Online Poker Games India: Play Poker for Free & Real Money in 2024
Poker is one of the most famous casino games worldwide and has earned its reputation as the most prestigious. But not all poker games are the same, and people find so many poker game variants appealing. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create this article covering the top online poker game variations Indians can play on their top-favorite online casinos.
Legit Casinos to Play Online Poker in India
There are countless options where you can play poker online, but you should constantly be on the lookout for legit casinos that offer plenty of poker variations, like:
2.
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Hands down, the best selection for Indian players!
Top Online Poker Games
You’ll be amazed by the variations that online poker games come in. Here we’ll list the most well-known poker games; and some not as trendy, but we promise that by the end of the text, you’ll know a lot more about online poker. It will also help you become a more prepared poker player when you join your favorite online poker site in India.
Texas Hold’Em Poker
Texas Hold’Em poker is probably the most famous poker variation you’ve heard of. It is the preferred game in most casinos worldwide and is the main event of the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour. Texas Hold’Em is simple to play but is jam-packed with fun and played with a standard 52-card deck, and you can give Texas Hold’Em a try at 20Bet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple rules and fun gameplay | It can be difficult for some players |
| Very popular and found in all online poker casinos | Winning can come down to luck |
| Combination of strategy, probability, and psychology |
Texas Hold’Em is the world’s most popular poker game variety!
Omaha Poker
Omaha poker is a community card poker game that is very similar to Texas Hold’Em poker but with similar rules and the same fast-paced gameplay. Texas Hold’Em and Omaha Hold’Em differ in the number of cards dealt to each player and the number of hole cards – the players get 4 cards each, five community cards are drawn, and the players can use two hole cards and only three community cards. There are several famous Omaha poker variants that many online casinos carry.
- Omaha Hi – also known as Pot-Limit Omaha, this Omaha poker variant is exciting as it focuses on creating high hands.
- Omaha Hi/Lo – this Omaha poker variant adds more drama to the game, as the players need to make a separate five-card high hand and a five-card low hand to qualify.
- 5-Card Omaha – also known as Big O, this Omaha poker variant is famous in Southeast USA, and many online casinos have added it to their poker offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced and exciting | Somewhat more complicated |
| Big winning potential | Requires more strategy |
| Very appealing for experienced players |
Omaha poker is found at many online casinos!
Five-Card Draw
The Five-card draw poker variant is the simplest poker variant and is the base for video poker. It is favored among novice players, usually in home settings, but some online poker places carry an excellent selection of Five-card draw poker. For example, you can find a five-card draw poker at 10Cric.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elementary rules | Slow and boring for experienced players |
| Suitable for beginners | Somewhat luck-based |
| Great to practice skills and bluffing |
Five-Card Draw is the simplest poker variety and is fun to play!
7-Card Stud
The 7-Card stud poker variant was trendy before the rise of Texas Hold’Em, and it is still found in many online casinos worldwide. The rules of 7-Card stud vary from the more modern Texas Hold’Em and Omaha poker variants, but it is often preferred by poker players who like the combination of skill and strategy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple to learn | Slow gameplay |
| Great for beginners and experienced players | It can be expensive to play |
| More of a game of skill and strategy |
Razz Poker
Razz poker is a relatively overlooked poker variant, and it is a variation of 7-Card stud poker, with the main difference that the lowest hand wins the pot. It is a game of skill that attracts poker players looking to hone their skills by playing evenly-matched players.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More of a game of skill | A slow gameplay |
| Experienced players prefer it | The low hand wins – this may be confusing for some |
| Great for honing skills |
Razz poker is the most famous lowball poker variant!
Caribbean Poker
Caribbean poker is also called casino stud poker, similar to five-card stud poker. Unlike other poker variations, this poker variant is played against the house instead of other players, with no option to bluff. You can join 888Casino and play Caribbean poker, among other online poker variants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple rules and gameplay | No other players |
| Run by strategy and luck | No options to bluff |
| Tempting big payouts and progressive jackpot |
Indian players love playing the Caribbean poker game variety!
Mixed Poker Games
You can play poker in a mixed format – each variant is played in a set number of hands or limited time, and the players move to the following variant. There are many mixed poker games, but HORSE is the most famous one you will find in most online poker casinos. The game’s name is an acronym, and the format includes the round play of circling among the following poker variants:
- Texas Hold’Em
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Razz
- 7-Card Stud
- 7-Card Stud hi-low split-Eight or Better
There are other mixed poker games, but HORSE takes the lead by a significant margin, as it is a multi-game poker played at high-stakes tables and tournaments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exciting gameplay that combines poker variants | Not suitable for novice poker players |
| Great for people who like strategic play | Requires practice to master all the poker variants |
| Found in online poker tournaments |
Specialty Online Poker Variations
Let us also outline some specific poker game variations you will meet online at your favorite online poker casinos. These have features from two or more poker categories, and many times, these are more exciting for players, and you can play one or more of these on 888Casino and 10Cric.
Heads-Up Poker
Heads-up poker is a poker game played in a one-on-one format. It is available in poker tournaments when only two players remain on the table. Also, this format is found in online casino poker games where the player plays against the casino – they go heads-up against the dealer.
All casino poker games are heads-up poker games!
Badugi
Badugi is a draw poker variant similar to triple draw and lowball poker. The betting structure in Badugi poker is the same as with standard poker, but it involves only four cards at a time, and the players can trade zero to four cards for a unique twist.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced gameplay | It can be challenging to master |
| A small number of players can play the game | Requires a lot of practice and money |
| Suitable for novice poker players to hone their skills |
Chinese Poker
Many online poker sites carry Chinese poker, a specialty poker variant with exciting gameplay. Two to four players can play Chinese poker, as each player gets 13 cards and must make the best three possible hands. It can be challenging to master, especially for players used to other poker variants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exciting gameplay | It can be challenging to master |
| Only four players can play at a time | Beginners can find it confusing |
| Requires strategy and planning |
2-7 Triple Draw
2-7 Triple Draw is an exciting poker variant that aims to create the lowest possible hand. Known also as Kansas City lowball, 2-7 Triple Draw is a popular variant with the same rules as Texas Hold’Em, but the goal is to create an unsuited 2-3-4-5-7 hand, the winning hand in this poker variant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced and appealing gameplay | Not as popular as other variants |
| Great for poker players who like to bluff | Challenging to master as the focus is on low hands |
| Low hand wins |
Free Online Poker Games
If you are not ready to play poker for real money, you can play poker for free. The free online poker games allow anyone to test their skills at the game without investing any money beforehand. Instead, online poker casinos provide the option to play a game or two of free poker to test the waters.
Real Money Online Poker
When you feel comfortable with your poker skills, you can try playing real money online poker. The top online casinos in India carry a variety of poker games that one can play. However, Indian players prefer Texas Hold’Em, Five-Card Draw, or Caribbean Stud poker varieties, which are excellent real-money poker games that are exciting and fun.
| Real Money Online Poker Games | You can play at |
|---|---|
| Texas Hold’Em | 888Casino |
| Five-Card Draw | 20Bet |
| Caribbean Stud Poker | 10Cric |
| 7-Card Stud | 1xBet |
Real Money Poker vs. Poker Tournaments
If you’ve been on any online poker site, you’ve probably noted several options, but the most notable are the real-money poker games and tournaments. In real money poker games, the number of players who can play a game is limited. The real money poker games are available anytime you feel like playing, as you also play many poker games against the house.
Opposed to this, poker tournaments are organized events with slightly different rules. It can be considered a poker competition where a single player can be the winner, and players can’t cash out in the middle of the tournament. No need to wonder what the differences are between real money poker games and poker tournaments, as the table below explains it all:
| Real Money/Cash Poker Games | Poker Tournaments |
|---|---|
| You buy in at every game | A one-time buy-in to join the tournament |
| You can buy more chips to continue playing | If you lose the chips, you are out of the tournament |
| You can leave or join a real money poker game any time | You can’t leave the tournament when you want |
| A fixed number of players can play at one table | Unlimited number of players can join the tournament |
| The blinds are always the same | The blinds increase as the tournament progresses |
| You can play a real money poker game when you like | Poker tournaments are scheduled events |
Real money poker games are more fun; poker tournaments offer bigger risk and payout!
How to Play Poker
Poker is a game of luck and skill, and every poker variant has slightly nuanced rules. Still, there are several general concepts on how to play poker online:
- Learn the poker hand rankings – learning the poker hands is the first thing you should do before you start playing poker
- Learn the poker lingo – learning the basic terms in poker will simplify things for you, as you will understand the meaning behind blinds, buttons, flop, fold, draw, etc.
- Learn the poker playing options – the poker game, no matter the variety, has the same playing steps:
- Bet – place a bet based on how strong your hand is
- Call – matching the bet made by the previous player
- Raise – the opportunity to increase the bet by raising the stakes, usually if you have a great hand or wish to bluff
- Check – checking is your way of declining a bet but staying in the game by passing it to the next player
- Fold – knowing when to fold is important, especially if you have a poor hand.
How to Choose Which Poker Game to Play
Above, we’ve outlined the most popular poker game varieties at India’s top online poker casinos. In the interest of full disclosure, one can play many other poker variants, which are rarely found at most online casinos. Now, to discuss how you can decide which poker game to play. Well, this depends on factors like your knowledge of the actual poker variant, the betting limits of the particular game, the available format, the forced bets, and the like.
There is no right or wrong answer here, as the final decision will depend on your preferences. Still, whatever you decide to play, you are in for an exciting experience, as online poker can be a fun way to spend some time and even win some money.
Choose a poker game based on your preferences and skill level!
Where to Play Poker Online
The options where you can play poker online depend on the poker variety you want, as some online casinos carry only the most popular poker variants, and others offer a more varied poker offer. Also, if you’re going to play at poker tournaments, you need to join an online poker site that provides this option. Please note that we’ve rated these by checking the safety and security features, available bonuses, poker games, and banking methods. Here are our recommendations for the top online poker sites where you can play various poker games:
2.
100% up to ₹25,000 Bonus for All New Players
Hands down, the best selection for Indian players!
FAQs
Are online poker sites legal in India?
Online poker sites are not legal and are not illegal in India – these fall in a gray legal area as there are contradicting laws and rules. Still, no law explicitly forbids online poker sites, so any Indian who likes to play online poker can join an international online poker site without breaking any Indian law.
Am I in legal danger for playing online poker in India?
You are not in danger of playing online poker in India if you join an international, offshore online poker site with no legal ties with India. Some of your best options are 888Casino, 22Bet, 10Cric, and Betway.
Are there special Indian laws that relate to online poker?
India allows each state to determine its laws regarding gambling, but the Indian Supreme Court has ruled that poker is a game of skill, making it legal in India.
How do online poker bonuses work?
Online poker sites provide bonuses for newly joined members, which are simple and appealing. Once you join the poker site, you can opt-in to get the bonus and make the appropriate deposit. After that, you must follow the bonus requirements and use the bonus to play poker.
Can I play in online tournaments from India?
Yes, you can play online tournaments from India. To do this, you must join a trusted online poker site that holds poker tournaments, like 888Casino or 10Cric.
Can I win real money playing online poker?
Yes, it is possible to win real money playing online poker, but you must possess good poker skills, select a suitable poker game variant, and play smartly.
Is it safe to play poker online in India?
Yes, playing poker online in India is perfectly safe, but you should only join trusted, reputable online poker sites with high standards for online safety.