Online Poker FAQ

Online Poker FAQ

Online poker has become incredibly popular over the past several years and it looks as if it will continue to do so. However, despite its worldwide popularity there are a lot of questions people have about online poker and would like to know the answers before they start betting their hard earned money online. Fortunately, there are answers to these questions. Just continue to read and you should find the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding online poker and gambling on the Internet.

FAQ #1 What is Online Poker?

First and foremost, individuals are unsure what online poker actually is. Basically, online poker is just like playing poker with your friends or at a casino and the cards are dealt automatically by the computer. This means no dealer mistakes! You must download software from a gambling site to play online poker and most of them have the appearance of a virtual room of gamblers playing poker. Each person’s screen name is denoted on their seat or at the table. So, it is as if you are playing with a group of friends, but on your computer screen. You can also place bets and pay in or receive payments through a variety of payment options available. 

FAQ#2 Is online poker safe?

People distrust the Internet and don’t like giving a website their banking information or other personal information due to the high increase in identity theft and other similar crimes. However, the majority of online poker sites are incredibly safe and use the same type of security software that online banks use. As a result, if you feel comfortable banking online, managing your stocks, or shopping on your favorite website, then playing poker online won’t prove any riskier and your information won’t be at risk. 

FAQ #3 How do you know if a site is legitimate?

There are many online poker sites out there and while many of them are legitimate and will pay out as they claim, there are always a few cheaters in the mix that simply want to take your money. So, like anything, take caution and pay attention to the site you are considering gambling with. Look for security measures, seals from Internet organizations, or Visa verified, things of that nature. Also, check out the years of operation, amount of players, and read the internet for a variety of reviews about the website. Any website that has been around for a while, is  a member of Internet organizations, and provides strong security measures is safe to play. Others that do not should be avoided.

FAQ #4 Is online gambling legal?

Online gambling is neither legal or illegal, so to speak. This also depends on where you live, but in general gambling online has no precedent in the United States that says it is illegal. However, there are no gambling websites registered in the United States either. So, gambling online is up to you and you should realize that technology is way ahead of legislation, but if you hear about any laws being worked out regarding the illegality of poker online you might consider clearing out your account instead of getting caught up in a bad situation. However, at the moment, millions of Americans play online every day and there are no laws as such at the moment that prove online gambling is illegal. 

FAQ #5 How do I receive my winnings?

A favorite question regarding online poker is how an individual collects their winnings. Typically, when signing up each player must choose payment options. This means ways to pay money in and a way to receive winnings. Many times it is through a bank account or an intermediary. Options like PayPal, American Express and the like do not work with online poker sites in case the sites turn out to be illegal and they are fined with aiding and abetting fines. Each website pays out at a different rate, so make sure you read about that before signing up with a particular gambling site. 

FAQ #6 What if something goes wrong?

Since you are playing online in real time you can expect that at some point something will go wrong. This might be with your computer, the server, the website, or any number of things. The best thing to do is immediately contact customer service and they will help you solve whatever problem to the best of their ability. 

FAQ #7 Is it easy to cheat?

Cheating at anything is possible if you are determined to do it, even online poker. However, for those individuals who choose to collude they are risking being found out. The reason for this is online gambling websites have high tech tracking software that keeps up with each player and every game they have ever played, as well as all the other players in the room. So, if you believe a player is guilty of collusion and you report them then an investigation will take place to figure it out. 

There are many questions that individuals want to know before they begin playing their first online hand of poker, however these are a few of the more popular ones. If you have any questions about online poker or gambling then make sure you know the answers before playing. A great resource is the gambling website you are interested in as all information will be laid out for your perusal and you can decide if the gambling website meets your standards or not. Regardless, once you have found a good online poker site simply enjoy playing the game you love at any time of the day or night.

Is Playing Poker Online Right For You?

Is Playing Poker Online Right For You?

Playing poker is a wonderful hobby and an engaging form of entertainment.  Although many times in the past you may have found that you wanted to play poker but were not close enough to a casino to just hop in your car and run on in to take a seat at the poker table.  This is where online poker gaming comes into the picture.  Online poker is an increasingly popular way of playing poker from within the confines and comfort of your own home.  As you are able to play many different types of poker games at casino establishments, online poker websites also make this type of variety with regard to poker games available to its poker players.  Playing poker online via an online poker website is different in a few ways from playing in a physical casino environment.  It is important to focus on those differences thereby enabling yourself to make the decision of whether or not playing poker card games online is the right option for you.

One way in which playing poker online and playing poker within a casino differs, relates to the betting limits which are imposed on the poker players.  When playing poker online by way of an online poker website, the online poker player may not be required to put up as much money for an ante as the poker player that is playing this type of card game within the casino limits.  This is one of the many advantages of playing poker in an online setting.  Many individuals just want to play poker for fun or to make a little spending cash perhaps and are wary of risking large amounts of money in the process.  The various online poker websites will allow the prospective online poker player to bet smaller amounts of money than the casinos will at times.  This is an attractive feature of the online poker websites.  If you are looking to spend small amounts of money, this might be the type of gaming situation for you.  If money is no object, then maybe you will prefer to go to a physical casino.  However, keep in mind that certain online poker websites will host higher betting limits.

Another way in which playing poker on an online poker website differs from the casino atmosphere is the lack of other players in your physical vicinity.  Casinos can make a person become a bit claustrophobic after awhile and if you are the type of individual that likes his or her own space, then online poker gambling on a poker gaming website might just be the answer.  When you are playing poker online you are playing against other individuals; however, the upside to this is that you are not crowded in a small, stuffy area with those other players breathing down your neck, trying to get you to hurry up and make a move.  Not only can this type of player behavior on the part of your peers be obnoxious but it can also make you decide to play in a way which you would not have done had you been given the time and space to think the move through.  This is a definite plus to playing poker online as opposed to in a casino.  If you are keen on the idea as well, then again, maybe online poker playing is your cup of tea.

A third way in which an online poker website may be right for you is if you enjoy excitement and would like to play more than one game at one time.  By playing the poker game in an online setting, you are able to play more than one game at one time.  This is not possible in a physical casino setting since the only way an individual could be playing at more than one table at one time would be if that person had really long arms, which is highly unlikely.  Therefore, by utilizing online poker websites you are able to play two or three games at once.  The choice is up to you.  If you have the concentration skills to pull this off, then this would be another attractive detail that might pull you into playing in an online poker game setting.

A final way in which playing poker games via an online poker website might be right for you is if you want the convenience of not having to leave your home in order to enjoy some gaming entertainment.  Online poker websites are extremely convenient for a number of reasons.  First of all, you do not have to drive anywhere in order to play poker.  You simply log on to the internet via your internet provider, connect with a specific online poker website and get down to business.  A second reason why online poker websites are extremely convenient is that they allow you to jump right into a game without ever having to wait for a seat to open up.  Lastly, online poker websites are extremely convenient options for the avid poker player in that they enable you to pay money and collect money via a few quick touches of the keypad.  Payment systems companies that act as a go between from online poker player to online poker website enable money to be transmitted quickly and efficiently from online poker player to online poker website thereby ensuring that either or both individual(s) are paid in a swift manner. 

Online poker websites are a wonderful alternative to the casino businesses of the past.  Not to say that casinos are out of date, this is just to provide an alternative to poker players that may be interested in checking out this different type of gaming avenue.  If any of the aforementioned items seem of great interest to you, then maybe online poker playing is something that you should take a look at.  It never hurts to give it a try.  It may just be something that you are happy to have discovered and will change your impression of gambling forever.

Why Online Poker is a Lot of Fun

Why Online Poker is a Lot of Fun

Playing poker is fun and many individuals really enjoy gambling, however frequently it is difficult for the gambler to engage in his favored activity simply because many states do not have casinos or gambling is illegal altogether. This means individuals must play poker behind the scenes so to speak in their homes with friends or else take a trip to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or another city where gambling is legal. However, online poker has changed all of that and now that any individual with an Internet connection and a desire to play poker can at any time of day or night, online poker websites are seeing a tremendous amount of growth and competition. The following points explain why online poker has so many benefits and why it is becoming so popular.

Online Poker Benefit #1 Home Sweet Home

When you play poker online you can do so from the comfort of your home. That means if you want to play in your favorite chair or while relaxing in bed you can do so. Or, if you have wireless internet you can play wherever you want. This is a huge benefit because you don’t have to leave your home or worry about playing in a crowded casino, getting dressed up, and having to deal with a lot of people. Plus, gambling is illegal in many states, so those who live in states where there are no casinos really have no other option other than gambling from their home computer.

Online Poker Benefit #2 Long Lines

If you have ever visited a casino before you understand that lines can frequently be long and there are not always seats at the gambling table. As a result, you must wait or play a game you are not overly interested in simply because it is the only one available. This is not the case with online gambling because you simply enter the online casino and then are placed at a table, immediately! Avoid long lines and wasting time at a real casino and choose to play online. 

Online Poker Benefit #3 Access

The majority of states do not have gambling casinos, so those interested in gambling in a casino must either travel long distances to play the game they enjoy or else hop online and play at any time. Obviously, the second option is not only more feasible and affordable, it is more logical as well. So, with online gambling websites individuals have access to the games they love from the comfort of their computer. 

Online Poker Benefit #4 Online, All the Time!

Poker gambling websites are open 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, something casinos can’t compete with. So, no matter if you want to play a couple hands of cards each night before you go to bed, or want to play all night every night, you can simply log into your favorite online casino and enjoy playing your favorite game on your schedule. 

Online Poker Benefit #5 Discounts and Matches

Would you ever expect to walk into a casino and the casino match the amount of money you brought to gamble with? This is a dream of most players, but a dream come true for online gamblers. Most online gambling websites offer a variety of benefits, discounts, and deposit matches to individuals signing up with their site. Of course, you must do the research and find out what is best, but you will have more money to gamble with when you gamble online. 

Online Poker Benefit #6 Multiple Tables

Have you ever been in a casino and wished you could play more than one table at once? Well, with online gambling this is a reality. You have a higher percentage chance of winning when you play two hands, which means more money, so give it a try. You will probably like it!

Online Poker Benefit # 7  More Games

Almost always, online poker websites have more games than a typical casino has as well. As a result, when you go online to play poker you will have so many different types of games to choose from you will likely be surprised. Play the ones you are familiar with, test out the ones you are not, and figure out what your favorite gamble really is!

Online Poker Benefit #8 No Dealers

There are no dealers in online gambling websites. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about dealer mistakes occurring not to mention tipping them. When there is no dealer the game goes faster, smoother, and better for you.

Online Poker Benefit #9 No Pressure

When you are playing poker in a real casino there are a lot of pressures, especially from the rest of the people around the table. When you play online, you don’t have to worry if you don’t know what is going on, if you want to talk, or if someone is looking at you, because you are in the comfort of your own home!

Online Poker Benefit #10 No Traveling

A fabulous benefit of gambling online is that there is no traveling involved. You don’t have to fill your tank up with gas, buy expensive drinks, or spend time traveling to and from the casino. With online gambling you choose where you gamble from, which makes you more in control. 

There are many other benefits to gambling online as well and these are just a few of them. However, if you like to gamble and it is illegal in your state or you simply don’t feel like dealing with a casino in person then try gambling online. You will like it, it is guaranteed.

What are Betting Exchanges?

WHAT ARE BETTING EXCHANGES? - AN EXPLANATION AND BASIC TACTICS.

Betting exchanges online were only introduced a few years ago,by British firm Betfair,and have grown so rapidly,that they now,not the bookmakers,set the prices for most sporting events.The bookmakers have to consult and respond to what is happening on the exchanges.Even if you have never had a bet on the exchanges,you should be very happy about their existance.A visible example is the prices on offer in British horseracing,whereas at one time it was most unusual to see an outsider at odds of more than 33/1,but now many runners are of ten returned with starting prices of 66/1+,this is entirely due to the exchanges.Not so obvious is the day to day tightening of percentages on all betting events which benefit all punters.Despite this you can still get far better odds on the exchanges,typically 20% better according to the exchanges themselves.

Betfair is the dominant betting exchange,with Betdaq a good alternative.There is very little competition - is this a bad thing ?.Absolutely not.If you think about it,the best exchange is going to be the one with the most punters,both bettors and layers.The exchanges.don't actually do anything !.They just open the doors,maintain the site,but it is up to the people who enter and participate who create everything themselves.

HOW DO YOU BET?.You can back anything on the exchanges,you can lay anything on the exchanges,and you can back and lay the same selection.In fact this is the best approach,if you can back a horse(we will use horseracing in most examples,but could be any sport)at,lets say 12.00(11/1)and then lay a horse at,lets say 9.00(8/1),you are now in the happy position of not being able to lose.Lets say you bet in $10 units(you can have much smaller,or larger bets if you so wish),so if the horse wins,you will win $110,but of course you have to pay the person who bet the horse at 9.00 with you.In this example you win $110 and pay $80,meaning a profit of $30.If the horse loses it has cost you nothing,you bet $10,you layed $10,and in effect you have had a free bet !.Don't worry about trying to keep track of your bets,the screen will automatically show you what your liabilities are for each horse - green for profit,red for loss.Also bear in mind that the exchanges have to make money somewhere,and they charge commission on winning bets,nothing on losing bets.The commission is usually 5%,but this figure falls as you accumulate loyalty points.For presentation purposes decimals are used for prices,this allows the minutest of price changes to be catered for,but it is awkward at first for punters who are used to fractional odds,but you soon get used to adding stake into prices displayed.Some examples - 10.00 = 9/1, 14.00=13/1, 4.5=7/2, 2.1=11/10 etc.

THINGS CAN GO WRONG.Sometimes you are going to take a price,with the view to laying at lower price,only to be dismayed to see the price drift alarmingly.What to do now?.Well don't panic,not yet anyway!.You have got three choices.Firstly i assume you fancied the selection,so maybe just let it run,after all just because it drifts,it does not mean it can't win.Secondly you may want to lay it at a bigger price than you backed it.In other words,hope it gets beat and you finish level.If it does win you will have to pay the difference between the price you backed,and the price you laid.This is the worst option - it is infuriating to pay out money on a selection you fancied originally.Thirdly,you can also back horses(again i refer to horseracing,but applies to any sporting event)in running,during the race.This i feel is the best option.But what price do you offer ?.You can dive in and out of the race offering different prices as the event unfolds,or you can offer high price or low price and leave it.Well should it be high or low?.It depends!.If you offer a high price(by high i don't mean higher than you backed it)you are more liable to get a buyer,as most horses,or teams,at some time get into contention sometime during an event.So by laying high you could get out of trouble and finish level.However finishing level is not too exciting,so offer low price in running.If you take this option you can turn a bad position into a decent win,even if your selection loses - just so long as the selection flatters sometime during the event.For example you back horse,$10 at 9.00,and it drifts - wait for the off and offer at about 3.75 for $20.It doesnt have to win,just be a challenger at some time and hopefully someone will take it on.If it wins,you win $80 and pay $55 = $25 profit.If it loses,you lose $10,and collect $20 = $10 profit.If the selection never shows,well no one is going to take up your bet,and you have done your money this time,but at least you went down fighting.

Bets that have already lost,but still available.Sometimes the odds available may look unbelievably good,if that is the case there is probably a good reason.Maybe somebody in the know has access to information that you don't.It can be anything - change in going,team struck down with flu virus,injury that may mean player may not even participate,a non trier,and on the very rare occassion corruption.So if a fancied selection drifts alarmingly,beware,there may be a reason for it.

Digital television is delayed - often you will see say 1000(999/1) appear suddenly on the screen,this is because a horse has just fallen,or team scored etc.If you are watching on digital tv you will not be aware of this fact for maybe 2 seconds.Not long ,but still time enough for transactions to take place.

Arbitrage between exchanges - forget it.This is when you can back on one exchange and lay on another.I have no doubt that if you work at it you can make a small profit,but it will be small.The exchanges always converge pretty quickly,and the gaps will always be tiny.The only way to get "value"perhaps is to note a tightening of price on the exchanges,and back selection with a bookmaker - if the price stays solid or reduces further,the bookmakers odds will almost certainly have to constrict.These tactics are exactly opposite to what used to happen just a few years ago,when you would back on the exchanges knowing that their prices would have to converge with the bookmakers prices.This is no longer the case,the exchanges,that is the punters themselves now set the prices.

You haven't the time to sit at computer all day ?.To get full value out of exchanges,you really need to be at that blasted computer screen for an unhealthy amount of time,but as we all know it can be very tiring,and a bit boring.However you can still play the exchanges.Remember you set your own prices,and if nobody wants to play with you,the bets just expire,with no cost to you at all,no matter how many bets you leave on the exchange.So,if you are horse player,or sports bettor - get in early - as soon as the markets open.You can then leave your bets open,say overnight for horseracing,and maybe several days for other sporting events.Your tactics should be to leave MANY MANY bets - all at,what appears even to yourself ridiculously optimistic prices.Believe me,you will be amazed at some of the bets you leave that are taken on - remember you may leave 30 or 40 bets for lets say,tomorrows racing,and if 3 or 4 are layed you are already in the driving seat.You can either let them run at fabulous odds(recommended!)or you can lay bet to other punters now,either with a view to covering your bet or making definate profit now.You can of course use the same tacics for laying bets.

The bigger the odds the more value you get.It can be hard to grasp,but you get better value the bigger the odds.The movement on the favourites is minute - there are legions of buyers ready to pounce as soon as it moves.The bigger the odds there are of course fewer buyers,this can lead to volatility on a grand scale.Volatilty is what the shrewd punter likes most of all.It is not unusual to get odds of approaching 200/1 for a horse that may be showing just 33/1 in the morning racing press and starting price.This happens because bookmakers do not parcitipate in this end of the market,they are watching,and backing the fancied horses which are the ones that will inflict the damage to them.Also the big hitters usually back the fancied horses to big stakes and lay the outsiders to small stakes.So both bookmakers and big players concentrate on the fancied horses,this leaves room for you to operate successfully.Most races are won by fancied horses,but you only have to win very rarely at these odds to show a very healthy profit.Also remember once you have this huge price,you can lay your selection in running and still make a profit whatever the result.

These are just basic tactics to be employed on the exchanges,and you will develop your own tactics as you get comfortable with the systems.However make no mistake the exchanges are the best thing to happen to regular punters - ever .

Top 10 Online Poker Websites

Top 10 Online Poker Websites

When it comes to playing poker online you are probably amazed at how many online poker websites really exist and don’t know which one is the best one for you to play regarding payout, bonuses, game selection, and the like. However, don’t worry because I am going to provide you with some of the most popular online poker websites. Then, you can check them out and see which ones you like the best. Of course, there are new poker websites every day so staying on top of the new sites is always a good idea as well. Consider the top 10 current websites and some of their benefits.

#1 Poker Site- Party Poker

PartyPoker.com has been online since 2001 and is considered the world’s largest poker room. It has more than 70,000 players online at any time so finding someone to play poker with certainly is not a problem. In addition, this website is licensed and regulated, so you should feel comfortable and trust this website. All transactions are secure and safe for you and your personal information. In addition, payouts are fast and there are many different games and limits you can choose from. Basically, you will be able to find a game that fits your budget and playing preferences. You don’t need a credit card to play on this site and money is paid out in a variety of different methods from moneybookers.com to e-checks, wire transfers, and many more options.

#2 Poker Site-Pacific Poker

Pacificpoker.com and 888.com are the same poker room website. This site is also regulated and licensed, which makes players feel more secure when they play on the site. Additionally, payouts are fast and it is safe to make a deposit and when you are ready to cash out that is easy as well. Pacificpoker.com offers live support 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so if you ever have a problem there will be someone available to help you immediately. Getting started is easy and fast and all you have to do is download the software, follow the instructions, and before you know it you will be playing poker online!

#3 Poker Site-Ultimate Bet

Ultimatebet.com has been online since 2000 and has had many card hands dealt in the last five years. The design and software of Ultimatebet.com were designed in part by some of pokers hottest professionals, so not only do you play poker, but you play in a way that the professionals believe is most conducive to a great hand of cards. The website is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Also, safety measures are strong so you should feel confident regarding your personal information when playing on this website. There are a great variety of games and bonuses for when you refer a friend.

#4 Poker Site-Inter Poker

Security is one of the biggest concerns at interpoker.com, so your financial and personal information are kept as safe and secure as possible. The website boasts that it is stable financially and makes payouts secure and efficiently. Also, support is available 24/7 so getting in touch with customer support should be no problem at all. This site is proud of its efforts in protecting its players, so consider this site if you want to play poker online. 

#5 Poker Site-PokerRoom

PokerRoom.com claims to have a safe and secure payout system that is super fast. In addition, there are lots of different games and limits to choose from, not to mention the variety of tournaments. You can play for free among friends, or else you can bet and win big bucks, depending on your style. Also, no download is required so you can start playing fast!

#6 Poker Site-Gaming Club Poker

The Gaming Club Poker offers a different type of online poker game than many of the other poker sites. With Gaming Club Poker you play against players in other card rooms on the Internet rather than with the dealer. In this case you never play against house players, but rather other real players in the network. Not only are the games state of the art, but the technology is improving each day as well. 

#7 Poker Site-Bodog Poker

This website offers more than just poker, but sports betting and online casino gambling as well. Payouts are fast so you never have to wait too long for your winnings and transactions are as secure as possible. The website describes their customer service as “fantastic” so if you ever need help it should not be too hard to get. The software download is free and once on your computer you simply log in to play whenever you like!

#8 Poker Site-Poker Stars

Pokerstars.com is a registered and legal business and abides by all laws of the country where it is located. Processing of payments is fast and secure and you will enjoy the free download of their software. There are a variety of low and high limits, so no matter what your budget or gambling style you will have fun at Poker Stars. Additionally, there are tournaments and plenty of different games to choose from.

#9 Poker Site-Royal Vegas Poker

Royal Vegas Poker is part of the Kahnawake gaming Commission and prides itself on high security and fast payouts. In addition, this online poker website offers 24/7 support, which is important if you are gambling for money. When you download the software and signup you will receive free money and a deposit bonus.

#10 Poker Site-Titan Poker

With Titan Poker you can download the software while simply browsing their website. Additionally, the site is secure and safe for processing your information not to mention it is licensed and regulated. There are a lot of different games available at all limits and payouts are fast. Fortunately, a credit card is not required to play poker on this site either. Enjoy playing for money or just for fun on Titanpoker.com.

Check out one or all of these online poker websites and see which one is your favorite. However, keep in mind there are thousands of poker websites to choose from so always make sure you do a little research and know the site is legitimate and registered before you begin playing poker online.