Without a doubt, online pokers` popularity has exploded within the last few years; so much therefore, the Federal government has placed limits on the ability of US players to move money back and forth from the poker sites. These restraints pose a real problem for poker players, and many player associations are trying to fight these restrictions. The future of online poker laws is uncertain at this time. A full discussion of the legalities of online poker is beyond the scope of this article, but I encourage all poker players to do their research prior to deciding to jump into online play.































The best thing about playing poker online will be the capability to play from the comfort of your own home any time you wish. Sites for example Poker Stars, Full-Tilt, Ultimate Bet, etc. will literally have tens of thousands of eager players online twenty four hours a day, 7 days per week. Any time you are ready to play, you will have no problem finding an available game.































Online play allows the player to play a wide range of games. If you would want to take a break from Texas Hold`em as well as have the urge to play Omaha, Stud, Razz, Horse, or virtually any other game you may think of, the internet sites will accommodate you.































Another benefit to playing safe online poker casino is that you can play any stakes you are at ease with. If you are conservative, or simply venturing out, you can play for as low as a couple of pennies a hand. If you are trying to find an adrenaline rush, you can play for around several thousands of dollars. The sites will offer a wide variety stakes in between these two extremes as well.































Lastly, since the online sites keep the games moving quickly, you may boost your game by playing a high amount of hands in a relatively short time period. More experienced players may play multiple games at the exact same time. These players are seeing an extraordinary number of hands each hour.































Because of this discussion, I will consider full service casinos (which you are likely to encounter in Las Vegas or Atlantic City) and local Poker Rooms (commonly found at Kennel Clubs, Horse Racetracks, or other Pari-Mutual facilities) to be one in the same. The size and degree of sophistication could possibly be greater at a full service casino, but Poker Rooms have come far recently as well as can offer similar services to a poker player. Each facility provides the tables, chips, dealers, and pit bosses to deal with play, and each provides a comfortable atmosphere for the players to enjoy. In exchange for providing these services, the `house` will rake the pots or charge you a per hour fee to play (more on this later).































Casinos/Poker Rooms typically do a great job at offering the player a comfortable environment to play. As increasingly more card rooms spring up, they realize they must compete for your business; as a result, you are prone to be treated well since the casino would like you to become a regular player at their facility.































A player can be relatively confident the games will be run by professionals. The whole staff from the dealers to drink servers know their jobs (and their tips) rely upon providing the players with excellent service.































Casinos and card rooms are typically conveniently located in a community, and they are open 12 or maybe more hours a day seven days every week. On short notice, a player can head off to the casino and expect to find an abundance of action. Texas Hold`em is king at casinos, but other games are offered when enough players are available to fill a table.