The Rise Of Online Poker And Why This Could Spell Disaster For The Inexperienced Gambler

The growth in online poker has been phenomenal over the past two years with the industry more than tripling in size to a staggering $1.5 billion. But why is this?

There have been many avenues available for people to indulge in online gambling for years now; bookmakers, casinos and bingo sites have spread across the internet and have had some level of success, but nothing compared to the rise of online poker.

Is it that people think they have a more realistic chance of winning at poker?

Is it that they think poker requires more skill than other forms of gambling?

Is it more of a thrill to take money from another human being rather than a company?

Has poker become a fashion trend?

It is probably a combination of all those things, but whatever has pushed poker into the spotlight will no doubt lead many people into trouble. The problem with all forms of gambling is the obvious addiction that occurs in many players and if people are not careful they may find themselves spiralling into financial meltdown.

The biggest problem will be with people who have no previous poker experience, who just plough straight into the high stakes end of the betting spectrum looking for that "big win" that will see them happy for life. It is a dream for everybody and, for many, the lure of big money wins will prove too much.

On top of that, it is clear that out there in the realms of the poker rooms will undoubtedly be some people trying to spot these inexperienced players and to take advantage of them. For these poker sharks, nothing could be easier than stripping these amateurs of all their cash.

That's why, to be successful in poker, you need to work your way up from the very bottom rung of the ladder, gaining experience as you play, before you can count yourself ready to take on players at the top.

The best ways to begin your journey into online poker are by playing on free tables for fun and playing in freeroll tournaments until you feel confident to take the plunge with real money.

As an extra tip, if you are being successful playing at a certain level with lower limits, don't change anything. Many small wins will soon add up to a big win but you may feel just a little safer getting there.

Steve Waller has gained much experience in the field of gambling and writes regularly in his blog http://betting-guides.blogspot.com to help people bet safely and sensibly.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Bingo 101 What You Absolutely Need to Know About

It is quite surprising and amusing at the same time... Read More

Three Card Poker Basics

Three card Poker is a fast paced game which is... Read More

Compulsive Gambler Shares His Recovery Story About Gamblers Anonymous Now That He Stopped

A compulsive gambler who participated in Gamblers Anonymous program shared... Read More

Casino Olympics

It's been advertised globally and has been poised to be... Read More

Four Tips for Online Poker ? Tells, Mixing it Up, Preflop Rasies and Changing Gears

Tip One: Mix Up Your Play: Once you have mastered... Read More

To Muck Or Not To Muck?

After a hand is completed in online poker you'll never... Read More

The Secrets of the Big Numbers

Pssst...! Wanna know a secret?How about the secrets of the... Read More

Roulette - How to Bet

Betting is very simple in roulette if you follow these... Read More

How To Have The Most Fun Playing Holdem Poker At Home

Holdem poker is taking the country by storm as one... Read More

All About Video Poker

Video poker is a casino game that has much in... Read More

Gambling Myths 101

Myths and rumors come with every gambling game. However undesirable,... Read More

Three Card Poker Hand Rankings

Even though Three Card Poker is a fairly easy game... Read More

The History Of Blackjack

The origin of Blackjack is somewhat unclear. Some people believe... Read More

Poker Tournament Freerolls Payout in Seven Figures

Poker tournaments freerolls are free poker tournaments that are hosted... Read More

Earn Money Playing Slots...or not

Yay, what a life would that be - sitting behind... Read More

Poker Face in Cyberspace

His palms are sweaty and his heart is racing, but... Read More

2005 World Series of Poker

The 2005 World Series of Poker event is scheduled to... Read More

2005 World Series of Poker -- Mid Tournament Report

The 2005 World Series of Poker started its 36th year... Read More

Online Poker --- Is It Safe? --- Is It for Me?

Online Poker RoomsRapidly Growing in PopularityPlaying online poker is fast... Read More

Poker Fever

Big blind with my jack-three off suit, I found myself... Read More

The Other World Series: The 2005 World Series Of Poker

Growing up, the American dream for many boys was playing... Read More

Roulette System: Power of FAST Roulette System

This article is about how you can evaluate the power... Read More

Limit Texas Holdem Poker

Limit Texas Holdem Poker is the most popular type of... Read More

Simple Jacks or Better Strategy Tutorial

Statistical Arbitrage strategy applied to Video PokerIntroductionJacks or Better is... Read More

Has the Party Poker Fish Pool Dried Up?

Party Poker has long been known as the place to... Read More

Compulsive Gamblers Struggle To Stop Gambling Even Though They Know They Have A Problem Gambling

Every compulsive gambler has uttered the words "Please help me... Read More

The Secret of Betting Dont

Pssst...! Wanna know a secret?How about the secret of Betting... Read More

The Fine Print Behind Online Gambling Bonus Offers

If you have never opened an account with an online... Read More

Why TV Poker Can Make You Wealthy!

There's an awful lot of poker on the television these... Read More

Please Help My Husband, Wife, Partner, Spouse, or Other Family Member to Stop Gambling

It doesn't matter whether you are the husband, wife, partner,... Read More

States Lottery Basics

For those who dream of quitting their jobs and being... Read More

Compulsive Gamblers Guilt Affects Their Gambling Addiction Recovery

When a compulsive gambler is in recovery, feeling guilty is... Read More

How to Profit at Online Poker Over the Long Run

The first and most important step is to take notes.... Read More