How to Play Poker in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

It’s safe to say that poker has come a long way in Australia. Once reserved for underground crowds and smoky bar backrooms, poker has evolved into a beloved hobby among locals Down Under. As of 2025, the game has found its way into the nation’s casinos, homes, and hearts alike. Not to mention, Australians have made waves on the global poker stage, testing their skill and nerve in some of the largest competitions in the world.

Hoping to join the Australian poker community? Here’s everything you need to know about the game’s evolution and how to play poker in Australia.

A Brief History of Poker in Australia

Dating back to colonial times, poker first reached Australian shores when European settlers came to the nation, bringing with them their favourite pastimes. By the mid-19th century, the game was a popular form of entertainment in bars and pubs, particularly in major port cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

By 1956, poker had gone digital in Australia, with the first legal poker machines permitted in registered clubs in New South Wales. In the subsequent decades, other states and territories followed suit, with varying regulations around the use of poker machines.

As of 2025, poker is a major part of Australian gaming culture. Not only have some of the biggest events in poker taken place Down Under — such as the Aussie Millions Poker Championship — but some of the most successful poker players in the world are Australian, including Michael Addamo and Joe Hachem.

However, to this day, poker is most widely played by everyday Australians. Whether it’s enjoying a few rounds of in-person Texas Hold’Em at a traditional casino or some online Omaha from the comfort of home, they have found ways to embrace poker in all its forms.

How to Play Poker in Australia

When it comes to playing poker in Australia, there are two main options to choose from: in person at traditional casinos or online.

Brick-and-Mortar Casinos: Experience In-Person Thrills

From The Crown to The Star, Australia is home to several top-tier casinos, which feature live poker rooms and tables.

Traditional casinos offer a unique, thrilling atmosphere. The lights, the sounds of fellow gamers winning big, the buzz of anticipation as you await your next victory — there’s no environment quite like it. Plus, playing poker in person at brick-and-mortar casinos gives you more of an opportunity to read your opponents, identifying their tells in real time and using these insights to your advantage.

However, traditional casinos have their drawbacks. Depending on where you live, you may not have a casino near you, meaning you have to travel long distances to experience the fun. This level of travel isn’t just time-consuming but can also be expensive. Plus, casinos typically have dress codes and other regulations, which can be inconvenient if you’re simply looking to play a few casual rounds of poker.

Online Casinos: Comfort, Convenience & Exhilaration at its Finest

With online casinos, these inconveniences are nonexistent. Instead, you can enjoy the poker games you know and love — Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo — anywhere, anytime. Whether you want to squeeze in a quick game on your lunch break or play a few rounds in bed before starting your day, it’s all made possible with the help of online casinos, which are typically open to gamers 24/7/365. Best of all, while they provide ample convenience, online casinos don’t compromise on excitement. You still have access to many of the same games, the same prize pots, and the same thrills.

Explore Ignition Poker: The #1 Place to Play Poker in Australia

Of all Australian online poker rooms, Ignition is the top choice, favoured by Aussies across the country. With its seamless account setup, exceptional game variety, and top-notch features, it’s poker fun you won’t find anywhere else.

How to Set Up an Ignition Account

Creating an Ignition account is quick and easy. All you’ll need to do is click the ‘JOIN’ button at the top of your screen. From here, follow the prompts on your screen, including filling out the required information and creating a secure password.

To verify your account, you may be asked to provide one or more pieces of identification. These requests will be sent to your Ignition inbox; you can access it by clicking ‘Messages’ within your account.

If you’re having trouble finalising your account setup, consult the Ignition Help Center to find answers to common queries. Otherwise, if you need more help creating your account, you can send an email or live chat message at any time. Ignition support is available 24/7.

How to Start Playing Ignition Poker

Once your account is finalised, you can make a deposit and start playing poker almost instantly by following the steps below.

Mobile:

1. Log in to your Ignition account, then click the ‘Poker’ tab.
2. Select your game type, game, limit, and any other required criteria before clicking ‘NEXT’.
3. Use the dropdown menu to set your stake, choose your buy-in, and tap ‘TAKE MY SEAT’ to get started,

Desktop (Windows or macOS):

1. Log in to your Ignition account, click the ‘Poker’ tab, then ‘Download Poker’.
2. If a security pop-up appears, press ‘Run’ to continue the installation.
3. Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the prompts that appear on your screen to finalise the installation.
4. Open the app, and select game type, game, limit, and any other required criteria before clicking ‘NEXT’.

Ignition Poker Games

At Ignition Poker, players have four primary poker games to choose from:

• Omaha: Every player receives four hole cards, while five community cards are laid on the table. Players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to create the best five-card hand possible.
• Omaha Hi-Lo: Like in Omaha, there are four hole cards and five community cards. Players must use exactly two of their hole cards and three community cards to create the best five-card hand possible. However, in this version, there can be two winners: the player with the best hand and the player with the best qualifying low hand. For the low hand to qualify, all cards need to be eight or lower, and no pairs are permitted.
• Texas Hold’Em: Every player receives two hole cards, while five community cards are laid on the table. Using any combination of hole and community cards, players must form the best five-card hand possible.
• Zone Poker: Skyrocketing the pace of standard poker, Zone Poker immediately directs you to a new table once you’ve folded your hand. With less downtime, you have more chances to continue playing and score a payout.

If you’re eager for even more variety, you can also explore Ignition’s video poker offerings, which include games like Joker Poker and Jacks or Better.

Unmissable Perks & Features

When you choose Ignition as your online poker destination, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits and features, including:

• Bonuses and promotions: Ignition has an extensive selection of bonuses and promotions, making it easy to start your poker journey without spending your own money. For instance, the Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus could see up to $3,000 in bonus cash deposited into your account.
• Tournaments: At Ignition, you’re spoiled for choice with a myriad of tournaments, including Knockouts, Sit-and-Gos, and Turbos. There are also plenty of freerolls on the roster, meaning you can experience the excitement (and potential profits) of competitions without paying an entry fee.

Payment methods: In addition to traditional payment methods (such as debit and credit cards), Ignition also accepts multiple cryptocurrencies. Members can deposit and withdraw using currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether. Learn more about how to play crypto poker at Ignition here.