Poker News NEWS

Is Live Poker Taking Over the Online Scene?

Published by admin on June 22, 2018

Poker is one of the most popular casino games in both land-based and online markets, offering players a social environment in which they can play a game of both skill and luck for the chance to win big. While we’re still seeing plenty of online activity in the poker world, land-based games continue to catch up.

Why Play Online Poker

Online poker is the preferred choice of many pros and casual players, as you can experience the same game from virtually anywhere. You can play online poker for real money from home on your desktop or even download an app to your smartphone and play on the go.

Many players also prefer online poker because a wider range of games are available. You find Texas Hold’Em, Omaha and all of the classics that are available at land-based clubs – but much more on top of that. You’ll be able to take part in niche poker variations like Hi Lo, and you can find a both microstakes and high roller games.

For these reasons and more, new players are signing up to the best US poker sites every day. However, while online poker continues to gain steam, the land-based market is livelier than ever.

The Legalization of Live Poker

One of the main reasons that live poker is making such a big comeback is the current ban on online poker in America. After the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act) was passed in 2006, players across the country were barred from playing poker online. Currently, there are only four states in which online poker is legal: Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and the newly legalized state, Pennsylvania.

Since there are so few opportunities for American players to play poker online, it is no wonder live poker games have become so popular. The poker world has seen plenty of buzz over the past ten years, and players want to get in on the hype however they can. As such, we’re seeing many more poker players at land-based casinos across the country, as they want to get in on the action.

An Environment That Can’t Be Imitated

Sure, you can chat to your opponents when playing online poker for real money but there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in a live game. You’re bantering in real time with your competitors, you’re reading tells, you’re flirting with the wait staff – which live players certainly miss out on when they’re playing online.

When you’re deep in a live comp, your friends can show up and rail you. If you make the final table online, spectators can view your table – but you can’t hear their cheers or see the look of excitement on their faces.

Of course, online poker is convenient and fun – but it doesn’t always compare to playing live. Anyone who has played live knows that this is the case, and it’s one of the main reasons we’re seeing many online players making their way to live games while still playing online at home.