12 Dec
Poker has always been one of the most popular casino card games in the world. It can trace its history back centuries and it has commonly been seen as more strategic than many of the other options in any card hall or casino. Poker tables are usually the first many people head for when arriving in hotspots like Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
But the rise of the internet in the late 20th century revolutionized all forms of online betting and gambling – and poker was not left behind. Online sites quickly sprung up and now millions of players all around the world can pull up a virtual chair and play the game. Although there is nothing like playing against others in real life, online poker rooms are a close second and can be hugely rewarding.
There are many sites wholly devoted to poker but some of the biggest betting operators also provide casino options alongside their sports betting markets. So, if you are trying to decide what sportsbook is the best, you may want to take its poker credentials into consideration as well. Here are some of the things we think you should look out for when you are choosing the right online poker site to sign up with.
Welcome Offers
We thought we would get this one out of the way first. This factor has nothing to do with poker really, but it can make a huge difference to how you start your life on an online casino or poker site. There is such intense competition between operators now that you can usually claim a fairly attractive welcome bonus just for signing up.
You should pay close attention to the terms and conditions of any bonus, as you will usually need to do something for your free games or deposit match. But these welcome bonuses can mean that you play your first few hands without much risk of losing your stake. Search around for a bonus that suits your game and bankroll.
Poker Tutorials
You may not be a complete beginner to poker but even the best players can do with a little instruction every now and again. The online poker sites are there to make money from their customers but they also want them to have a good time – and sometimes that means that they are more than happy to give out a little advice.
It may be that the online site has a regularly updated blog that concentrates on poker articles to keep you in the loop. Or, it might just be a series of training articles or videos explaining the finer points of the game. This is definitely something to look out for, as these features can help explain how the site works as well.
Easy to Use
This should go without mentioning, but you might be surprised to learn how many people persevere with poorly designed sites. It might be because of the attractiveness of the welcome offers we have already mentioned, or maybe because people get stuck in their ways. But there is absolutely no reason why you should stick with a poor online poker site.
This may result in you signing up for a number of different poker sites. That is also not a problem. There is no law saying that you have to stay with one particular site. User experience is taken very seriously by online casino operators these days, so you should be able to find one that is very easy to use and suits your own, individual needs. This also extends to any app you may use to play poker. Only use apps that are straightforward and intuitive.
Wide Selection of Games
It is highly likely that once you start playing poker regularly, you will return to the same tables and play the same version of the game most of the time. We are all creatures of habit and when we are putting our chips on the table we are not usually going to risk it in a game that we are not as experienced in.
However, a good online poker site should always have a wide range of games to choose from. This shows that it is committed to meeting its users’ needs. A good game selection gives you the choice of playing the type of poker you really feel most comfortable with. It may even give you the chance to meet like-minded players – even in a virtual space.
Tables for Beginners
This is probably the most important piece of advice when it comes to choosing the right online poker site if you are a complete beginner. Even if you have dabbled in real-life games with friends and family, you will be entering a whole new world online and it is vital that you test yourself against players of a similar ability.
This is where it doesn’t pay to overstate your skill level. Be perfectly honest about how much you play and what you know about the game – there will be others at the same level. By playing against similarly skilled people – or maybe even a little bit better – you will improve your own game and move onto the more experienced tables in time.
Choose What is Right For You
Whatever online poker site you end up choosing, it should be right for you. Take the advice of others by all means – including this article, of course! – but make sure that you feel comfortable playing. Poker is supposed to be fun and you are the only one who can determine that.
Try to avoid the simulated games if you can and head to the live casino sections of the sites. This way you can find your level easily, learn the game as you go, and have the best poker experience possible.
