3 Card Poker Online For Real Money

Game Reviews and Poker Strategy
Written by: Sadonna Price , Expert in Online Casinos and Poker

3 Card Poker online is a popular casino game that combines elements of traditional poker with fast-paced gameplay; also known as Tri Card Poker. Play against the dealer, where the objective is to make the best possible poker hand with just three cards.

The simplicity of online Three Card Poker makes the gameplay fast-paced. This will keep you engaged without needing complex strategies, giving you a fun, real money gaming experience. There are multiple ways to land a winning hand, on top of the side bets, giving you plenty of chances to profit.

Head over to the top online USA 3 card poker casino for your chance at a rewarding time.

Best USA 3 Card Poker Online Casinos

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DuckyLuck Casino Logo Min/Max Bet $1-$500 Welcome Bonus 500% up to $7,500 PLAY NOW
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BetUS Logo Min/Max Bet $1-$100 Welcome Bonus 150% up to $3,000 PLAY NOW
Super Slots Logo Min/Max Bet $1-$500 Welcome Bonus 250% up to $6,000 PLAY NOW

DuckyLuck Casino – Most Trusted 3 Card Poker Casino

DuckyLuck Casino is our top-rated site when it comes to playing 3 Card Poker; they call it Tri Card Poker. It comes with its fast-paced gameplay, decent betting limits, side bets, and instant winnings.

Comes with decent betting limits of $1 min and $500 max; perfect for all kinds of players.

New players can take advantage of their 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins welcome bonus, as it only has 10x rollover and you can clear it when you play their online 3 Card Poker game.

They also have over 500 other games you can choose from and make secure deposits and withdrawals through their multiple payment methods.

  • $1 Minimum Bet
  • $500 Maximum Bet
  • Ante Bonus Side Bet
DuckyLuck Casino
DuckyLuck Casino
500% up to $7,500

Bovada Casino – Multiple 3 Card Poker Games

Bovada Casino comes in with two versions: Classic Tri Card Poker and Tri Card Poker that gives it a more modern gameplay.

You can take advantage of their Pair Plus side bet if you want to try your luck and win more money; although the odds are not favorable.

Players get to pick more than one 3 Card Poker titles to enjoy, both adding some skill to these luck-based games. Both versions come with a $1 minimum and $500 maximum bet limit.

New players can take advantage of the Bovada Rewards Program, as you get 1 point for every $1 bet when playing 3 Card Poker or any other table game. Redeem them for potential cash bonuses.

  • $1 Minimum Bet
  • $500 Maximum Bet
  • Ante Bonus Side Bet
  • Pair Plus Side Bet
Bovada Casino
Bovada Casino
125% up to $3,750

Real Money 3 Card Poker Pros and Cons

Choosing to play for real money comes with multiple benefits, but also some drawbacks. Playing 3 Card Poker for real money gives you the thrill of winning cash at a semi-skilled game, but also comes with the risk of losing if you don’t play smart.

  • Skill-based game (to a degree) giving you some control over the outcome.
  • General house edge is 3.37%, but if you follow proper strategy by only betting on hands that are Queen-Six-Four or better, house edge drops to 2.01%.
  • Great game that casino and poker players can enjoy.
  • If played incorrectly, could lead to big losses.
  • Pair Plus Side Bet can be tempting, but it comes in with an edge of 7.28%.

Play the 3 Card Poker Online Demo

Go ahead and play our 3 Card Poker demo version so you know exactly what you are stepping into. You will see exactly why we recommend this game, as it is fast-paced and makes it easy to play; with good odds of winning.

Just remember, this demo version won’t give you any cash payouts, so make sure to sign-up and play for real money.

3 Card Poker Gameplay Basics

3 Card Poker is an online casino game that has quickly gained popularity. It’s a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game where players aim to beat the dealer with the best three-card hand. Its simplicity and quick rounds make it a favorite among casino players.

The game starts with an ante bet. Players and the dealer each receive three cards. Players can either fold or place a play wager equal to the ante.

Rules and Table Setup

The 3 Card Poker table is simple. It has spaces for the ante, play, and pair plus bets. Each player has their own betting area, and the dealer sits opposite the players.

3 Card Poker Game Table
  • Placing Bets: Start by placing an ante bet. You can also make an optional pair plus bet.
  • Dealing Cards: Both you and the dealer get three cards. Your cards are face up, the dealer’s are face down.
  • Decide to Play or Fold: Look at your cards. If you think your hand can beat the dealer’s, place a play wager equal to the ante. If you fold, you lose the ante bet.
  • Dealer’s Hand: The dealer reveals their cards. They need a queen high or better to qualify.
  • Compare Hands: If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win even money on your ante, and your play wager is returned. If the dealer qualifies and your hand is better, you win both the ante and play wagers. If the dealer’s hand is better, you lose both bets.
  • Pair Plus Bet: If you placed a pair plus bet, it pays out based on your hand, regardless of the dealer’s hand. The payout varies by hand strength, with higher hands like straight flushes paying more.

Key Facts

House Edge

The house edge in 3 Card Poker is around 3.37% for the ante-play. This means the casino will keep about 2% of the money bet by skilled players and more from less-experienced players.

Dealer Qualification

The dealer needs a queen high or better to qualify. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win the ante bet, and your play wager is returned.

3 Card Poker Hands

The hands are slightly different than the traditional poker hierarchy.

For example, a Straight beats a Flush because it is harder to get based on each card’s number in the deck. Another difference is that the best hand in 3-Card Poker is the straight flush.

3 Card Poker Hands

Online 3 Card Poker Payouts

The payouts depend significantly on the cards. The dealer needs at least a queen for their hand to qualify.

If the dealer qualifies and your hand wins, you get a 1:1 payout on the Ante and the raise. If you lose, then all bets are lost.

A push is a tie, in which case all wagers get returned. If the dealer doesn’t qualify after your Ante and raise, you get a 1:1 payout on only your Ante.

Side Bet & Ante Paytables

When placing the side bet or getting a great hand, you may qualify for an additional payout. While you may see slight variation from site to site, the following are the standard three card poker paytables.

Ante Payouts

You may see different Ante bonuses, but the payout is usually whenever you make a straight or better.

HandPayout
Straight Flush5 to 1
Three of a Kind4 to 1
Straight1 to 1
FlushNo Bonus
One PairNo Bonus

Pair Plus Side Bet Payouts

Some online casinos offer an 80:1 payout for the mini royal flush in addition to the following paytable.

HandPayout
Straight Flush40 to 1
Three of a Kind30 to 1
Straight6 to 1
Flush4 to 1
One Pair1 to 1
*Note: Pair Plus side bet has worse odds of winning, so we consider it to be a sucker bet. Only bet what you can afford to lose.

If you lose to the dealer, you obviously lose both bets. When you fold without raising after getting your cards, you also lose the pair plus bet.

This isn’t a problem, though, because if you did win the pair plus bet, you certainly wouldn’t fold the hand; you’d always raise.

Strategies to Win at 3 Card Poker Table

All casino games require a bit of luck, but with a basic strategy, you’ll have slightly better odds. Use the following tips to improve your odds of winning:

Basic Strategy

Fold if your hand is lower than Queen-six-four. Bet confidently with a pair or better. This simple rule helps you minimize losses and maximize wins.

3 Card Poker Cheat Sheet

Make Smart Bets

If you have a hand with a pair or better, there is a good chance you have a winning hand. Know your options and place your bets wisely when you have a great hand.

Watch the Paytable

Look for games that pay 5 to 4 on straights and 4 to 1 on flushes. They have a lower house edge than games that pay 6 to 1 for straights and 3 to 1 on a flush.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Stick to your strategy and avoid impulsively trying to win back losses. This keeps your gameplay consistent and reduces the risk of significant losses

Bankroll Management

Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Effective bankroll management ensures you can play longer and enjoy the game more.

How to Play 3 Card Poker

Playing three-card poker is quite simple. After the Ante bets have been made, three cards are dealt heads up to each player and the dealer.

The player must decide to either make a play bet or fold, losing the Ante bet. Afterward, the dealer’s hand is revealed, and payouts are awarded.

If you’re a more visual person, here are the steps you’ll go through in a single game with pictures.

1

Understand the Game Layout

Take a look at this three-card poker table setup to understand how the game plays and where you should place your respective bets.

3 Card Poker Game Table
2

Place Your Bets

The next thing you have to do when playing a new round is to make your wagers. You have a couple of options here.

You must place an Ante before cards are dealt, but you can place a pair plus a side bet or both.

I placed a $1 Ante bet for the purpose of this example.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Step 2
3

Three Cards Get Dealt

The cards get dealt. You will get three face-up cards, while the dealer will get three cards face-down.

In the example below, you can see I got a Straight.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Step 3
4

Make A Decision

At this point, you need to decide whether to raise or fold. You must raise equal to the Ante to continue playing and see the dealer’s cards.

If you don’t think you can win, then you can fold and lose your placed bets.

I had a Straight, so I decided to raise.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Step 4
5

Completing the Hand

Once you make your choices, the dealer reveals their cards and compares them. You do not need to make any further decisions.

Keep in mind that the dealer needs at least a Queen high card to play. If not, you get your Ante bet and play bets back.

In the example below, you can see the dealer qualified because they have a King, and I won the hand with my Straight.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Step 5
6

Payouts Are Awarded

Once all the cards are revealed at the end of the hand, the house pays the winnings based on a paytable.

In this example, I get a 1 to 1 payout.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Step 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Explore the following questions that answer the most common queries I have encountered:

Is it worth it to play 3 Card Poker?

Absolutely. 3 Card Poker is easy to learn, fast-paced, and offers good payouts. If you get a Straight Flush you could get up to 5:1 or 40:1 if you bet on Pair Plus. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for quick and exciting action.

What is the highest payout in Three Card Poker?

The highest payout in 3 Card Poker typically comes from a straight flush; can payout 5:1 at most casinos. The exact payout can vary by casino, but it usually offers the best return among all hand rankings.

Can I make money by playing 3 Card Poker?

3 Card Poker can be good at making money if you use the right strategy and play wisely. Its simple rules and fast pace make it an attractive option for winning, but like all casino games, it involves a degree of luck. Managing your bankroll and knowing when to play or fold are key to maximizing your chances of making money.

What is the house edge of 3 card poker?

The house edge in three-card poker is 3.37% on the Ante and raise bets, and it’s 7.28% for the pair plus bet. This is an average edge when it comes to casino table games. Roulette with a single zero is 2.7%, blackjack is 0.28% with excellent rules, baccarat is 1.06% on the banker, and craps is 1.36% on the don’t pass line, and the don’t come bets.

There are always better games, but there are also worse games like slots or scratchcards that have a large house edge.

Sadonna Price

Game Reviews and Poker Strategy

Sadonna Price Expert in Online Casinos and Poker

Sadonna is a casino content creator and former professional poker player that loves using her creativity to provide insight into the most interesting aspects of the casino world.

Learn More About Sadonna