Online Poker

The question 'Is online poker safe', has been raised by many who want to play poker online. To really answer that, you need to know a bit more of the online poker industry. Historically, playing poker has always meant visiting the local casino or gambling house. With the rise in competition, and low profitability margins, 'brick and mortar' casinos no longer think poker games as profitable. Casino owners much prefer replacing poker rooms with slot machines - they earn more revenue that way. Online poker playing sites spotted this as an opportunity, and have embraced it. For those who longed to play poker online, sites like Planet Poker hosted online poker games as early as the early 1990's. Thousands of online poker players flock to sites like PokerStars and PartyGamong today so they can play online poker all day.

And, as is invariably the case, a virtual parallel industry has sprung up where you can learn how to play poker online. Not sure where to start, take a look at this site and see if it fits your needs http://www.pokernetwork.com/ Poker Visit only established poker sites, that have a reputation of safe online poker, if you are one of those looking to play poker online. Toronto-based PolerStars has established itself as an industry leader in online poker. With a market value of over $2 billion, PokerStars boasts one of the highest volume of traffic of patrons that flock there to play poker online. There are other less known online poker sites than PokerStars, that you will encounter 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. Not all online poker sites, like PokerStars,invest in fair-play technologies to thwart groups of players colluding to defraud unsuspecting visitors who go there to play online poker. Online poker sites with higher player traffic are best, since they are likely to host a broader range of games, and provide better chances for you to get in on a vacant table. Understand the rules around rake and other fees and charges before you join a game. Popular online poker sites such as PokerStars often offer great poker bonuses, be it for sign-up, deposit or reload.

When looking to play poker at an online poker site, evaluate the promotional offerings each site has. 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. Truthfully then, 'Can you safely play poker online' - and I'd have to respond - Yes. But you need to take all of the points mentioned above into consideration, if you want to have a truly legal, safe and pleasant experience with online poker.