With more than 100 million people around the world playing poker online, the classic game is more popular than ever. Online casinos earn around $1.5 billion a year with online gambling predicted to be worth almost $100 billion by 2023.
Understandably, it’s a popular market and there are currently around 2800 online gambling sites to choose from. It is important to find a betting site that includes a wide range of platforms to enjoy your genres whether it be casinos, bingo, slots or poker.
With glamorous portrayals of poker in blockbuster movies, this game of skill and deception is increasingly popular with online players. But, with such an overwhelming selection, how do you choose the best site to test your poker skills?
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Check the Reviews
You’d check reviews for a new restaurant or before an online purchase, so why not do the same for poker sites? It’s easy to do, just put your chosen platform and ‘review’ into your search bar – for instance ‘mac poker reviews’.
You’ll quickly discover the thoughts of previous players and get a picture of which site is the best. The testing has already been done, so save yourself the time and hassle of a trial-and-error approach.
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Try Before You Buy
Most reputable sites give you the option to play a free game before you deposit any money. By taking advantage of these offers you can test that the site and games feel right for you.
It’s important to properly read the terms and conditions as wins from free games often come with stipulations attached. Free games are a great way to experience the atmosphere of a site and the types of other players it attracts.
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Take the Bonus
In the race to win over new customers, many sites will offer a joining bonus to tempt you in. Make the most of your money with deposit matching, or bonus credit and promotions for high deposits and loyalty.
If you’re just dipping your toe in the water, find a site that will guarantee to match a small deposit. If you are already an experienced player with a high stake, see who gives the best rewards for a higher deposit.
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Test the Software
Every platform uses its own variation of software to run the game and the differences can be significant. Do you want the stimulation of music, sound effects, and animation, or do you prefer something calmer and simpler?
It is also important to check if it runs smoothly on your device. With better choices available there is no need to put up with loading errors or buttons hidden amongst overcrowded screens.
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Insist on Flexibility
The joy of online poker is the convenience to play anywhere, any time, so make sure your site truly allows that. Find a site that works just as well on your mac as your tablet or your phone on the go.
Don’t be satisfied if a site looks good on your laptop, load it up on a small screen device too. The best platforms will offer an app for seamless transitioning, check your app store before signing into a site that does not.
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Walk before you Run!
If you are an inexperienced player, or just new to the online game, choose a site that works at your level. Sites that offer beginners tables, low deposits, and low stakes will minimize the risk while you find your feet.
On many sites, you will be up against real players so be aware of who else is joining these games. Poker won’t be fun for long if you’re going up against the pros before you’ve got your own game together.
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Take the Tips
Lower your risk of making early losses by finding a site that offers some guidance to improve your game. Find a site that offers walkthroughs and training tools to help you learn to compete and enjoy your gaming.
A good, customer-focused site will also offer online support to make sure you are comfortable and happy as you play. Look for online chat services, FAQs, and easy-to-find customer service information.
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Look for Variety!
There is not only one style of poker, just as poker isn’t the only online gambling game available. Even the most ardent poker player might enjoy some variation occasionally, so choose a site with options.
You can select the type of game you play, the theme, the speed, the level. Take time to explore all the options available to you when choosing where you want to make your deposit
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Stay Secure
You want your time online to be fun, but it’s also important to make sure it’s safe. Check the web address is HTTPS, not just HTTP, and read the privacy policy to make sure your data is protected.
A secure site will ask for ID when making transactions and it will encrypt your login. It should also use secure payment methods such as PayPal and credit cards and have easy-to-find contact information.
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Get your Cash
There’s no point in cleaning out your opponents if you can’t get access to the money you win. Before you put cash into the site, check how long it will take for you to withdraw it later.
Search the terms and conditions or FAQs for details of how long it takes to cash out. If the information isn’t there, contact the site directly and ask about timescales for your specific withdrawal method.
Now you’re ready to Play!
100 million people can’t be wrong about the thrills and enjoyment that can be found playing poker online. Now, when you join them, you can be sure you get the best possible experience and the most for your money.
Whichever site you choose for your poker experience, insist that it offers the reliability, support, and safety you need. With these few helpful tips, you can find the right site for you and start playing your way to your A-game!
