The popularity of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been associated with 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.

Simply, some may argue that the invention of the hole-card camera has given poker an elite status as it has turned the game into 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 in to the hype, which is not going to fade within the next decade. Home games have become more and more popular and poker tournaments abound. As well as to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. In essence, 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 in to 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 great 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 guidelines are exactly the same for every sort of poker game like Texas Hold’em, Stud, or Draw poker. Some will say that offline poker is more exciting, as the opponents meet eye to eye. It’s here the place you are able to see the other 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 precisely what the pros do.

Those are the things you cannot do online. You don’t see the other players. You don’t get to observe their “tells.” All you can do is watch how they bet and see if you’re able to predict their betting patterns.

On the flip side, online poker has its advantages. Not everyone owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker sites will provide that for you, all you’ll need to do is download the platform. You don’t have to waste effort and time organizing a home game, as there are players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You can play with a German player or anybody who has an internet connection anywhere on the planet. You can play with real money or just have fun playing online gambling agency 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 may actually bankroll your poker career without spending an individual penny online.

And also the odds are the same. The guidelines are the same. As well as the players are the same. Online poker has just made it easier that you can benefit from the best card game on this planet.