Despite how interesting and engaging playing poker at traditional tables is, the speed can sometimes be discouraging. Though the dealers do a good job in shuffling and dealing cards quickly, those who love fast-paced gaming long for more.
With electronic poker tables, their desires are fulfilled. However, electronic poker tables should not be confused with pokies online for real money – while the term ‘pokies’, as they call slot machines in Australia, is also derived from the word ‘poker’, these are actually slot machines. Electronic tables, on the other hand, are virtual tables where all poker activities take place on screens.
These unique inventions change the outlook of poker rooms and improve gamers’ experience massively. With automatic dealing and chip counting, players can enjoy more hands per hour and more overall action. It combines the speed of online poker with the traditional live experience.
Brief History of Electronic Poker Tables
Digital poker tables have been around for more than a decade. Las Vegas used to have three rooms dedicated to electronic poker, but they’re all history now.
In 2008, Excalibur Casino tried its luck with PokerPro tables from Pokertek, but it wasn’t a success. However, these digital machines remained in use in regions where live cards were prohibited. Cruise ships that had no room to accommodate human dealers also used these tables.
The PokerPro electronic tables appeared in the Las Vegas market again in 2013. This time, they recorded some success as their journey kicked off in the Plaza Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Other venues, like the North Las Vegas Aliante, also tried the machines and had success with them. Both Plaza and Aliante hosted small cash games and contests.
While the concept has faced some drawbacks over the years, it has survived and thrived. Today, electronic poker tables come with many outstanding features, competing with online poker games. More companies have also begun producing the tables, making them readily available for use at casinos and homes.
Combining Features of Traditional Tables with Online Poker
Electronic poker tables blend the online experience with the traditional poker style. The tables are usually the same size as the regular ones in casinos. Players also have to be gathered in the same location to play.
Nevertheless, the tables bear a lot of similarities to online poker. There is no physical dealer with you at the table. The digital table is programmed to shuffle and deal the cards. The community cards are displayed on a large screen in the center of the table for all players to see.
Furthermore, each player has a screen in front of them. These screens show you your dealt cards. They also allow you to bet with the chips and make other decisions with the buttons on them.
More interesting is that these digital tables offer a ‘Heads Up table”, which is used for demonstration. The heads-up tables allow new players to experience what the game is like before joining a live table. This is similar to the online poker demo play feature, which allows users to test games for free before betting with money.
Electronic poker is just like online poker but with each player sitting in one place with different devices. If you won’t be able to visit an electronic poker room soon, you can have a feel of it online.
Multiple Variants & Games on One Table
The absence of a dealer does not stop players from trying out different game variants. Many digital poker tables come with many variations, some of which allow the poker room management to configure them. The most popular variants with these tables are Texas Hold ’em, Omaha Hi, Hi-Lo, and 7-Card Stud.
What’s more, some machines like the Jackpot Blitz electronic tables offer side games. This is done to keep you busy between hands, especially when you’re card dead. Side games on offer include video poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and even sports betting.
Interesting Features in Electronic Poker Tables
Developers of digital poker tables add a couple of features to enhance players’ experience. Most of the tables provide seats for 10 tables. They also have multilingual options, which enable players of different backgrounds to participate on the same table. The poker room management can set the languages or allow players to choose their own.
The flexible betting options available also help cater to players of different kinds. Whether you prefer the no-limit, spread-limit, or pot-limit options, you’re allowed to make your choice. Some offer further customizable bet options, which let you adjust your bets perfectly to your bankroll.
Another appealing feature is the integration of real-time statistics just like Apple’s new sports app. You have access to hand histories, win rates, flop percentages, and betting patterns. You can analyze this data to identify the weaknesses in your strategy and develop a better game plan.
More interesting is the availability of numerous tournaments on these tables. There are single-table tournaments that involve players on the same table, and multi-table tournaments involving an unlimited number of players on different electronic tables.
Conclusion
Electronic poker tables offer a myriad of benefits that enhance the gaming experience for players. They eliminate the time used for manual shuffling and dealing, allowing more hands to be played in a shorter time. The introduction of a “heads-up table” also makes it great, with players having an idea of what to expect. Furthermore, the availability of real-time stats empowers players to make better decisions while playing.
Digital poker appeals more to gamers who love playing online due to its similarities with online poker. But those who are used to the traditional tables may find it less interesting. For instance, those who love to keep their hands busy by raffling chips will miss the experience. However, the inclusion of side games can make up for this, but that’s only for those interested in playing other games.