If you’ve been playing poker online, you probably already know that there are numerous benefits to playing your favorite game. You can play more tables, log more hands, and access more tools to improve your game. But there are some disadvantages, too. One of the biggest advantages to online poker is the fact that it’s faster. And when you’re rushing to make a quick trip to the casino, that can be a big plus. Online poker players also tend to be more experienced than live counterparts. However, online games are more volatile, meaning that bad beats are more likely to occur. This can cause bigger short-term losses.
Playing in a live game takes a lot of time, so you don’t have the luxury of going from table to table. Plus, in a brick and mortar casino, you can’t increase your limit unless you’re able to get to a cashier’s desk. The result is that you’ll typically see 25 to 30 hands per hour. When you’re playing online, however, you can deal more than 60 hands an hour. With that kind of a faster pace, you’ll have more opportunities to meet better opponents. That’s an advantage, especially when you’re a beginner.
In addition to faster gameplay, an online player can log more hands in a shorter amount of time. For example, a live player might play 10 hands in five minutes. On an online poker table, you can play 10 hands in just five minutes. While a live player might only get to deal a few hundred hands an hour, an online player can play more than ten thousand hands an hour. This means that you’re able to learn more about your opponents by logging more hands.
Another benefit to online poker is that you can play in more places. Most of the top-notch tournaments are played on No Limit Texas Hold’em (NLHE). Live players, by comparison, only get to see 25 to 30 hands an hour. So, by contrast, when you’re a beginner playing on an online poker site, you’re playing with more players.
Another reason to consider playing on an online poker site is that you’ll be able to play at lower limits than you’ll find in a traditional casino. Many brick and mortar casinos have a minimum limit of just $1 to $2. These are considered to be low-risk investments, and can be a good source of revenue.
Moreover, many poker sites are converting funds from your account to another currency at a much cheaper rate than your bank would. A reputable online poker site won’t risk its reputation, money, or legal status by requiring you to convert your funds.
It’s important to remember that online poker isn’t illegal in the U.S. Several states have legalized the activity, including West Virginia and Connecticut. Other states are considering legislation to allow it.
Currently, there are only a few sites that accept US players. Those that do are Borgata and BetMGM, which are companion sites to MGM Resorts International. Ignition Poker is also an excellent option for players in the US. This website offers a variety of casino games, daily tournaments, and sit-and-go tournaments, as well as turbos and a $1,000,000 Guaranteed tournament every Sunday at 4 PM ET.