Playing Poker: Is Casino Poker for You?

Of all casino gambling games, none changes so much when it is translated into the Internet as poker. There is such a big difference that you might as well be playing a wholly different card game.

For one thing, you cannot see your opponents in online poker. In casino poker, you can and the ability to read your opponents' "poker tells" is one of the vital keys to winning. In online poker, you don't have that.

But online poker has its advantages over casino poker as well. So which one is for you? Let's see what their differences are. If you have been playing online poker for a while and would like to try casino poker, here's what you need to know.

Casino Poker Has Higher Table Limits Than Online Poker

Because of higher overhead costs, casinos cannot afford to set their table limits too low. You cannot find $.25/$.50 tables all over the poker rooms, you know.

Casino Poker Plays Slower Than Online Poker

In casino poker, a dealer manually shuffles and then hands out the cards to each player. That slows down play significantly. Online poker is shockingly fast for those who are used to the former. If you are impatient though, you will like online poker better. The benefit of slow playing is that less money is wagered per hour. But you also win less.

Casino Poker Has More Tells Than Online Poker

You see everything about your opponents: their dress, mannerisms, glances, etc. These poker tells reveal a wealth of information to the experienced player. You will not find these in online poker.

Casino Poker Has Fewer Free Tables Than Online Poker

In casino poker, you often have to wait for a free seat in order to play. But in online poker, there are literally thousands of poker rooms available at your fingertips. You need never wait in line to play.

Casino Poker Does Not Have the Tools in Online Poker

You do not have access to automatic tracking software or odds calculators like you do in online poker. You can't make notes or see a history of past hands, or a player's percentage of folds. On the upside, casino poker gives you more psychological clues for analysis.

Our Advice

If you ask us, we say you should try both casino poker and online poker before deciding on which is right for you. Even if you are quite happy with online poker, you should play the live version from time to time. Casino poker is still "real poker" for many, and it is what the pros play in the big tournaments.