Online poker has gained so much following in recent years that casinos have begun putting video poker machines in their casinos to lure those who are used to playing online video poker. And who could blame these players for going gaga over online gaming. Besides the conveniences provided by playing inside the house, online poker is for others much more exciting and new.
Convenience of the location
Perhaps one of the biggest advantage of online poker is the fact that players need not go to casinos, pay fare and sometimes even an entrance fee to play. Online poker games can be accessed everyday, every hour and it is there at your convenience, just a click of the mouse away. There will also less hassle in having to fall in line for your bets or for chips. Instead, you only have to log in and voila, you are playing poker.
More variety
Online poker also provide more variety such as Texas Holdem poker, Seven Card Stud poker, Omaha Poker and the Hi/Lo version, Five Card Stud and Five Card Draw. Like the usual live poker games in casinos, online players can also play with multiple opponents, basically people who are also playing the game online.
There are more limits
This is especially useful to people who find it hard to limit their casino spending. Online games do not offer no limit games of poker. In fact, players can actually choose the kind of betting limit that they can afford or the limit that will suit their earnings and their skill level. Online poker games also set really low limits compared to live games in casinos probably because the operating cost is basically lower online.
Speed of the game
Games are much faster online than on actual casino games. Players can actually play about 195 hands each hour. Still, 65 hands per hour is the normal average for online players. In live casino gambling, the average number of hands that players can play is 30. This is about twice the number of the online games.
No tips
Since there are no dealers in online games, players need not give tips. This will translate to huge savings for the players as they often tip the dealer for every pot won.
Special promos
Because online games have virtually low operating costs, operators can afford to give special discounts and offer special promos. Some sites offer bonuses to players who sign up on their site. Others give special bonuses when a player reach a certain amount or number of hands played.
Freedom to change tables
Unlike live casinos, which require players to stay on a table even when the play is really getting bad. On online poker games, a player can leave anytime he wishes.
Start small and win big
Players online can wager small amounts of money at the start unlike other live casinos, which set no limits for some play. What is more because players can choose their limits, they can control their spending and therefore control the amounts of money that they wager.
For the inexperienced
Because online poker is largely available to everyone, players that are inexperienced are plenty. This will be a great advantage for players who are already familiar with the game as poker is largely a game of skill and not of chance.
Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of My Poker Tips. Claire provides more information on her site about Poker Tournaments that you can research at home.