GAME FEATURES

It’s you against the house in Playtech’s Live Casino Hold’em game, a single betting position 5-card poker variant that includes two extra side bet features and a highly trained Poker dealer.

Why play Casino Hold’em?

✔ Wide bet range

✔ AA side bet features

✔ Live Poker dealer

What we think about Casino Hold’em

“Easy to play and fast paced- this is my go-to Casino Hold’em game.”

Is Playtech’s Live Casino Hold’em for you?

This Casino Hold’em game is a 5-card poker variant with a single betting position. In other words, It’s your hand against the dealer’s hand. The objective is to make the best 5-card poker hand from the 2 cards dealt to you and the 5 community cards. Getting a Royal Flush (the highest hand value) pays out 100:1.

This particular Casino Hold’em live game from Playtech is easy to play. Essentially, during a game, the only decision you need to make is whether to play or fold the hand. Naturally, having a basic understanding of poker hand values helps, but you don’t need to be a poker pro to have a fun time. With a bet range from $1 - $1,000, this live game also accommodates players of varying bankroll sizes.

Additionally, what gives this Casino Hold’em Canada online game a bit of an extra edge are its bonus side bets: AA Bet and Casino Razz. These bets will pay out even if the dealer beats your hand.

All in all, the Playtech Live Casino Hold’em game delivers a premium live dealer experience and has a low house edge. It is broadcasted via high-quality stream in real time to either your desktop computer or mobile device. I’ve personally played it on both and find I prefer the mobile version due to the game’s quick pace.

Speaking of its quick pace, this could be a drawback for some players. You might find this game moves too fast for your personal comfort level if you like to take your time making decisions or preparing for the next round. The same is true if you like analyzing the final results.

If Casino Hold’em isn’t for you, we recommend having a look at the PlayOJO casino software directory where you can browse our vast array of other casino games.

Game features

The AA Bet

The AA or Aces & better side bet in Playtech Casino Hold’em Live is an optional bonus side bet. If you wish to take part in it, you’ll need to put down your stake for the AA bet at the same time as the Ante.

The AA side bet operates separately from the main game. Basically, it lets you bet that the first 5 cards dealt (your 2 cards plus the first 3 Flop community cards) will have a pair of Aces or better. If you have a pair of Aces or better, you’ll win the AA side bet, even if your main hand is beat by the dealer. The lowest payout is 7:1 for a pair of Aces or better and up to 100:1 for a Royal Flush.

Casino Razz

Just like the AA Bet, this is an optional side bet that applies to only the first 5 cards dealt. The difference, however, is that the goal of placing a Casino Razz bet is to get the lowest possible 5-card hand. The lower the value of the cards in your hand, the higher the payout.

Ace is the lowest card and all cards from Ace to Jack are eligible, with Jack high being the lowest payout 2:1. You will lose if you have a Queen high card or others. The highest possible payout of 200:1 is achieved by getting a straight flush combination with 5 as the high card (5-4-3-2-A suited).

A couple things to keep in mind if you choose to play either the AA or Casino Razz side bets is that their return to player percentage is lower than the main game (see FAQ). As such, unless you are familiar with how Hold’em poker works - especially this version – you might want to consider avoiding these bets until you are more familiar with the game.

Additionally, lower percentage rates make it difficult to consistently profit from these bets over the long run. As such, regularly placing these bets in addition to the main game can quickly deplete your bankroll. I bet the AA Bet five times in my playing session and didn’t win once.

Other games you might like

Card Brag

This live online casino game from Playtech is an interesting poker variant different from Casino Hold’em. The objective is to beat the dealer with a higher 3-card poker hand. This game also has a side bet called Pair Plus, which pays enhanced odds for a pair or higher, even if the dealer’s hand is better.

Bet on Poker

Bet on Poker isn’t about beating the dealer to win a specific hand, it’s about making bets on the outcomes of the cards dealt. Not your average poker game, you can make multiple bets during three betting rounds. In essence, the game is about making bets on what you think will likely happen during a game round.

My verdict

Though it’s not bursting with special features, I find Playtech’s Live Casino Hold’em still manages to be an exciting game. With speedy rounds and side bets to provide an edge to players wanting a little something extra, it offers something for everyone. It’s easily my favourite live Casino Hold’em game and Playtech has done an excellent job creating an immersive real-world atmosphere with its live casino tech and pro dealers.

Want to give Casino Hold’em Live a try? Or maybe you’d like to take one of our thousands of slots online for a spin? Before you get the real-money gaming party started, grab our OJO welcome offer with no wagering and no max wins with your very first deposit (terms apply). Ready, set, play!

FAQs

What is the Casino Hold’em RTP?

The Playtech Live Casino Hold’em RTP is 99.18% (for the Ante bet). At least, that’s what it was according to the official information for the game I played. As for the side bets, the AA Bet has a lower RTP at 93.74% and the Casino Razz RTP is 95.01% (again, both according to the version I played). If knowing the RTP matters to you before you play a hand (as it does for me), be sure to check out the game’s info to find out the correct percentage that applies to the specific table you’ve joined. No matter the RTP, however, the OJOplus perk keeps things fun with money back on every bet.

Can I play live Casino Hold’em free?

There is no Live Casino Hold’em game demo. Playing this game – like all our live games – requires real money bets. That said, it is possible to load Casino Hold’em, read the rules, and watch sessions play out in real-time without having to place a bet. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the flow and speed of the game, the rules, as well as the various betting and other gameplay options, 100% risk-free. Just remember, to access Casino Hold’em live, you will need to register an account with OJO. It’s quick, free and easy to sign up at PlayOJO casino online in Canada.

Can I Play Casino Hold’em Live on mobile?

Yes, you can. In fact, mobile is my preference for this game. Enjoy it on Android or iOS on a phone or tablet, anytime with OJO.

What is the minimum bet in Playtech Live Casino Hold’em?

The lowest bet is $1. However, keep in mind that you will need to bet more than this if you intend to stay in the hand to cover the Call bet, which is 2x the Ante. As such, the total bet to play a hand is actually $3.