5 Reasons Many People Prefer Online Poker Versus In-Person Poker

In the grand scheme of the game of poker, online play is a relatively new addition. Hundreds of years of gameplay have only recently gone online, as in the last 20 years or so, online poker has become a realistic possibility due to tech advancements.

People have more choice now, as well as choosing whether they’d rather play online or in-person at a casino, they can also choose between loads of different variations of the games as well as numerous interfaces people might prefer – this is why we see so many casino brands.

Not everyone agrees on their favorite, of course, but there are a lot of reasons why so many people are now playing poker online rather than in a poker room. Some benefits are obvious, such as the fact people can log in and play any time and any place, but some benefits are not as plain to see on the surface.

Choice of Tournaments

Different poker tournaments suit different people, from the high rollers through to the new players who don’t want to stake much while they learn the game.

In person, you’re limited to the rules that exist in the poker room or casino you have visited, and this means there might not be a lot of choice for things like buy-in and minimum stakes. On the other hand (pun intended), online poker tournaments are far more frequent and often a lot more flexible. Online poker platforms can provide more different types of games with differing rules and stakes, plus, time commitments that may suit players better, as they access these tournaments from desktop and mobile devices.

Online poker tournaments are also easier to find and often start a lot more quickly than in-person tournaments, where someone might have to wait around for enough players or for a specific starting time.

Cash games are still a big part of the poker industry and this means that players don’t necessarily have to play in tournaments, but they are sometimes the better way to access bigger potential winnings and to learn the skills it takes to get better at poker. Cash games are still recommended by players like Dan Negreanu so they’re not to be ignored, and online poker platforms give people the choice to play cash games too if they wish.

Convenience

Fancy playing poker while you’re on the bus or on a train? Devices in your pocket or in your bag can give you this option now, so the world of poker is a very different proposition from what it was 20 or 30 years ago. The 1990s brought online play for the first time, followed by the Poker Boom when a lot of players became interested for the first time, and the world is seeing a similar movement now, especially due to the fact that better mobile connections allow people to play poker from anywhere.

The online gambling market is projected to continue soaring and grow to huge values by the 2030s, partially driven by the fact poker is such a successful game online.

Unique Offers and Promotions

Promotions are one of the most crucial parts of the gambling industry in the modern age, due to the fact there are so many companies and brands trying to compete for custom. Signup bonuses, free spins on slots, and many other promos are often a way for companies to try and tempt players to sign up or return to their accounts.

Poker has its own specific bonuses too – rackeback works by giving the players a percentage of the “rake” fee back as a bonus and it can be an efficient way to maximize the returns or minimize any losses while playing poker.

Freerolls and other ways to participate without spending any money are also possible at some casinos, but players need to check each individual casino to see exactly what they are offering, plus there are often Ts and Cs to get to grips with.

Stakes to Suit Players

People have different budgets and tolerance to risk when it comes to gambling activities such as playing poker, and there are some casinos and poker brands that cater to people who only want to stake very small amounts.

Tiny stakes can be a good tool when someone is learning how to play poker, and may not be very confident in their abilities, so casinos are often willing to oblige players.

Easier to Take Breaks

Online poker platforms usually give the option to sit out a hand, especially playing cash games rather than tournaments. While it can be hard at an in-person casino to step away and come back to a game, it is pretty simple online, and usually just involves clicking a button while you go fetch a drink or go for a comfort break.

Poker players have their own preferences, and some aspects of the game can be harder online such as being able to read your opponents. However, the growth in online poker shows what a popular option it has become.