When it comes to the eternal online vs real life poker debate, the world is always going to be divided. However, if you really think about it, wouldn’t you rather be able to play poker at any time that’s convenient to you, without needing to dress up or travel to a stuffy casino someplace else? We’ve seen how remote jobs have improved quality of life overall, why wouldn’t the same concept apply to poker?

This is not to say that live poker games are dead – far from it. But there’s something quite enjoyable in the idea of staying home and playing your favourite casino game in your PJs. Plus, you also get free poker no deposit bonuses – something which isn’t possible when playing the game at a brick-and-mortar resort.

Is Online Poker Really Better?

Whenever you’re sitting at a poker table, the strategies and rules remain the same irrespective of the game variation whether you’re playing online or in person. Above all that, here’s what the online poker world has to offer.

1. Convenience – online poker is incredibly accessible, allowing you to enter hundreds of poker rooms on a 24/7 basis within minutes. 
2. Multi-tabling – when playing online there’s the chance of joining more than one table at the same time, allowing you to make the most out of your allocated game time. 
3. Speed – online poker tends to move at a much faster pace than real life poker. Just to put things into perspective, a regular casino offers around 25 to 35 poker hands per hour on average, compared to the 100 hands when playing online. 
4. Variety – with thousands of high and low stakes games, along with variations and blind levels, there’s the right game for any type of poker player. 
5. Zero hassle – the fact that there’s no need to travel to get to a casino and play poker adds to the convenience of the game. Plus, there’s no waiting for tables or cash exchanges going on here either. 

That being said, there are a number of elements that have drawn players to live poker tables for decades, and this also comes with its own unique set of offerings. These include: 

1. The social aspect – the largest part of live poker’s allure is the social aspect. By placing yourself physically in a public space, you’re able to observe your opponents, interact with staff and dealers, and sometimes you’ll also get a couple of spectators to follow your journey. Live poker games, especially tournaments, are also an excellent source for networking, but may prove extremely tiresome for more introvert players. 
2. Reads – being physically located in the same room as your opponents allows you the advantage of being able to observe their body language and observe the little poker tells you might be looking for before placing your next bet. 
3. Slow paced – while speed might be a priority to some, other players might enjoy that there’s the time to sit and think while reading their opponents, potentially allowing them to gain a competitive edge. 
4. Flexible bets – live poker is slightly more flexible when it comes to bet sizes, with larger bets generally equating to larger win potential. 

Reasons Why Players Prefer Online Poker

When it comes to deciding between the two, there are a number of differences when it comes to comparing live to online poker. Here are some of the reasons players tend to prefer online poker overall. 

1. It’s More Competitive

If you’ve played high-stakes poker before, then you’ve already experienced the fierceness that comes with online poker. Online poker players are serious enthusiasts who have already mastered all the strategies and are committing close to no errors. Playing against them brings a surge of energy that’s hard to describe, but unless you’re up for the huge hype that online poker brings about you might be better off sticking to live games. 

2. Any Time Can Be Poker Time

Whether you’re still in bed or lounging by the pool, there’s absolutely no reason to get up and put a shirt on before taking a seat at your favorite online poker table. Eliminating all the physical requirements, including the commute, allows you to focus on your strategic gameplay – potentially also leading you to some pretty serious cash wins. 

3. There Are Many Online Resources

When it comes to online poker, the community is close-knit and looks out for one another. A little research will go a long way, with several players eager to share tips and tricks along with helpful suggestions you might find useful along the way. Rather than having to rely on a friend or relative to teach you the game, there are a number of online resources that are able to assist your online poker journey every step of the way

Last Words

In today’s article we spoke about how playing poker can be particularly different if you’re playing a live game or trying your luck online. Whether you opt for either version is of course an entirely personal decision, however it’s also important to understand the differences in order to make more informed choices. 

If you’re the sort of player that’s easily distracted, then live poker might not be the best option for you, for example. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun so pick the poker game you think might be right for you and let the casino gods lead from then on.