Poker has now become one of the most popular games in the world.  Online and Internet poker are the major contributors to the game's fame and popularity. 

People prefer playing a game or two online rather than arranging to meet up with friends to play poker online.

Online poker is played by many people, as there are very few casinos that actually offer the game.  This is because poker generates very minor profits for the traditional casinos.  On the other hand, the annual profit generated from online casinos is over three billion dollars.

Difference between playing online and live poker

Online poker is very different from the usual poker played in casinos.  The major difference is that the players are not physically present there. 

This fact tends to affect game play, as you are not able to observe the opponent's body language and hence cannot play on the basis of your observations. 

In online poker, you need to mainly focus on the playing speed and betting patterns.  These factors are difficult to interpret as compared to facial expressions and body language.  Similarly, the opponent is not able to read your moves, which is an advantage.

Online or Internet poker serves as a great alternative to a poker night.  Since poker does not yield profits to casinos, it is often wondered exactly how these gaming websites can earn money from the game. 

The answer lies in one of the major differences between online poker and conventional poker – the fact that online or Internet poker usually requires the player to pay a certain amount as a fee to play the game. 

Gaming websites even take a specific percentage of the pot in a game of poker.  This share is called 'rake'.  Due to this, the players generally win lesser amounts as compared to what they might win in ordinary games.

Online poker is easily accessible, and is the best option for a person who knows how to play the game, as he/she can play it without feeling pressured, as is sometimes the case in an actual live game.