When it comes to the perks of online casino gaming, aside from offering better accessibility and flexibility, the variety of casino games available today far surpasses what you’d find in brick-and-mortar casinos. These factors have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the industry, which has experienced a meteoric rise in online gamblers. While offline gambling establishments tend to preserve the same layout for years, there seem to be among the new and exciting online casino games released each month.
From traditional casino table games, like poker, roulette, and blackjack, to unique games like mahjong and pitching pennies, most digital casinos provide many games. But, while the gambling landscape has traversed to unfathomable heights, one thing has remained the same: online poker is the most popular casino game worldwide.
Perhaps it’s the excitement of outwitting opponents and incorporating strategy, or it’s the perception that it’s more than just a game. Still, poker has continued to be one of the world’s most popular gambling activities. Hollywood films like “Rounders,” starring Matt Damon, and “Casino Royale,” featuring Daniel Craig, have also contributed to the game’s rise in popularity.
Since poker’s boom in the early 2000s, it’s managed to maintain a loyal following and attract new players along the way. Poker’s popularity was further accelerated by the exciting and thrilling World Series of Poker (WSOP,) which is still televised today — solidifying its sports-like feel — and has produced some of the game’s most iconic moments.
The rise of online casinos and other technological advancements have also contributed to poker’s dominance in the industry. With the addition of live dealer games, video poker, and themed table games, there’s a wide variety of poker games online available to all, helping to keep the gaming experience fresh and exciting. Regardless of where players are located — whether in the U.S. or anywhere in the world — they can connect with people and form friendships, mirroring the social aspect of offline poker.
For beginners, online establishments often host free demo games, helping them to familiarize themselves with the game’s speed, rules, and hand rankings. This means novices can play online poker for fun before playing for real money. And for further support, there are many poker software tools to guide you through strategy and assist in decision-making.
Although poker is popular, thrilling, and exciting, trying something new is never a bad idea. A great way to keep your gambling experience fresh and stimulating, playing new games can spark a gambling adventure, which can evoke captivating and electrifying emotions, like a kid discovering a new game for the first time. After dissecting why poker has remained so popular, this article discusses five casino games that resemble the gameplay and format of poker.
Which Games Are Similar to Poker?
Although each game adopts different rules, whether it be the value of cards or how to win, all the best online card games are affiliated with unique slang; for instance, some poker slang phrases that’ll make you sound professional include “blind,” “river,” “check,” and “raise,” whereas blackjack players will usually call out “hit me” or “stick.” For newbies, a great way to hide your skill level and avoid exploitative players is by entering the table knowing some game slang.
Below are five online card games similar to poker.
Baccarat
Another popular selection among gamblers, many believe baccarat has been played since the 1400s. Similar to poker — namely Seven-Card Stud and Texas Hold’em — baccarat offers plenty of variations, with punto banco and chemin de fer often regarded as the most like poker.
To initiate a round, you bet on whether the banker or player hand will win or whether both hands will tie. The winning hand is usually decided on the one closest to nine. Regarding card values, aces equal one point, while 10s and royal cards offer zero points. The most points are given between cards 2–9, which provide points based on their face value. For example, 7 equals 7 points.
Great strategies for winning include paying attention to card patterns, avoiding the tie bet, and predominantly betting on the banker, as their chances of winning are the greatest.
Pai Gow
Originating from China, pai gow is often regarded as the most similar game to poker. This only became noticeable when the game evolved from using dominos to cards. Players aim to create two poker hands — a five-card hand and a two-card hand — and beat the dealer.
And luckily for poker players, pai gow incorporates the same hand rankings. The main difference with this game is that players can utilize the jokers to complete their hands in a flush, straight, or full house.
Practical strategies include bankroll management, knowing when to fold, and ensuring both hands are well-balanced.
Video Poker
Unlike poker, which is played on a table, video poker is enjoyed on a machine. And while hand rankings remain the same, the route to victory differs. In video poker, the gambler is only paid if they have a pair of jacks or higher.
Playing machine games like video poker or slots is a great way to get out of online card games, helping to keep your gambling experience spontaneous and exciting. Strategies adopted by experienced players range from understanding the pay tables and bankroll management to playing maximum coins and knowing the different variants.
Blackjack
Although both games involve cards, some may be surprised that blackjack makes the list. Played against the dealer, the target is to reach or be closest to 21. While the whole deck is in play, at the beginning of each round, players receive two cards and decide whether to hit (receive another card) or stick (no additional card.) If a player exceeds the number 21, they go bust, which means they’re eliminated from the round.
When it comes to similarities between the two, they’re hidden within. Both games incorporate a need for understanding the math behind the game and also include additional betting options. Common strategies include minimizing the house edge, avoiding insurance bets, and doubling down.
Teen Patti
This card game originated in India. Teen Patti requires a minimum of four players and incorporates the whole 52-card deck. With multiple rounds of betting and hand rankings, like straight, flush, and pair, it’s easy to spot its resemblance to poker. The strongest hand at the end of the betting rounds decides the winner.
Optimal strategies include mixing up bets, reading opponents, and understanding when to fold and when to be aggressive.
Enjoy Gambling Online With BetMGM
BetMGM has a wide variety of fun, interactive casino games available. If you want to play poker online, BetMGM offers the online poker tournament format and multiple variations, including Texas Hold’em and Seven-Card Stud. Register today to test your skills.
Outside of poker, enjoy 24/7 access to other popular casino games, including baccarat, slots, bingo, roulette, and blackjack.
