Pragmatic Play, a prominent force in the iGaming content space, has announced the launch of its inaugural live poker title, Casino Hold’em, alongside the upcoming release of Jacks or Better Draw Poker. These two additions signal the company's strategic move to diversify its live casino offerings and provide players with fresh, immersive gameplay experiences.
Live Casino Portfolio Welcomes New Poker Variants
Launching on the 18th of June, Casino Hold’em introduces real-time poker action where players compete directly against the dealer. Each participant receives two personal cards, known as hole cards, which are then combined with five shared community cards to form the strongest five-card poker hand possible.
Coming in early July,Jacks or Better Draw Poker offers a different dynamic. Players begin with a five-card hand and can choose to hold or discard as many cards as they wish in pursuit of a stronger hand. This classic draw poker format gives players greater control over their gameplay, adding a strategic layer to the experience.
Jackpot Side Bets Add High-Stakes Excitement
Both titles incorporate a thrilling jackpot side bet mechanic, offering the potential for massive payouts. Players can win up to 20,000 times their stake if they hit qualifying hands — such as a straight, four of a kind, or straight flush — on the flop. According to Pragmatic Play, this jackpot is statistically expected to be won roughly once every 45 days, creating frequent high-energy moments for players and operators alike.
These new offerings also integrate seamlessly with Pragmatic Play’s Smart Studio technology. This feature allows casino operators to fully tailor the visual and functional aspects of the games, creating custom-branded environments and player journeys. Whether through bespoke graphics or personalised gameplay flows, Smart Studio gives operators the tools to deliver unique, on-brand experiences.
Operator and Player Appeal Aligned
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, expressed her excitement over the new releases. “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.”
These launches mark a significant milestone for Pragmatic Play, as it forays into the live poker vertical for the first time. The company is already well-established in the live casino and slots space, producing up to eight new slot titles monthly in addition to its existing live dealer and bingo content, all accessible through a unified API.
By tapping into the appeal of poker and enhancing it with customisation and large jackpot opportunities, Pragmatic Play is positioning itself to attract both seasoned poker players and casual casino gamers looking for variety.
Source:
“PRAGMATIC PLAY LAUNCHES FIRST IN A SERIES OF LIVE POKER GAMES”, pragmaticplay.com, Jun 18, 2025
