Pragmatic Play has made its entry into the live poker segment, strengthening its live casino catalogue by launching two new poker-themed games: Casino Hold’em and Jacks or Better Draw Poker. Known for its diverse gaming portfolio, the iGaming content supplier adds these new experiences to its roster in a move to broaden the appeal of its live offerings.

Casino Hold’em, which became available on June 18, marks Pragmatic Play’s first live poker game. In this title, players compete directly with the dealer by forming the best possible five-card poker hand. The hand is assembled using two hole cards and five community cards, following the standard Hold’em format that is familiar to many poker fans.

Jacks or Better Draw Poker, the second title in the new lineup, is scheduled for release in early July. This version follows a more traditional draw poker format. Players receive five cards and can decide which to retain and which to replace, aiming to build the most valuable winning hand possible.

Up to 20,000x Jackpot With Side Bet Option

A major feature that both new poker games share is a jackpot side bet, which presents the potential for players to earn up to 20,000 times their wager. The side bet pays out when a player lands specific strong hands—such as a straight, four of a kind, or straight flush—during the flop. According to Pragmatic Play, this jackpot win is designed to occur approximately once every 45 days.

This side bet mechanic enhances the excitement of the gameplay and is expected to appeal to players seeking high-reward opportunities. The significant payout potential adds an extra layer of engagement on top of the strategic decisions already present in poker-based games.

Customisation Through Smart Studio

To further elevate the operator and player experience, both poker titles are built with integration into Pragmatic Play’s Smart Studio. This tool allows casino operators to create tailored environments by applying custom branding and modifications. The customisable interface makes it possible for brands to present a distinct look and feel, ensuring a unique user experience for players across different platforms.

This flexibility is especially appealing to online casinos looking to differentiate their live casino offerings without compromising gameplay quality or technical performance.

Top Blackjack casinos
400% up to
$ 4000

New customers only. T&C apply. 18+. This offer is not available for players residing in Ontario. New customers only. T&C apply. 19+. Min Deposit: $20. Max Bet: $5. Max Cashout: 10xDeposit. Cashable Bonus. Selected games only: See the website for a list of online slots.
Overall Rating: 97
Visit Casino Read Review
300% up to
$ 2000

New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. Min Deposit: $25. Redeemable 3x. Max Bet: $25. Get your 300% up to $2,000 each or 540 free spins on your first 3 deposits! On each of your first 3 deposits you can claim one of these bonuses: Receive a 300% bonus up to a $2,000 bonus; Deposit $50 or more for 60 Free Spins - $180 value, the max that you could win is $160; Deposit $75 or more for 90 Free Spins - $270 value, the max that you could win is $240; Deposit $100 or more for 120 Free Spins - $360 value, the max that you could win is $325; Deposit $150 or more for 180 Free Spins - $540 value, the max that you could win is $475.
Overall Rating: 96
Visit Casino Read Review
150% up to
$ 1500

New Customer Offer. T&C’s Apply. 18+. A minimum deposit of $20 is required to be eligible for the Welcome Bonuses.
Overall Rating: 95
Visit Casino Read Review

Executive Endorsement Highlights Strategic Direction

Commenting on the release, Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, stated: “Poker is an exciting addition to Pragmatic Play’s live casino portfolio. Featuring fast-paced gameplay, jackpot wins of up to 20,000x, and Smart Studio customisation, Casino Hold’em and Jacks or Better Draw Poker are set to bring a new dynamic to online casinos.”

This expansion into poker reflects the company’s broader ambition to diversify its live casino catalogue and introduce more player-centric formats that combine familiar rules with innovative features. With the rollout of these two games, Pragmatic Play signals a strategic push into classic card game territory while maintaining a focus on engagement and reward potential.

Source:

PRAGMATIC PLAY LAUNCHES FIRST IN A SERIES OF LIVE POKER GAMES, pragmaticplay.com, June 18, 2025.