The recognition of poker as the card game of choice has oftentimes been because of 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 during the 21st century is largely because of its introduction online.

Keep in mind, some may argue that the invention of the hole-card camera has given poker an elite status as it has turned the game in to a spectator sport. This innovation has allowed millions of poker aficionados worldwide to follow the action and drama of everything, giving birth to a more exciting broadcast of the World Series of Poker and also the World Poker Tour. Poker pros have become instant celebrities, thanks to cable and satellite TV.

Because of the increasing fame of poker, increasingly more people are getting in to the hype, which isn’t going to fade over the following decade. Home games have become more and more popular and poker tournaments abound. And to add fuel to this worldwide phenomenon, poker has been made available online. Fundamentally, virtually anyone with a computer and an Internet access 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 rules are exactly the same for every kind of poker game like Texas Hold’em, Stud, or Draw poker. Some will say that offline poker might be more exciting, as the opponents meet eye to eye. It is here where you can 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 great doing it like what the pros do.

Those are the things you can’t do online. You don’t see the additional players. You don’t get to observe their “tells.” All you can do is watch how they bet and find out in the event you can predict their betting patterns.

On the other hand, fantastic online poker gambling agent poker has its advantages. Not everyone owns a poker table and an otherwise expensive chip set. The poker websites will provide that for you, all you may need to do is download the platform. You should not have to waste time and effort organizing a home game, as you will discover players online ready to take you on practically anytime of the day. You can play with a German player or anyone who has an internet connection anywhere on the planet. You may play with real money or just have fun playing without it. What’s more, most poker sites will give you free money to play with without even asking for a deposit, meaning you may actually bankroll your poker career without spending just one penny online.

As well as the odds are the same. The guidelines are identical. And the players are the same. Online poker has just made it easier that you can enjoy the best card game on earth.