Online Poker Guide for Singapore Players 2023

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By Leah Shepherd July 7, 2023

Did you know that roughly 80 million people worldwide play poker online? The game is trendy among players, so the number of users at gambling sites keeps growing. Although you can play for real money, free online poker is also available. It’s the reason why everyone loves this game!

Online poker is a card-based game, usually played with a single deck. You play against the host or other players depending on the chosen online poker casinos. Different game versions exist, but Texas Hold’em online poker is at the peak of its popularity now.

In this guide, we focus on offering a detailed guide to online poker for Singaporeans. Poker isn’t challenging to learn, and our experts offer a simple explanation of the rules. We also singled out the best Singaporean poker sites in 2023 and rounded that up with a guide on how to start playing at these trusted websites. SG beginners will appreciate tips to use at online poker sites. It’s irrelevant if you play online poker for fun or actual cash; it’s entertaining due to the extensive selection of game versions. Here’s everything you should know about online poker Singapore!

A Basic Guide to Online Poker Rules

It begins with choosing the real money or free online poker no download platform. Then, once you sign up and join the table, you can play. But how does a poker round unfold? Here is how a typical hand in Texas Hold’em poker looks:

1. Players place the required ante and blind bets. The dealer deals each participant two cards face down. Check your poker card online set, as this is your initial hand value.
2. It’s time for the first betting round. Each player can fold, follow (call), or raise the wager. If a participant raises, everyone else must at least follow to stay in the round. It’s essential to track the order of play – you’ll make your move when your turn comes.
3. You get to see three community cards called the flop. It’s time to combine these with the set in your hands to create the strongest value. Now, you proceed to another betting round.
4. The dealer reveals the turn, the fourth community card. Then, after another betting round, it’s time for the last community card. It’s called the river, and it’s followed by the last betting round.
5. Players who remained in the game will now reveal and compare cards. The participant with the strongest hand takes the entire money!

Whether you play at real money or poker game online free tables, the following hand strength ranking applies:

• Royal flush. You get from 10 to A in the same suite. It’s the best online poker hand you can get.
• Straight flush. It’s a mix of a flush and straight, so five consecutive cards in the same suite.
• Four of a kind. It’s also known as poker and involves gathering four cards of identical value.
• Full house. You get three cards of one value and two of another value. A set of three As and two 3s is stronger than three Ks and two Qs.
• Flush. It includes five cards in the same suit. The strongest card value decides the hand strength when comparing two flushes.
• Straight. If you land five cards in a row, that’s straight. An example is 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
• Three of a kind. It happens when you collect three cards of the same value.
• Two pairs. It’s exactly as it sounds – two sets of two cards of the same value.
• Pair. This is the lowest hand strength after the high card.

Don’t hesitate to try online poker Singapore since you’ll learn the rules quickly. Feel free to choose the desired platform and give this game a shot!

How to Play Poker Online in Singapore

To play poker online, you should look for a website based abroad. Many internet casinos accept Singaporean players. CasinoHEX made sure to select online poker websites with valid gambling licenses. Our team tested them thoroughly to confirm they offer a premium playing experience to our readers.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to start playing poker games online:

1. Pick your preferred online casino. We strongly suggest sticking to the online poker sites listed on this page.
2. Register an account. The process only requires completing a simple form, which won’t take more than two minutes.
3. Deposit funds. The payment methods depend on the online poker room but often include cards, e-wallets, and crypto coins.
4. Join a table to play. Most websites offer different variations and minimum stakes. Consider your preferences and start playing!

Main Poker Types

The available versions will depend on the chosen online poker sites. Most providers look to offer at least several variations. The common forms of legal online poker include:

Real Money Poker VS Free Online Poker

As a beginner, you might start by playing poker free online. Once you learn the rules and become comfortable, you could consider moving to real money tables. But is that a wise decision? It ultimately depends on your preference, as each playing style has advantages. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of real money and poker online free tables!

Tips to Win at Online Poker Tested by CasinoHEX

• Only play at free tables until you learn the rules, then move to low stakes. Free online poker is convenient for learning the rules. But player behaviour is different at real money tables. If you want to work on your online poker strategy, it’s best to move there as soon as you figure out the rules. Begin with low stakes, and don’t rush by increasing the minimum wagers.
• Raise a strong hand before the flop. First, learn how to recognize strong online poker cards. These involve a pair of 10s or better or an AK, AQ, AJ, and A10 combo. Don’t hesitate to raise before the flop to assume the leader’s position in the round. And if you have a good feeling about your hand, don’t be afraid of a re-raise since it could be another player’s desperate move.
• Know your odds of winning a hand. The basics involve learning the hand strength ranking. But you should also be aware of mathematical chances to win the round based on your cards. Find a poker odds calculator online tool to help understand your chances better.
• The importance of the position. It’s better when you play as the dealer, small or big blind. But if you are in early seats (playing among the first few players), you can assume hand control immediately. Once again, the right approach is to make a big raise, but only if you have a strong hand. You might want to continue raising once the flop comes unless the community cards are poor.
• Practice the art of bluffing. If you bluff too much, you’ll end up bleeding chips, especially if there’s a “fish” at the table. But you also need to be adequately aggressive to get your value bets. Experts in online poker tips say you shouldn’t bluff if you don’t have any chances of winning the hands. It’s better to do it only when you are semi-bluffing – using a hand with hidden potential.

Is Poker Legal in Singapore?

If you want to play poker in Singapore, that’s 100% legal. You can enjoy it in two licensed land-based casinos that gained approval from the local authorities. Those are the Resorts World Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands.

However, there’s a local law that considers online gambling illegal. That means you can’t try online poker real money Singapore local sites. The exceptions are two internet platforms catering to local players, including Singapore Turf Club and Singapore Pools.

Laws and Regulations Regarding Poker in Singapore

The Singaporean Government passed the Casino Control Act in 2006. It regulated the market and allowed two land-based gambling facilities to operate. These platforms opened the doors to foreigners for free, while there was a 100SGD entrance fee for the locals. It’s no wonder people started looking for Singaporean poker sites to play online.

In 2016, the local authorities passed the Remote Gambling Act. It allowed local players to join two local platforms offering poker online real money tables. However, it’s worth noting that domestic providers operating unlicensed poker rooms face severe fines and potential imprisonment.

Popular Poker Tournaments in Singapore

Two basic options for playing real money and free online game poker exist. The first includes competing against the dealer, and the other pits you against other players. The latter is available if you play online poker tournaments. These competitions are available in web-based rooms and vary in buy-in requirements and prizes.

Land-based gambling facilities in Singapore organize prestigious tournaments occasionally. For example, the Singapore Poker Championships took place on a luxury boat. Apart from tournaments, local casinos offer cash games. Texas Hold’em is the popular variant, and the experience isn’t different from playing at poker online Singapore sites.

Singapore Poker Players to Watch Out for

The most famous names moved out of Singapore to keep playing at the best online poker real money platforms and tournaments. Here are some famous local players:

• Diwei Huang. His real name is Diwei, but he plays as Brian in gaming tournaments. His current earnings are around $1.4 million, and he once made $162K at a cash game.
• Wayne Yap. He probably started with free online poker. Once he tried playing at traditional tables, Yap joined a live event where he won $719K.
• Alex Xiang Wei Lee. He’s a promising talent who currently stands at $570K with total earnings from live events.
• Chris Yeow Chung Chong. Half of his $700K earnings came from a single live event, which is impressive.

Little Bit About Poker History

According to History.com, poker has an impressive history. Some historians claim its roots go back to Persia and a game called As-Nas, and others believe Chinese emperors played something like poker in the 10th century. But although these served as inspiration, the game that resembles today’s online poker game originates in the 19th century and the United States.

Poker didn’t enjoy the popularity of blackjack until 1970. That’s when the World Series of Poker was launched in Nevada. It only took several years to develop a strong player base. WSOP kept attracting attention, and many poker strategy books hit the shelves throughout the USA.

Internet accessibility made online poker available in 1998. The first web-based room was Planet Poker, which offered Texas Holdem poker online. WSOP expanded to the virtual world, inviting the best players to their main event. Chris Moneymaker was the first to qualify for WSOP Main Event via live poker online qualifiers.

Today, you can find hundreds of internet rooms offering this card game. You can play poker online free on your PCs and laptops, but also on smartphones and other portable devices. Gaming on the go is the latest industry trend, allowing you to use smartphone browsers and apps to access Singapore online poker platforms!

Where to Find the Most Popular Online Poker Games in Singapore?

You are already at the place that gathers the best options to play online poker in Singapore on a single page. We identified the most trusted casinos that offer a wide range of poker variations and a fantastic playing experience. Don’t hesitate to pick your favourite and give this game a shot today!

Leah Shepherd

Chief Editor at onlinecasinohex.sg

Leah has 7 years of experience in writing creative copy for various niches, and 4 years in creating content for gambling websites. She loves playing slots, roulette and other card games online, and that’s why she decided to review online casinos and casino games to ensure that they are safe.

Being a part of the CasinoHEX SG team from the beginning of 2020, she is responsible for writing honest and fact-based casino & game reviews to help players make a better choice.