
While online gambling and sports betting are booming in the Netherlands, live poker rooms are few and far between compared to the aforementioned two. Land-based poker games are strictly regulated, and only Casino Holland is allowed to offer physical offline poker games.
This being said, there are still options for enjoying this popular skill-based gambling game. These primarily include playing live casino poker games online in legal Dutch casinos.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular poker variants in online casinos in the Netherlands to help you pick the options you’d have the most fun playing. Let’s jump into it!
Ultimate Texas Hold’em
Ultimate Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular and common poker games you can find in a Dutch live casino. This is a house-banked game in which you’re playing against the dealer and not against other players like you are in standard Texas Hold’em.
The game is straightforward to learn if you know the standard version, as it also involves making the strongest possible five-card hand using your two cards and three community cards. Ultimate Texas Hold’em uses the standard 52-card deck, and all of the card rankings are the same.
That said, there’s also an optional Trips side bet, and the blind bet offers a variety of different payouts depending on your hand’s strength. For instance, the lowest paying hand for the blind bet is a straight at 1:1, while the best-paying one is the Royal Flush, which pays a whopping 500:1.
With a basic strategy, Ultimate Texas Hold’em has a house edge of just around 2%, making it one of the best online live poker variations you can choose from. Plus, it is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining poker games you can find in Dutch casinos.
Three Card Poker
As is the case with the previous poker variation, this one also pits you against the dealer instead of other players. This also means that there’s a fixed paytable, so the strength of your poker hand directly determines the payout you will get.
Since the game uses only three cards, it’s simple to learn for beginners. That said, since Three Card Poker is very fast-paced and offers optional bonus bets, it’s still very entertaining and exciting for more experienced poker players.
This poker variation offers only two main betting options. These are the Ante and Pair Plus bets. And, while the gameplay itself is pretty straightforward, there is a noticeable rule twist in that the straights outrank flushes. Moreover, the game offers very rewarding payouts, with the best one being the 6 Card Bonus Bet, which can offer a massive payout of up to 1,000:1.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud Poker is arguably one of the most entertaining poker variations you can play in legal Dutch casinos. It is quite simple but still requires basic poker knowledge. The main downside of this variation is that the house edge is around 5%, even when using a basic strategy.
However, unlike the previous two poker variants, Caribbean Stud Poker features a progressive jackpot. This is where the big money lies. The exact payouts can vary between casinos, but they typically start at $10,000 and go up from there until someone triggers the progressive jackpot. To do so, you need to get a royal flush in any suit.
Useful Tips for Playing Live Poker In Legal Dutch Casinos
No matter which of these three variations you choose, there are some universal tips you should be mindful of that will help you have a more enjoyable and successful experience. Here are a few things to note when playing poker in Dutch casinos:
- Manage Your Bankroll – If you want to play the game long-term, it’s essential to practice responsible bankroll management. Set strict limits you can stick to and avoid chasing losses.
- Be Selective With The Hands You Play – A common mistake many beginner players make is playing every hand. Make sure to avoid this by learning when you should fold your hand and practicing basic strategies.
- Be Careful With Side Bets – While side bets can offer fantastic payouts, many of them aren’t worth it. Focus mostly on the base game and steer clear of side bets if the odds are heavily against you.