Rate of Play

Conventional poker, played in person, takes time.  Shuffling, dealing, and collecting cards, counting chips, and other distractions create delays that move play at a rate of about twenty-five to thirty hands an hour.  Online poker is much faster because none of those interruptions apply; it is possible to play a hundred or more hands of online poker per hour.

Increasing Earnings

Poker players at traditional casinos have just one option to increase their earnings:  raise limits.  Playing at high limit tables usually means playing against better, more experienced opponents.  Online poker rooms offer an alternative, in that players can simply play multiple tables simultaneously.  This strategy takes some practice, but it allows players to split a large bankroll between low limit tables, risking less and improving earning potential.

Gaining Experience

Novice poker players at a conventional offline casino gain experience through trial and error – with real cash.  This can get very expensive very quickly.  Many online casinos and poker rooms cater to beginners, and most offer a variety of ways for novices to improve their game.  Extensive tips and strategy sections, odds analysis, and complimentary poker schools let new players learn the ins and outs of the game; free money play makes it possible for newcomers to practice without risking any actual cash.

Playing poker online requires a different set of skills than playing at a table in a brick and mortar casino.  With some practice, though, and the right approach, the outcome can be just as rewarding.