Casino poker games

Identify the format

Poker titles can differ in whether you play against a dealer, a paytable or other players. The game title and rules identify the format.

Identify the poker format

Casino poker can mean a video-poker machine, a dealer game or a poker room with other players. These formats use different rules and payout models.

Check whether the screen describes a fixed-paytable game or a player-versus-player table before you compare odds.

Read the hand ranking for that game

Standard poker rankings are not enough to interpret every casino poker title: some versions use a reduced deck, a bonus paytable or a special qualifying hand.

Open the game rules and confirm the winning combinations and tie treatment before selecting a stake.

Read the paytable and hand ranking

Payouts depend on the game version and qualifying hand. Check the paytable and any special rules before starting a round.

Check whether play is against a paytable or other people

Before choosing a poker-labelled title, identify the opponent and payout model.

A fixed-paytable game resolves against published combinations; a poker room may involve other players, entry fees, a tournament structure or a separate rake.

Do not transfer assumptions between formats, and check the round cost before joining.