Poker in New Zealand – How to Play & Where to Play Online

If you’re looking for games that combine the perfect amount of luck, strategy, and daring, then it’s hard to beat poker. The beloved card game has been growing in popularity ever since major tournaments like the World Series of Poker began to be televised, and that popularity has now spread to New Zealand.

Players here can enjoy games both live and online, and we’ll teach you the different types of poker, how and where to play them, and how to make sure that you’re never the sucker at the table.

Whether you're looking to play free internet poker, or make the most of online poker for real money, playing at the best casinos online sets you up for the best possible experience.

What is Poker?

Poker is a card game class in which players compete against each other instead of the house. Unlike online pokies, it combines luck, skill, strategy, and much more, making it endlessly complex and equally compelling. The game started in America in the 19th century and has risen in prominence ever since.

Poker players are held in high esteem in the gambling world, and top pros can enjoy TV fame, the chance to win massive prize pools, and have legions of fans celebrating their accomplishments. NZ players can try their luck at the game in pubs, casinos like SkyCity, or from the comfort of their homes at online casinos.

Types of Poker Games

While all poker games have certain things in common, there are different variations you can play to keep the game fresh. Below, we’ll look at some of the most common and how to play each of them.

Texas Hold’em

By far the most popular form of poker, Texas hold ‘em involves two down cards dealt to each player, and then five community cards dealt face-up on the table. Players make the best five-card hand possible between their hole cards and the board. The game is popular because it’s easy to learn, but the betting strategies make it infinitely complex. It’s also the game most often shown on television.

Omaha

Omaha is almost identical to Texas hold ‘em, except each player receives four down cards instead of two. They must use precisely two hole cards and three community cards to make the best hand possible. Because there are so many more cards in play, hands in Omaha tend to be better than the average hold ‘em hand, which can lead to huge pots and massive action.

Seven-Card Stud

Seven-card stud involves two down cards, then four up cards, and everything is capped off with one more down card. There are no community cards, and each player is dealt a complete hand. Once the most popular poker game in the world, seven-card stud can still be played at many online poker rooms in NZ.

How to Play Poker 

If it’s your first time at the table, you should know a few things to ensure you have the most fun possible. Let’s take a quick look at how a hand of Texas hold ‘em works:

Blinds Are Posted

Before the hand, certain players will make a forced bet, called a blind (or an ante, in stud games). This starts building the pot and creates an incentive for future action.

Cards Are Dealt

The dealer will deal each player their hole cards in a clockwise manner.

The First Round of Betting Begins

The player to the left of the big blind will be first to act. They can either call the blind, raise it, or fold. The round ends when all action is complete and the final bet has been called.

The Flop is Dealt

The first three community cards, “the flop,” are dealt. Another round of betting identical to the previous begins.

The Turn is Dealt

After the flop action completes, a fourth card (the “turn”) is dealt, and another betting round begins.

The River is Dealt

Finally, the fifth and final community card (called “the river”) is dealt. A final betting round commences, and once it’s complete, any players left in the hand must show their cards if they want to win the pot. The dealer will compare the exposed hands and award the pot to the winner.

It’s also important to note that betting structures vary by game. Here are the most popular structures:

No limit: you can bet as much as you want, even if it’s all your chips, at any time.
Pot limit: the maximum you can bet at any time is equal to the size of the existing pot.
Fixed limit: you can only bet a specific, fixed amount at any time.

Poker Strategies

There are multiple ways to play poker, and different players employ different strategies. Here are a few of the most common.

Basic Strategies
When describing playing styles, two basic variables to consider are loose vs. tight and aggressive vs. passive. Loose players play many hands, while tight players are highly selective and fold often. Passive players like to check or call most of the time, while aggressive players are almost always raising.
Bluffing & Reading Opponents
One of the most groundbreaking concepts in poker is the ability to bluff, or win a pot with the worst hand. Bluffing adds an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging game. When bluffing, you should ensure your bluff tells a convincing story. Do it sparingly and with confidence. Beyond that, you can look at things like how much they bet and how long it took them to do it to get clues as to what they hold.
Bankroll Management
Learning to manage your bankroll is key to success in poker, as even the best players run cold sometimes. Before you sit down, set limits on how much you’re willing to lose, and track your results every time. If you’re losing over the long term, it may be time to drop down in stakes.

Online Poker vs. Live Poker

How Online Poker Differs from Land-Based Casino Poker

While online poker is a largely faithful recreation of the live experience, you should know a few key differences. The first is that online poker moves much faster. You can play many more hands (or even multiple tables) and get a game any time of day, including live dealer games. Live poker, on the other hand, is more deliberate. It’s also more social, and you can get more information from your opponents in each hand.

Many beginners are more comfortable playing micro stakes online before they try the game in person. Once you have a solid grasp of the concepts, you’ll likely find softer competition in live games. Top places to play in NZ include SkyCity Auckland, Christchurch Casino, and trusted online sites like PokerStars and Party Poker.

Poker Tournaments

One of the most fun ways to play poker is in a tournament. In these games, the blinds are constantly rising, and play continues until one person holds all the chips. Many beginners like tournaments because they limit how much you can lose; all you have at stake is your initial buy-in. Also, the rewards can be significant if you’re fortunate enough to finish in the money.

Countless poker tourneys are available online, including sit & gos, freerolls, and huge multi-table events. You can also play at local tourneys like the SkyCity Poker Series.

Responsible Gambling

Poker is a game of fun, so it’s essential to keep it that way by gambling responsibly. Be sure to take frequent breaks, set a loss limit, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re tired, upset, or otherwise not ready to play. If you think you might have a problem, contact support groups like Gambling Helpline NZ or PGF Services.

Conclusion

Poker is one of the most exciting casino games you can play, and luckily for Kiwis, there’s no shortage of places in NZ to play it. Use the information above to learn the basics of the game, including some simple strategies, and your first time out should be a blast. No matter what you do, though, be sure to play responsibly.

If you’re ready to take the next step, browse one of our strategy guides or review some of the top poker sites for NZ players.

FAQs

Yes, online poker is legal in NZ, and players have a variety of exciting sites to choose from.
Yes, you can play poker for real money in NZ, including Texas hold ‘em, Omaha, and more.
In cash games, you can buy more chips whenever you like, while in tournaments, you have a fixed amount — lose them, and you’re out.
It’s both. While luck plays a massive role in short-term results, the most skilled players will end up with most of the money over time.