The Best PokerStars Casino Games for Poker Players
Poker players are gamblers at heart, but unlike some casino games, they thrive on playing with skill. Yet even the most die-hard grinders sometimes want a break from endless poker hands. That’s where casino games come in.
PokerStars Casino, the casino wing of the legendary PokerStars brand, has become a favorite destination for players who want more than Hold’em or Omaha. But which casino games fit a poker player’s mindset?
That’s exactly what I’ll explore in this guide.
Best PokerStars Casino Games for Poker Players
Not all casino games are created equal, especially if you are a poker player looking for a break from the tables.
At PokerStars Casino, the following standouts appeal to poker instincts.
Blackjack
Blackjack is where poker players feel most at home outside the felt. Why? Because it rewards sharp decision-making and math precision.
At PokerStars Casino, you’ll find multiple blackjack variants, from classic single-deck blackjack to live dealer tables. The rulesets are transparent, which means you can apply basic strategy charts to slash the house edge to under 1%.
What’s the Poker Connection to Blackjack?
- Think of counting outs in Hold’em. Blackjack is the same logic, just with card totals.
- Knowing when to double down or split is similar to knowing when to go all-in on the river.
Editor's Tip:
If you’re disciplined at the tables, treat blackjack like range construction. Every move has a mathematically correct choice. Stick to it, and avoid hunches, and you can make your games last.
Video Poker
OK, so I'm cheating a bit here, but video poker is arguably the most natural transition for poker players. At PokerStars Casino, Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild machines dominate the digital floor.
Why (Some) Poker Players Love Video Poker
- Hand rankings are identical to poker.
- Strategy charts guide optimal holds and discards, much like deciding which hands to open-raise preflop.
- With the right pay tables, RTP can go above 99%.
- It’s like playing a turbo Sit & Go with no opponents.
In my view, video poker feels like an entry point to traditional 'live' poker games. It’s familiar, but faster, simpler, and sometimes surprisingly profitable. At PokerStars Casino, you can choose from a variety of video poker options, including jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Aces & Eights.
Baccarat
On the opposite side of the spectrum lies baccarat. Simple, elegant, and with a distinct high-roller feel, baccarat has long been a magnet for gamblers. At PokerStars Casino, the live dealer baccarat tables replicate the real casino feel. There is quite a bit of variety here, including Sic Bo games and titles like Lightning Bacacarat, Quantum Baccarat, and MGM Grabd Baccarat for that Vegas vibe.
Why Poker Plays Play Baccarat
Poker players with an aggressive streak often gravitate to baccarat for its drama. You don’t get many decisions, just bet Banker, Player, or Tie, and see how the cards fall.
It's worth mentioning poker legend Phil Ivey, who made a splash with his baccarat games (and subsequent legal troubles). However, there is no need to get into edge-sorting to enjoy this relatively simple card game.
Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is where poker’s DNA fuses with casino structure. At PokerStars Casino, the digital Pai Gow tables offer a slower, more strategic game.
How it works:
- You’re dealt seven cards.
- You split them into a five-card 'high hand' and a two-card 'low hand'.
- Both hands must beat the dealer’s equivalents.
For some poker players, playing with two hands feels like a good balance of strategy and luck, adding more jeopardy into the mix.
Why Pai Gow Appeals to Poker Players
- Lots of pushes (ties), so variance is reduced.
- More decisions than baccarat or roulette.
- Perfect for cautious players protecting their bankrolls.
Casino Poker Variants: Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em
PokerStars Casino shines when it comes to poker-flavored casino games. Variants like Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em bridge the gap between traditional poker and house games. Note, not all casino poker titles are available at all geographical PokerStars Casino platforms, so your choice will depend on which local site you are playing on.
Why Poker Players Should Try Casino Poker
- Familiar hand rankings make the transition seamless.
- Betting decisions (raise, fold, call) mirror poker gameplay.
- They’re faster than regular poker, with less grind.
The downside? The house edge is higher than in blackjack or video poker.
Games Poker Players Should Approach with Caution
Not every casino game is worth a poker player’s time. At PokerStars Casino, you’ll find everything from slots to roulette, but some of these aren’t aligned with a poker mindset.
Proceed with caution on:
- Roulette: Fun for a spin or two, but no strategy lowers the house edge.
- Craps: Great energy in live casinos, less engaging online, and complex to learn.
- Slots: Mizrachi might love them, but they are pure luck with random outcomes.
Why Poker Players Are Drawn to Casino Games
At first glance, poker and casino games might seem like opposite games. Poker is player vs player; casino games are player vs house. But as I've shown above, there is a lot of crossover with specific games, and PokerStars Casino makes it easy to switch between games and platforms if you want a break from playing online poker.
Why Do Some Poker Players Play Casino Games?
Or, to put it another way, what are the common factors between these two types of games?
- Skill: Poker players are already fluent in probability, odds, and EV (expected value). That translates well for games like blackjack and video poker.
- Discipline: Bankroll management and tilt control are second nature to pros. Casino games test those same muscles.
- Entertainment Factor: After a long poker session, playing online blackjack or baccarat will seem relaxing.
- Excitement: Poker fans crave action, and some casino games provide a shot of adrenaline and excitement.
Tips for Poker Players Trying Casino Games at PokerStars Casino
Want to get started smartly? Here’s my pro checklist for dipping into casino games:
- Learn Strategy: Use charts and strategy guides for blackjack and video poker.
- Play Low House Edge Games: Blackjack, video poker, Pai Gow are your best bets.
- Avoid distractions: Don’t let fast-paced slots drain your bankroll.
- Set Goals: Just like cash game, play sensibly and safely.
- Play Live dealer Games: The closest thing to live poker, where casino games are concerned.
What are you waiting for? Try some PokerStars Casino games today!
PokerStars Casino Games for Poker Players FAQs
Which PokerStars Casino game is best for poker players?
Blackjack and video poker are the top picks, as they let poker players apply math and strategy to reduce the house edge.
Do PokerStars pros play casino games too?
Yes. Phil Ivey famously played baccarat, while other poker stars have been spotted at blackjack and casino poker variants.
Can poker skills really help in casino games?
Absolutely. Skills like bankroll management, tilt control, and probability analysis give poker players an edge in games like blackjack and video poker.
Are casino poker variants like Caribbean Stud worth playing?
They’re fun for poker fans but come with a higher house edge. They’re best treated as entertainment, not long-term +EV games.
Should poker players avoid slots at PokerStars Casino?
Slots can be fun, but they’re pure chance with no skill component. Poker players usually prefer games where decisions matter.
Is live dealer blackjack better than RNG blackjack?
Live dealer blackjack feels more authentic and engaging, and many poker players prefer it for the real casino vibe.
Can you make money long-term at PokerStars Casino like you can with poker?
No, poker is beatable because you play against other players. Casino games always have a house edge, so the goal should be entertainment, not profit.