Casino Hold’em is one of the most popular live dealer poker games in the world, available on platforms like Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and Playtech. Unlike Blackjack, where the rules are standard, Casino Hold’em paytables can vary significantly between casinos.
Are you playing on a table with fair odds, or are you bleeding money on a “greedy” paytable? Our free Casino Hold’em Calculator analyzes the math behind your session, calculating the true House Edge and the Expected Value (EV) of the controversial “AA Bonus” side bet.
Casino Hold'em Calculator
How to Use the Casino Hold’em Calculator
This tool allows you to audit the specific game you are playing. Follow these steps to determine your true odds:
- Select Ante Paytable: Look at the “Payouts” section on your game screen.
- Standard: Pays 100:1 for Royal Flush, 20:1 for Straight Flush. (Common in Evolution Gaming).
- Low Pay: Pays only 2:1 for a Flush (instead of 3:1). Avoid these tables if possible.
- Select AA Bonus Paytable: If you play the side bet, check the top payout. Does it pay 100:1 or only 25:1 for a Flush? Select the matching option.
- Enter Wager Amounts: Input your standard Ante bet and your Side Bet size.
- Session Settings: Enter how fast the dealer is dealing (usually 40-50 hands per hour for live dealers) to see your theoretical loss per hour.
House Edge vs. Element of Risk: What You Need to Know
Many players are scared away by Casino Hold’em because the stated House Edge is around 2.16% (higher than Blackjack). However, this number is misleading.
Because you raise (Call) on 82% of hands, you are putting more money on the table than just the Ante. The Element of Risk measures your loss relative to the total money wagered. As the calculator shows, the real cost of the game is often just 0.82%, making it one of the best games in the casino if played correctly.
Example 1: The “AA Bonus” Trap
You play $10 on the Ante and $5 on the AA Bonus side bet.
- The calculator shows the Ante has an Element of Risk of 0.82% (Great).
- However, the AA Bonus has a House Edge of 6.40% (Terrible).
- Verdict: By playing the side bet, you are voluntarily increasing your expected loss by nearly 8x compared to playing the main game alone.
Example 2: The “Greedy” Table
You find a table that pays 2:1 for a Flush instead of the standard 3:1.
- Standard Edge: 2.16%
- Greedy Edge: 2.40%
- Verdict: While it looks like a small difference, over 1,000 hands at $25 per hand, this small rule change costs you an extra $60 in expected losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the optimal strategy for Casino Hold’em?
The strategy is complex, but the simplified rule is effective: Call on 82% of hands. You should only Fold if you have low unsuited cards (e.g., 2-7 offsuit) that don’t connect with the flop. If you have a pair, an Ace, or a flush/straight draw, you must Call.
Is the AA Bonus side bet worth it?
Mathematically, no. The AA Bonus calculator section shows that the house edge on this bet ranges from 6.2% to 6.9%. Compared to the main game (0.82% risk), the side bet is a “sucker bet” designed to increase the casino’s profit margins.
Which software provider has the best odds?
Evolution Gaming and NetEnt typically use the standard “Pay 4” table (Ante pays 100:20:10:3:2), which offers a fair 2.16% edge. Be careful with proprietary casino software or land-based casinos that may reduce the Flush payout to 2:1.
What does “Element of Risk” mean in the calculator?
House Edge is calculated based only on your initial bet (Ante). Element of Risk is calculated based on the average total amount you bet (Ante + Call). Since you bet more money later in the hand when you have an advantage, the Element of Risk is a more accurate representation of the game’s “price.”