Poker is a popular card game that mixes strategy with random outcomes. If you’re new to the idea of playing poker online, you might come across two main versions. One is online poker, where cards are dealt by a computer system called a Random Number Generator (RNG). The other is live online poker, which is played over a video stream with a real person dealing the cards.
This blog will help you understand how these two types of poker differ. You’ll learn how each version works, what can potentially make them feel easier or more difficult, and what you might expect when playing. Whether you’re just starting out, or simply curious, this guide is written to help you make informed choices.
Difference Between Online Poker & Live Poker
When people talk about online poker, they’re usually referring to games that are fully digital. Cards are shuffled and dealt by an RNG, which is a piece of software that ensures every card is dealt in a fair and unpredictable way. These games are often quick, with minimal pauses between hands. You play against other people, but you won’t see them. You’ll usually interact using on-screen buttons and, if available, a text chat feature.
In live online poker, the set-up is different. A real dealer is shown on your screen through a video link. They physically shuffle and deal the cards in front of the camera. The software still handles your bets, but the dealing is done by a person. This format is designed to feel more like sitting at a real poker table in a casino.
Both types of poker can be played for real money on licensed gambling sites. These websites must follow UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules, which include fairness, transparency and safe gambling standards.
It’s worth noting that different types of poker exist – such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud – each with its own rules and style of play. Make sure to read the game rules and table information before joining. Not all versions are the same, and knowing how the betting works can help you understand what you might expect.
Why Is Online Poker Harder?
Online poker games using RNG technology can sometimes feel more difficult for a few reasons. Firstly, they move much faster than live dealer games. Since there’s no physical shuffling or dealing, hands are completed quickly. You might find that a hundred hands can be played in a single session. For someone new to the game, this may make it harder to keep up.
In RNG-based poker, you won’t be able to see your opponents. This means you can’t observe facial expressions or movements, which in traditional settings might give clues about the potential strength of someone’s hand. Instead, players rely more on possible betting patterns, timing, and hand history to form their decisions.
The player pool is also broader. In RNG poker, you might be seated with people from different regions and with various skill levels. Some may play regularly and use advanced strategies. This may make it feel more competitive, especially for beginners.
It’s important to remember that poker is not purely a game of skill. The cards you receive are random, and outcomes are never predictable. Even experienced players cannot guarantee wins. Over time, making thoughtful decisions can help influence your results, but chance plays a role in every hand.
Is Online Poker Still Beatable?
Online poker is designed to be fair. The software that deals the cards is tested and monitored to meet strict standards set by the UKGC. This ensures that no one can predict which cards will appear next.
In games using RNGs, some players choose to study strategies or track hand histories to help guide their decisions. For example, a player might fold (choose not to continue betting) more often in certain situations, based on past outcomes. Others might pay attention to how opponents behave over time.
It’s possible for players to improve their skills and become more familiar with how certain betting patterns work. However, even the best strategies cannot remove the random element of chance from the game. Each hand is separate from the last, and results can vary regardless of how you play.
Some online poker games may offer options such as, different table limits (how much you can bet), game types (cash games or tournaments), and formats (speed poker, sit-and-go games). These variations can affect your experience. It may be worth checking the specific rules and structure before joining a table.
Keep in mind that poker should be seen as a form of entertainment. It is not a way to earn a steady profit. If you decide to play, it’s important to set limits and take regular breaks. Licensed gambling operators in the UK are required to offer safer gambling tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. Please play responsibly.
