Online poker is the traditional game of poker played in online casinos, also known as internet or virtual casinos. With the rise of the internet, online casinos have spread widely around the world. Online poker is one of the most common types of online casino game, along with online card games such as baccarat and blackjack, online casino table games such as craps and roulette and online slot games.

One of the major benefits of online poker games is the potential for significant jackpots, driven higher by larger number of players than can normally take part in traditional (or brick and mortar) casinos. Players can access online poker games from wherever they have an Internet connection.

Online casinos very commonly offer players a software download option, allowing gambling in virtual, live surroundings that attempt to simulate a real life casino environment. In the case of online poker, this means players have direct contact with other players as well as moderators in real time. Whereas the real life chance to observe others’ reactions during poker games is therefore lost on the one hand, it is gained digitally on the other.

A highly popular form of online poker is the poker tournament. Such games can be either scheduled in advance, or be arranged at short notice by grouping together a number of interested players. Some online casinos further allow for public, private, designated group or VIP poker games.

Jun 15 2010