Natural8 India Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Online Poker FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Want to start playing poker online but unsure about whether it’s the right fit for you. Our online poker FAQ aims to answer some of the top questions you might have.

What does rake mean in online poker?

To put it simply, rake, in terms of poker terminology, refers to a portion of the winnings that a host takes in exchange for organising and holding the game to cover the costs it brings. There isn’t a standardised amount - the rake can vary from as low as 2.5% to as high as 15%.

What are the minimum requirements to register with Natural8 India?

When it comes to registering with Natural8 India, there are two main requirements that you need to meet in order to be able to create an account. First of all, you need to be 18 years old and above. Secondly, games will not be available for residents situated in the State of Assam, Odisha, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh.

Can I play online poker using my tablet or phone?

Yes, you can play online poker on more than just your computer. If you want to use your phone or tablet to play online poker, you can choose between playing using a browser or downloading an online poker app.

Do I have to download software to play at Natural8 India?

Yes, in order to enjoy poker games at Natural8 India, you have to install dedicated software - the installation process is very straightforward, though, so you shouldn’t have any problems with setting up your new poker room.

Can I play at more than one poker site?

Yes, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a game of online poker on more than one poker site.

Can I use a credit card to play at Natural8 India?

Yes, you can use a credit card to play at Natural8 India. We offer a variety of safe and secure payment options, including credit card to make your gaming experience as seamless as possible.

Can I trust online poker sites with my money?

That depends on the poker site, but most have advanced security measures in place to ensure your money is safe. At Natural8 India, we have your best interests in mind, which is why you can be sure that when you deposit money into your account, it will be kept safe.

What’s the difference between live and online poker?

There are plenty of differences between traditional poker and online poker. The most important one, however, is convenience.

To play traditional poker, you need to visit a brick-and-mortar casino, which is often located several towns away from where you are. Besides that, you not only need to look the part, as often you might not be let into the casino if those guarding the entrance will deem you unsuitable, but you also need to have enough money, as the stakes you play with tend to be a lot higher than in case of online poker.

To play online poker, on the other hand, you only need to have a laptop and an internet connection. You can play from the comfort of your own bed, in pyjamas if you want, and you don’t have to worry that spending time getting to a poker room will be for nothing. What’s more, the stakes are a lot lower when you’re playing online poker - you can play with as little as a few dollars. It’s also a lot faster, which means that you can be dealt a lot more hands within one hour than you would in classic poker - and you can play at multiple tables at the same time, further multiplying the number of games you participate in.

One thing that should also be mentioned is that when you’re playing traditional, live poker, you need to be careful about your facial expressions, as it is very easy to tell someone’s next move by just looking at their face. With online poker, you are behind the screen, so you can make as many facial expressions as you wish.

Are poker winnings taxable?

For players on Natural8 India, TDS will be applicable on net winnings withdrawn and deposited with the Indian Tax Authorities pursuant to the Income Tax Act, 1961.

TDS is applicable and will be deducted at the time of payment, which is when a player's net winnings are calculated. Payment of net winnings is subject to TDS at the rate of 30%. The TDS rules may change according to amendments to the relevant laws introduced by the Indian Government. "Net winnings" in this instance is the difference between receipts earned by the player and investment by the player for purposes of deductions.

Is online poker fixed?

No, online poker is not fixed. Most poker sites use a random number generator (RNG) to deal the cards, which makes rigging the game almost impossible, as messing with RNG would result in discrepancies that would be noticed rather quickly. Besides, poker sites have too much to lose to be willing to mess with the players.

Which are the best poker sites to use?

It’s hard to make a list of the best poker sites, so here’s what a site should have to be one of the best ones:

  • A variety of games available - The more, the merrier. If an online poker room only has one poker variation to choose from, playing there can quickly become pretty dull.

  • Attractive bonuses - While bonuses are not obligatory, it’s usually more fun to play on a site that rewards its players.

  • Accessible customer service - When money is at stake, there’s nothing worse than having to wait until the next day to get help from customer service. That’s why at Natural8 India, customer service representatives are available 24/7 to ensure such a situation doesn’t happen.

  • Protection - The best poker sites will do whatever it takes to keep your information safe and have different security measures in place.

Which is better to play - poker tournaments or cash games?

This depends on your experience, as well as what your goal is when it comes to poker. If you want something that will allow you to improve your skills and you don’t mind the inconsistent winnings that come with it, then poker tournaments will be a better option. If, on the other hand, you wish for something quick that will bring you consistent winnings, then cash games would be your way to go.

Which online poker games are available to play?

Here at Natural8 India, we focus mostly on poker, providing our players with different variations of this classic table game. However, they aren’t the only games we offer. Among poker variants that you can engage in at Natural8 India, you can find:

Is poker more about luck or skill?

Although luck also plays an important role when it comes to poker, it’s a skill that is the most important. After all, the best poker players in the world didn’t reach that status just because they were lucky - they had the knowledge to do it.

Is it difficult to learn how to play poker?

Learning how to play poker is not difficult - with the right teacher, you should be able to learn how to play it within an hour. What is difficult is getting good at it and learning how to win, as poker strategies often involve mathematics and can be complex.

Should I play cash games, SNGs or tournaments?

It depends on what you enjoy the most and from what perspective you are looking at poker. If all you want is to have fun, then any of those will be great. If, on the other hand, you’re looking at poker as a means to make some money, then probably cash games are the best choice.

What is the difference between fixed limit and no-limit poker?

The main difference between the two is that in the fixed limit poker variety, the players can only bet or raise in fixed increments - hence the name. In no-limit poker, the players can bet any amount at any point in the game.

Which form of poker is best to play for beginners?

The best variation of poker to learn when you’re just starting your poker journey is probably No-Limit Texas Hold’em. Not only is it fairly easy to learn, but it also is one of the most popular forms of poker, meaning that whether you want to play it online or at an actual casino, you should have no problem finding one that offers it, contrary to some less common poker variations.

What are poker bonuses?

Poker bonuses are rewards that a person receives for signing up to play poker at a specific website. There are a few different types of poker bonuses, including a welcome bonus, also known as a sign-up bonus, that you receive after creating an account; a first deposit bonus, which you receive after you make your first deposit; and reload bonus, which you receive after the second deposit you make. One site can offer more than one type of poker bonus.

What is a poker loyalty program?

A poker loyalty program is a way to reward players at a certain poker room. A player would be given points every time they deposit and spend money at that poker room. Points can be exchanged for rewards. The players who reach a certain level in the poker loyalty program receive better bonuses and offers than those who haven’t reached it yet.

Natural8 Diamonds (N8D)

What is N8D?

N8D is Natural8 India’s in-game currency. All games and tournaments on Natural8 India are played in N8D.

How do I purchase N8D for game play?

Deposit and withdrawals into your Natural8 India account are made in INR. When you want to play a game / tournament, the game client will automatically convert your INR into N8D at the game lobby. When you cash out of the game or tournament, your N8D will automatically be converted back into INR.

Do I hold my account balances in N8D?

No, account balances are always in INR. When you cash out of a game or tournament, your N8D will automatically be converted back into INR.

Can I choose to play in INR, instead of N8D?

No, all real money games on Natural8 India are denominated in N8D.