Online poker is one of the hardest and most exciting table games in the online casino arena. In other words, online poker is playing poker games on the internet. The game involves the use of chips that act as your wagering money. Online poker games allow you to bet based on the actual or perceived value of your hand. Unlike some other table games, you need to have specific set of skills to get something out of playing online poker games (require little luck).
Remember, there are hundreds of poker variations to choose from. Therefore, before indulging yourself in how to play poker games, it is important to understand your options. The popularity of online poker has resulted in an increase in poker players both online and in conventional casinos.
Online Versus Conventional Poker
Online poker is played on the internet, while traditional or conventional poker is played in a physical room. With traditional poker, you walk into a room, choose one of the available poker games/tournaments, sign up by buying chips, sit down and start playing. You only need a smartphone, PC or desktop with an internet connection to play poker games online. People, especially newbies into online gambling, prefer playing on the internet over the local poker room. Why?
Most beginners go for online poker over traditional poker since they find the physical venues too intimidating. Unlike conventional poker venues, online poker is available anytime and from anywhere, provided online casinos are legal. The fact that you have to drive or walk a long distance to play poker games makes it hard for beginners to visit their local casino.
Also, the uncertainty of finding the game in your local casino contributes to the popularity of online poker among players. Running a poker room in a traditional casino is not cheap and the returns are not as good as other card games or slot machines. Therefore, you may visit your local poker spot and find that the rooms have been replaced with other games. Online casinos offer a wide range of games that are convenient, flexible and reliable.
Type of Online Poker
Online poker offers accessibility and ease of playing, unlike conventional poker, which needs friends and a physical casino. Provided you have an internet connection, you can play online poker from the comfort of your home, any time. Players can select from various online poker types based on their preferences and skill levels.
You can play Stud Poker, where there are no hole cards and players can choose their upcards and downcards or Draw Poker, where you can improve your hand by changing a specific number of cards while remaining disguised from your opponent. Another type of Community Card Poker that uses community cards, dealt face-up and shared by all players.
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Choosing the Best Online Poker Casino/Site
Players have two options when they want to play poker online: downloadable poker software and poker sites. Unlike poker sites, poker software offers better playability and amazing features. However, you can use either regardless of whether you are a beginner or an advanced player. There are plenty of online poker casinos/sites to choose from. The sad news is that there are no fast rules that can help players select the right one. However, there are certain factors to consider when selecting the best online poker casino.
Payment Options and Bonuses
A good online poker site should offer its users reliable payment options, irrespective of individual preferences. This will attract new players and make the existing ones loyal. Also, the site should have an easy-to-deposit method and a fast payout speed. A good example is PartyPoker. It offers 50+ payment methods to ensure flexibility when depositing and withdrawing. Another advantage of playing online is being able to access poker rooms with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
Other than that, top online poker casinos offer VIP programs, bonuses and promotions, some of which require bonus codes to activate. Upon registration, you will receive your welcome bonus depending on the poker room you are playing in. For instance, PartyPoker offers a 100% match-up bonus for the first deposit that can go up to $500.
Licensing
It is obvious to find illicit or individuals with bad intentions in most, if not all, financial activities, especially when done virtually. This necessitated measures to protect gamblers from losing their money. This is where licensing comes in. Several reliable and appropriate authorities can issue operation licenses for an online casino or poker room. Licensing ensures proper adherence to gambling standards, enhances the gaming experience and promotes game fairness. Some of the reliable authorities include:
- The Government of Gibraltar
- Malta Gaming Authority
- The Government of Curaçao
Customer Support Services
Players can run into challenges when navigating through the site or during transactions. Therefore, a top online poker platform should offer reliable and responsive customer support services to give solutions to any raising issues. Some support services include:
- Live chat
- Phone support
- FAQs
When you choose an online poker room or casino that has these features, you are sure to have the best time of your life on the platform. For instance, top poker sites like PokerStars offer 24/7 customer support services.
Availability of Different Poker Games
A good online poker casino offers its players a diverse range of poker games to enjoy. This means that, regardless of your taste and preferences, you will always find something suitable for you. Different poker game variations require a unique set of skills and strategies to play. The wider the poker game selection, the better for you to learn and offers a greater opportunity to find the perfect game.
Online Poker Variations
Almost all online poker platforms offer Omaha and Texas Hold’em as their main games. However, there are variations like;
- 7 Card Draw
- Pot-Limit Omaha
- Razz
- Short Deck Hold’em
- 5 Card Draw
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Chinese Poker
Takeaway
It is easy to learn online poker, but skill mastery takes time and a lot of practice. The more you spend time playing online poker, the better your skills develop and become more confident in the moves you make. Be aware of fake sites that are designed to scam people.
