Everything you need to know about the poker scene in Australia.

When did people start playing poker in Australia?

Poker has been played in Australia for many years. Australians even developed their own poker game called Manila which originated in the Snowy Mountains during the building of the hydro electric scheme in the 1950’s. It was played 12 handed and had a 5% uncapped rake. The game then became very popular in the major cities and was played in illegal clubs and card rooms. Stud and draw poker were also popular and like most western countries you could always find a game if you knew where to look.

When did poker become legal in Australia?

The first legal card room opened up in the 80s at the Adelaide Casino. The game then found its way into both Canberra Casino and Crown Casino. Crown Casino in Melbourne quickly became the home of poker in this country. The Crown Card room kept the game alive during the lean years of the late 90’s and early 00’s and drove the game to new heights after the boom hit.

When did the poker boom hit Australia?

Late night poker and ESPN coverage of the WSOP certainly started the ball rolling. The next big increase in the game’s popularity was when Chris Moneymaker won the World Series in 2003 and the boom hit the US and UK. Then in 2005 the game exploded in Australia when Joe Hachem won the World Series of Poker Main Event. The game has continued to increase in popularity with many choosing to play Pub Poker for free at their local pubs and clubs, and also at safe and reliable internet card rooms like 888 poker.

Where is the best place to get a live game?

Crown Casino (Melbourne) is the home of poker in Australia. It is the biggest and best room and is considered as one of the best rooms in the world. It is open 24 hours/ 7 days and has a wide range of games and tournaments to suit everyone. You can get more information about Crown by visiting crownpoker.com.au.

If Pub Poker is more your scene then you might want to try the National Poker League. They have a huge network of free and small stakes poker venues offering a great place to learn the game and have some fun. You can find out more about them at npl.com.au.

Also remember you can always hone your skills right here at 888 Poker.

Who are the best poker players in Australia?

That is always a hard question. Some of the best players in the world have come from Down Under but to pick out a handful is difficult. Joe Hachem was the 2005 WSOP Champion and Tony G and Geoff Lisandro have been playing on the world circuit for years and are both respected cash and tournament players. There are also a host of young up and coming players like Mark Voss and Van Marcus who are sure to be at the top of the game for many years to come.

What is the biggest tournament in Australia?

The Aussie Millions held every year at Crown Casino is not only the biggest and best known tournament in Australia but it is world renowned. Many experts and pros consider that if poker was to identify four majors (like in golf and tennis) then the Aussie Millions would certainly make the cut.

There are also plenty of other tournaments to cater for beginners or those with a smaller bankroll before trying your luck at the Aussie Millions.

888 poker is dedicated to providing satellites and tournaments packages to some of the best destinations on the poker road. Winning a trip to play in a tournament is the perfect way not only to play in a world class tournament but to also have a holiday at the same time. Some of the packages offer accommodation, money and other surprises to ensure your trip is an unforgettable one. So have a good look and pick out the tournament and holiday that suits you.

How can I improve my game?

Poker is like any hobby. Practice may not make you perfect but it will certainly improve your game. You might want to purchase a poker book or ‘learn to play DVD’ to really kick start your game.

After that you want to get as much practice in as possible. Try and play at a level you can afford but also play at a level that challenges you and helps you improve. The internet is the best place to polish your skills in the safety and comfort of your own home; and when it comes to internet poker there is no better place to play than 888 poker.

Is playing poker on the internet safe?

Playing poker at 888poker IS safe. 888 poker takes extensive measures to secure the safety of our clients. Look at it this way. Our business is to provide you with a safe comfortable place to play poker. If we fail to do this then our business is worthless. We abide by strict gaming rules and make sure that you and your money are well looked after.

Are all poker sites private and do they ensure integrity?

There have been some reports about the integrity of some other poker sites in the market place. We can’t vouch for any of the other sites but we can tell you that YOUR privacy and OUR integrity is the most important thing here at 888poker. We guarantee that your experience at 888 poker will be enjoyable, your privacy will be respected and your safety assured.

Why is 888poker the best place online to play?

888 poker is part of a publicly-listed company. This gives the company not only credibility, but makes sure that you as a consumer are covered by first world laws. Many other sites don’t have these checks and balances that ensure you are covered properly.

What other services do 888 offer its clients?

Many other poker sites offer nothing but poker. 888 offers a huge range of other activities from casino games to sports betting. We even offer a brand new Bingo service which is proving to be very popular especially with the ladies. Make sure you look around all of the 888 sites and all the wonderful services we offer to our clients.