casino must be licensed by a trusted authority. The website should also use SSL encryption to keep information safe.
  • Active Players on Site: We check how many people are playing at the casino. You don’t want to wait too long to join a game. More players mean bigger tournaments and more chances to win.
  • Game Types and Formats: Poker isn’t just one game. We make sure the casino has different types like Texas Hold’em, Omaha Poker, and Stud Poker, so you can play your favorite.
  • Poker Software and User Experience: The software should work smoothly without glitches. We ensure you play on poker sites without delays or system outages.
  • Rake: Rake is a small fee taken by the casino. It’s usually between 2-10%. Some casinos offer rake back promotions to give back some of that fee to loyal players.
  • Secure Banking Methods: We look for casinos with safe and easy ways to handle money. Casino deposits should be quick, and withdrawals should be simple. Options should include card payments, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency.

How Does Online Poker Work?

You join a poker room, which is a virtual space where players gather to play poker games. In these rooms, you’re playing against other real people in real time at digital tables. The software handles dealing the cards, shuffling the deck, and keeping track of the bets, making the game run smoothly.

One of the cool features of online poker rooms is the chat function. You can talk to other players while you play, just like you would in a land-based casino. This adds a social aspect to the game, making it more fun and interactive. Unlike in-person poker, you don’t have to worry about reading other players’ body language, which can be both a challenge and an advantage.

Besides multiplayer poker rooms, Australian online casinos also offer single-player poker games. In these games, you play against the computer instead of other people. The computer acts as the dealer, and you try to win by getting the best hand. This can be a good way to practice and improve your skills before joining a live poker room.
Playing online poker

Poker Games You Can Play for Real Money Online

There are many variations of poker games online that you can play in poker rooms for real money. Here are the most common ones you’ll find at online poker sites:

  • Texas Hold’em: Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game. Each player gets two private cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up on the table. The goal is to make the best five-card hand using any combination of the cards. Versions of Texas Hold’em include ‘no limit,’ ‘pot limit,’ and ‘pineapple.’
  • Omaha Poker: Omaha Poker is like Texas Hold’em but with a twist. Each player gets four private cards and must use exactly two of them, plus three of the community cards, to make the best hand. Omaha can also be played as ‘no limit,’ ‘pot limit,’ or ‘fixed limit.’
  • Omaha Hi-Lo: Omaha Hi-Lo is similar to Omaha Poker but with two winners: one with the highest hand and one with the lowest hand. The pot is split between these two players. The low hand must have five different cards all ranked 8 or lower, with aces counting as low.
  • HORSE: HORSE is a mix of five poker games: Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven-card Stud, and Eights-or-Better (Omaha Hi-Lo). Players take turns playing each game, which makes it a fun and challenging option.
  • Five-card Draw Poker: In Five-card Draw, players are dealt five face-down cards. After betting, they can exchange some or all of their cards before a final betting round. The best hand wins.
  • Seven-card Stud Poker: In Seven-card Stud, players get a mix of face-up and face-down cards. The game starts with two face-down cards and one face-up card. More cards are dealt with betting rounds until each player has seven cards. The best five-card hand wins.

Single Player Poker Games: Besides poker rooms, online casinos also offer single-player poker games like 3 card poker and Caribbean stud. These games are played against the computer and are a fun way to practice your poker skills.

Poker Rooms VS Online Casino Poker

When playing poker online, you can choose between poker rooms where you play against other people and single-player casino poker games where you play against the computer.

Choosing between these two options depends on your preference for social interaction, competition level, and how much time you want to spend playing.

Each option has its own unique experience and benefits.

Poker Rooms

In poker rooms, you join virtual tables and play live with other players. This makes the game more social and competitive. The software deals the cards, manages the game, and you can chat with other players.green outline of a chip

  • Pros

  • Play against real people
  • Social interaction through chat features
  • Wide variety of games and tournaments
  • Potential for larger winnings
  • Cons

  • Requires more time and focus
  • You need a stable internet connection
  • Competition can be tough, especially against experienced players

Online Casino Poker

In online casino poker, you play single-player games against the computer. The games are typically faster and simpler, making them great for quick sessions or practice.
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  • Pros

  • Easier and faster to play
  • Great for practicing poker strategies without pressure
  • No waiting for other players
  • Consistent and predictable gameplay
  • Cons

  • Less social interaction
  • Lower potential winnings
  • Less exciting since you're playing against software

Ways to Play Poker Online

There are several ways to play poker online, each offering a unique experience and level of competition. Here are some of the most popular types of online poker games:

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Free Roll Tournaments

Free Roll Tournaments are a great way to get started with online poker without risking any money. These tournaments are free to enter and often offer real money or other prizes. They are perfect for beginners looking to practice and improve their skills in a competitive environment.

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Cash Games

By far the most common, cash games are the most basic type of online poker with real money. Games are played at leisure, and you are free to leave at any time. There is no time limit and games are starting and finishing constantly.

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Sit N' Go

Sometimes referred to as SNGs, Sit N’ Gos usually last around an hour and begin when enough players have joined the table. They are a fantastic introduction to tournament poker, and there are usually low-stakes tables available.

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Fast-Fold Poker

Also known as Zoom, Speed, or Snap and Zone poker, Fast-Fold is perfect for those who don’t like waiting to play online poker. As soon as you fold a hand, you will be taken to another table and given a new one. This reduces the amount of waiting around you have to do in a regular poker game. Keep an eye out though – your bankroll can deplete quickly playing Fast-Fold.

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Lottery Sit N' Go

Lottery Sit N’ Gos have become popular in recent years and combine the speed of Fast-Fold with the tournament feel of a Sit N’ Go. Games are usually over in just ten minutes and tend to attract recreational players. While the prize pot in poker games is usually based on the total amount given by players, in Lottery SNGs, the prize pot is a random multiple of the buy-in. The most common is 2x, but occasionally you’ll come across exponentially higher than that!

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Multi-table Tournaments

Multi-table Tournaments (MTTs) involve many players competing across multiple tables. As players are eliminated, tables are combined until one player remains as the winner. MTTs offer the chance for large payouts and are ideal for players who enjoy a more extended and strategic game.

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Zone Poker

Zone Poker is a fast-fold variant where players are immediately moved to a new table with new opponents as soon as they fold their hand. This format minimizes waiting time between hands and keeps the action constant, perfect for players who prefer a rapid and continuous gameplay experience.

Instant Play vs A Site’s Downloadable Software

Instant play poker lets you play directly from your web browser without downloading anything. It’s great for people who want to start playing quickly and can use it on any device. It’s always up-to-date, making it the easiest and most convenient choice for most players.

Downloadable poker software is installed on your device. It’s popular with serious players who want the best performance and extra features. It provides a smoother gaming experience, but you can only use it on the device where it’s installed, and you need to update it sometimes.

Our Verdict

For most people, instant play is the best choice because it’s easy and convenient. But if you want more features and don’t mind downloading software, the downloadable option could be better for you. It all depends on what you prefer.

How to Play Poker Online for Real Money

Playing poker online for real money is very similar to playing in person. You’ll still use strategies like betting, raising, and bluffing, but you’ll do it all from your computer or mobile device.

The basic rules remain the same, and you’ll be competing against other real players. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. Join an Online Poker Room: First, find a poker site you like. Sign up for an account and deposit some money into it.
  2. Browse Through Their Games and Formats: Look through the different games and formats available. Find ones you are familiar with and want to play.
  3. Join a Game: There are games happening all the time. Choose a game type, select your stakes, and decide how much money you want to bring to the table.
  4. Familiarize Yourself With the Software: Once you’re in a game, take a moment to understand how the software works. Learn what the buttons do and how to place bets.
  5. Play Your Best Poker: Use your skills to bet, raise, and bluff just like you would in a live game. The game rules will vary depending on the type of poker and format you’re playing, so make sure you know them well.

Winning Poker Hands Ranked in Order

In poker, your goal is to make the best hand possible. Your set of playing cards compared to the other players will define the outcome of the game.

There are some differences between poker games and hand rankings but the majority are played using a standard 52-card deck.

An Ace has the highest ranking of all, followed by a King, a Queen, a Jack, a 10, a 9, and so on. The lowest ranking in the deck is the lowly 2, and the Ace can be used as either high or low when building your hand. For example, both A-2-3-4-5 and 10-J-Q-K-A are perfectly acceptable straights.

Get to know hand rankings before you start playing.

Poker Hand Description Example Hand
Royal Flush A, K, Q, J, 10 – same suit
Straight Flush Five sequential cards – same suit
Four of a Kind Four cards of the same value, one of each suit – fifth card doesn’t matter
Full House Three cards of the same value, and a pair of an additional value
Flush Five cards of the same suit – any order
Straight Five sequential cards – any suit
Three of a Kind Three cards of the same value – other two cards don’t matter
Two Pair Two cards of the same value and two cards of a different value – fifth card doesn’t matter
One Pair Two cards of the same value – other three cards don’t matter

High Card

None of the above; defer to the highest-value card in the hand

Online Poker Tips and Strategies to Win Real Money

There are so many online poker strategies and tips out there, so we have brought the most effective ones that are worth considering. Once you gain more practice, you will be able to decide what type of player you are, whether you like taking risks or playing it safe, and what works best for you. The following tips will help you figure this out.

Start With the Lowest Stakes

As a new player or someone who wants to keep a low betting limit, choose tables with low stakes. You can see the blinds before you enter a table and you can start from as low as 2¢. Tournaments are also a great choice, as they usually have a low buy-in and a good potential payout.

Start with One Table at a Time

Most online casinos would let you join multiple tables at a time. If you are good at multitasking and are an advanced player, it is a great option. But if you are just starting out in poker, limit yourself to one table till you perfect your gameplay.

To Bluff Or Not To Bluff

Once you start getting good at your game, you will want to start experimenting with bluffing. But bluffing in person and online are two different games and it might not always work. You can’t see the other player’s tells and people are more likely to stick to a strategy when playing online.

Set Limits for Yourself

Decide on your budget before you start playing. Poker is a great pastime, but it can get addictive. Make sure to set time, win and loss limits to yourself. This is something you could do every time you log into your favourite online casino, so you can keep control of your gambling habits.

Look for Valuable Poker Bonuses

Poker bonuses are hard to come by, but real money online casinos often run rake back promotions to loyal customers. Don’t forget to opt in for promotional emails and check the casino’s website for promos.

Folding is not Losing

You don’t like the cards you are dealt? Fold them. If you can fold your bad hand for free or on the small blind, you are saving money. It might feel boring to sit out a round, but it would be worse to to keep betting when you are likely to miss out on the pot.

The Math is Mathing

If you really want to get good at poker and make some money at the tables, you need to understand the math. Knowing the chances of winning based on the card you hold is a huge advantage in this game and can help you make better decisions. While first it sounds complicated to do math for a card game, there are some rules you can pick up quickly to help you.

Avoid Common Mistakes

A good poker player has to pay attention to a lot of things during the game. The first rule is to consider your position at the table, you need use different approaches depending on your betting position. Don’t overvalue your hand or ignore the pot. But most importantly – don’t lose your head. Stick to your strategy, even if you had a few unlucky rounds. Getting angry, playing without strategy or chasing losses is never a good idea.
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Ready to Bring Your Chip Stack to the Table?

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Now that you know how to play poker online, it’s time to try it out. Whether you want to start with free games or jump into real money games, there’s a place for you.

Start by joining an online poker room, find games you like, and learn how the software works. The more you play, the better you’ll get. So, are you ready to bring your chips to the table and see how good you are?

Australian’s Poker FAQs

Is it legal to play poker for real money in Australia?

It is perfectly legal for Australian players to play real money poker on the internet at safe sites like the ones featured here. Australian gambling laws restrict who can own and operate poker sites but place no such restrictions on the players. Rest assured, you will not be prosecuted for playing poker for AUD online.

Can I win real money when playing online poker?

Yes, as long as you play real money online poker you can win real money. There are no limits to how much you can win, and your winning chances are determined by your skill level. Just make sure you pick a poker table suitable to your skills and your bankroll.

Can you make money playing poker online?

Yes, it’s possible to make money playing poker online. Some players even become professional and earn a living from it.

Where can I play real money online poker?

There are several online casinos that offer real money poker to Australian players. Our top picks can be found at the top of this page. There you can also read about their poker game offerings, bonuses, and other services.

Why is online poker banned for Australian companies?

Online poker is banned for Australian companies because of strict gambling laws designed to protect players. However, you can still play on international sites.

Can you cheat in online poker?

Cheating in online poker is very difficult due to advanced security measures. Reputable sites use technology to detect and prevent cheating.

Is online poker rigged?

No, online poker is not rigged. Licensed poker sites use random number generators to ensure fair play.

Do I need a VPN to play online poker in Australia?

No, you don’t need a VPN to play online poker in Australia. Many sites are available without using a VPN.

Are there any poker apps with real money games?

Yes, there are several poker apps that allow real money games. These casinos offer them as Progressive Web Apps, which you can find on their websites. However, not all casinos have them, so be sure to check if your favorite casino offers this option.

Are the free poker apps any good, and legal?

Free poker apps are completely legal, as there is no real money gambling involved. And, they are great for players that just want the entertainment of playing poker. The downside is, naturally, that you can’t win real money.

Can I play in poker rooms online for free?

Yes, some poker rooms allow you to play for free. For example, Ignition Casino offers free play options.

Eve Luneborg

Sub-editor & Casino Content Maestro

Eve Luneborg has been a dynamic presence in the online casino industry since 2014, starting at a burgeoning casino in Malta that has now become a leading gambling site. Initially a support agent, she progressed to handling payments and training new staff on processing withdrawals and KYC documents.

In 2016, Eve transitioned from casino operations to become a writer in the iGaming industry.

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