The popularity of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been attributed to online gaming. Many home gamers and poker puritans will probably disagree, but history will tell us that the unprecedented spike of the card game’s popularity through the 21st century is largely due to its introduction online.

Of course, some may argue that the invention of the hole-card camera has given poker an elite status as it has turned the game in to a spectator sport. This innovation has allowed millions of poker aficionados worldwide to follow the action and drama of it all, giving birth to a more exciting broadcast of the World Series of Poker as well as the World Poker Tour. Poker pros have become instant celebrities, as a result of cable and satellite TV.

Due to the increasing fame of poker, an increasing number of people are getting into the hype, which isn’t going to fade over the following decade. Home games have become increasingly more popular and poker tournaments abound. And to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. Quite simply, virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can play poker to their hearts desire.

As a testament to the success of online poker, major tournaments have practically increased player base with the introduction of online satellite-qualifier games, with the winner earning a seat into a major tourney. Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer, winners of the 2003 and 2004 WSOP tournaments respectively, won their seats online through satellites.

This brings us again to the good debate now brewing within the poker community: online poker vs. offline poker?

The debate need not be as contentious as it may sound, as each of the gaming arena offers something advantageous over another without really putting one down.

Online poker is played the same way as offline poker. The rules are the same for every sort of poker game like Texas Hold’em, Stud, or Draw poker. Some will state that offline poker is more exciting, as the opponents meet eye to eye. It is here in which you are able to see the additional player’s “tells,” if his hands tremble when he has a big hand or if his nose twitches if he bluffs. You can stare down an opponent in offline poker, and look very good doing it like just what the pros do.

They are the things you can’t do online. You do not see the additional players. You do not get to observe their “tells.” All you may do is watch how they bet and find out in the event you can predict their betting patterns.

In contrast, online poker has its advantages. Not everyone owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker web sites will provide that for you, all you may need to do is download the platform. You should not have to waste time and energy organizing a home game, as you will discover players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You can play with a German player or anyone who has an internet connection anywhere on this planet. You may play with real money or just have fun playing without it. What is more, most poker sites will give you free money to play with without even asking for a deposit, that means you can actually bankroll your poker profession without spending just one penny online.

And the odds are the same. The guidelines are exactly the same. And also the players are exactly the same. Online poker has just made it easier that you can take pleasure in the best gambling card game on the planet.