Poker is a game that has been played for centuries across the world, and it’s one that continues to keep people coming back for more.
However, although it’s a game that was traditionally played around the table, in physical form, over the past few years, more people have taken to digital methods to go all-in with their favorite pastime. With the temporary closure of physical casinos brought on by the pandemic, record numbers of people headed online to participate in tournaments.
Now, some 18 months later with restrictions eased, many of those players have elected to continue playing from home. It’s a point highlighted by online gaming establishments based in Pennsylvania making over $1 billion in revenue between October 2020 and October 2021 purely from online players.
If you’ve ever considered taking to the digital table yourself but were afraid to do so, we’re here to offer you a few handy hints and tips to give you all the information you need before deciding to show your hand.
Is poker available online in my area?
While there are several places to play online, not all the states across the US allow online poker play. Legislation is constantly changing; Kentucky, Connecticut, and Illinois are all looking at introducing play online soon. However, at the moment, only Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are the places where digital poker play is permitted.
There is help available
Taking to the online game for the first time can be daunting, so being safe in the knowledge that help is at hand just one browser window away is more than reassuring. If you’re not sure how your hand shapes up or what the probabilities are of you winning based on what you have, then there are a host of options to help calculate poker odds and perform other tasks that you cannot do in a physical casino setting. These facilities are there for your benefit, so you’ll certainly be better placed taking advantage of them before choosing which site to visit.
How to choose a site
The best online poker sites will openly display their relevant gaming licenses for you to see with ease. These sites are held to the highest of standards and are strictly regulated, so you can be assured your money is safe if you decide to place a deposit into your digital wallet. Secondly, another advantage is that most regulated sites will have welcome bonuses; you might find one that offers some free cash to ease you into play at no cost. Finally, find the games you like to play, whether it’s the complete digital experience or those that utilize the latest hybrid technologies, bringing live images of dealers streamed on your screen as part of the experience, but don’t be swayed by friends to decide for you. Remember, It’s your money, not theirs!
Get used to the UI
After learning a little more about the game and finding your place to play, it pays to take a little time to understand where things are in your new digital environment. If you have managed to find one of those sites that offer free play, as mentioned above, or even have a free play tournament amongst their options, these are great ways of learning your way around your new surroundings without risking any money.
Consider your feelings
Not having control of your emotions can be an instant game destroyer; we can all do things when we’re tired or angry, and doing so at the poker table online can come at a considerable cost. Having a clear mind is conducive to better decision-making, and you’ll find that you’re more open to gaining more in-depth knowledge of the game to help your game.
Conclusion
Poker is a fun game that rewards the players who prepare for what’s to come. The advent of online poker has made the game more accessible for people to play, thus making it a fantastic experience for all those who take to the table.
