Internet Poker

The question 'Is online poker safe', has been raised by many who want to play poker online. Studying the online poker environment a bit deeper will help answer that question. In the past, the only way to play poker would be to visit a 'brick and mortar' place that held a poker game. Low margins and high overheads have however discouraged casinos from hosting poker games. In greater numbers now, casinos are preferring to substitute poker rooms with higher-margin slot machines. With much lower overheads, and lower barriers to entry, online poker has therefore filled this void. Sites such as Planet Poker offered online poker games in the 1990's, to players who wanted to play poker online. Today, online poker sites like PokerStars and PartyGaming offer 24/7 online poker games to anyone who wants to play online poker.

And following in the footsteps of online poker sites, a mini-gaming industry has sprung up, offering people courses on how to play poker online. The best places where you can try out your skills are right here Online Poker When seeking to play poker online, search for well known sites that have a track record of safe online poker practices. Toronto-based PokerStars is considered to be the industry's leading online poker game site. PokerStars is a $2 billion plus market valued gaming operation, and rates the largest number of visitors that come there to play poker every day. There are other less famous online poker sites than PokerStars, that you will come across as you search the internet in your quest to play poker online.

Be aware that the internet is rife with fraudulent sites that entice you with low entry or no fees, high stakes and the promise of easy money. Unlike PokerStars, not all online poker sites implement technology to prevent fraud, and often players on these fraudulent sites collude to cheat other players. Look for online poker playing sites that have a high volume of player traffic, as those sites will likely have vacant tables and a greater variety of games to suite your appetite. Compare rakes and other fee structures prior to selecting an online poker site. Like PokerStars, check for online poker sites that give you sign-up, deposit or reload bonuses.

Also, your search to play poker online must consider any promotions that a site has to offer. And any online poker site worth revisiting time and time again, must offer a strong loyalty program - just like PokerStars, which has one of the industry's best loyalty programs. A final piece of advice - don't break the law! Some countries have banned online poker. So check your local laws before you play poker online. So then, 'Can you safely play poker online' - and the reply therefore is - Yes. But, remembering all of the points highlighted in this article can offer you an online poker experience that's legal, safe and even profitable.