The Rise of Online Poker

Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games, and televised tournaments have helped bring it into the mainstream. Almost anyone can play the game, but becoming a successful player takes practice and experience. Online poker is a great way to get this experience. There are many sites that offer free or paid poker games, as well as helpful learning and educational resources. There are even courses available to help you become a better poker player.

Despite the fact that live poker is still the preferred choice for many players, online poker has made a significant impact on the industry. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which drove recreational and professional players from casinos and other live gaming venues. Several operators reported traffic double or more during the period of the pandemic.

Another factor that has contributed to the growth of online poker is the increased popularity of mobile devices. Unlike desktop computers, mobile devices are designed to handle multiple functions and apps at once. This allows poker players to play on the go while continuing to do other activities. It has also allowed poker sites to expand their offerings by offering mobile-friendly poker rooms and applications.

When I first started playing poker in 2004, the landscape was a lot different. There were a few poker forums worth visiting, a few pieces of software to use, and a limited number of books that deserved a read. Today, it’s a completely different story. There are an infinite number of poker forums, Discord channels, and FB groups to join, as well as countless poker programs to train and learn from. And, of course, there’s a seemingly infinite number of poker books being written every day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in more people trying their luck at online poker. While most of the new players are beginners, it has also attracted a fair share of casual players who have never played poker before. This has led to a large increase in the overall volume of traffic at most major online poker sites.

While the overall increase in traffic has been a good thing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, the higher variance of online poker can lead to bigger gains and losses in the short term compared to live poker. The higher variance is mostly because players log more hands in a week when they play online than they would in live poker, which artificially increases their short-term results.

One of the more significant differences between online and live poker is the ability to multi-table. This allows players to play hundreds of hands an hour, which is a lot more than they could in live poker. While this is a good thing, it can also be an issue for beginners who have trouble keeping track of all the different action at each table. It can be helpful to use tracking software when playing online poker, which will give you a good idea of how well you’re doing and where you need to improve.