While we’re not saying that one is better than the other, there are many ways you can dabble in the world of poker. Whether it’s online gaming platforms, where you’re dealing with live poker games, or stepping into the wild and wondrous world of a physical casino – there’s something for everyone. Poker is a game that pokies love across the globe, as it’s universally played because most people can pick it up easily. It’s all a game of strategy, and to stay in the game, you must be able to work out if your hand is good enough. While we’re not here to teach you how to play the game, we are going to delve into the difference between physical and online gaming. It’s about wit, and though you can convince your competitors that your hand may be better than it is, the game of poker has core values that are about luck and strategy.

The Global Online Poker Market was valued at $76.7 billion in 2022, with that expected to rise to over $170 billion by 2030, so it’s a no-brainer that the online space has catapulted into a phenomenon. The rise in variations of games available is all thanks to the evolution in technology and the rise in online gaming. There are so many in-person places that house brilliant poker tables and gaming odds, there’s nothing better than setting up on the couch and playing from the comfort of your house. But, which do you choose, online poker or in-person gaming? Let’s find out!

Atmosphere and Experience

People who play from home on their phone or PC don’t play because of the atmosphere or experience, as you’re playing against computerized digital players. We know that trying out online pokies can at first be daunting due to this, but the wins, experience, and overall gaming pleasure outweigh the atmosphere element that digital poker may lack. Some refer to it as isolating, as it doesn’t give the in-person poker table environment, but there are plenty of advantages to online playing. Apart from the physical casinos offering real-life experiences and a social aspect to the game, there are plenty of negatives to the physical casinos, especially when they’re very busy.

You have to wait around for a seat at the table, communicate with people when sometimes you may not want to, and then travel home after a win or a loss. With online poker playing, you can experience the social element by playing against real online players, and then when you’re finished – log off, and carry on with your day. It’s a win-win regardless!

Bet Size and Payouts

Online poker gives beginners more of a chance than in reality. Playing online poker means that the player is allowed to place lower bets, as online games offer up lower-stake options and are low-budget friendly. Some of the lower stake games have even $1/$2 starting raises, which makes this online space more accessible for everyone. Minimal wagers mean that wins aren’t as big, but they are still possible. However, Live Casino tables see big wagers come out with hundreds of thousands in a win.

Online poker tournaments are a whole different level, as sometimes beginners can get stuck in the game and overbetting, but that’s usually the case for inexperienced players. Overall online poker players can learn and gain experience a lot quicker than in live games, and you can do so with lower stakes, so there’s more room for learning and less loss. Live cash games with blinds of around $2 are normal in reality, but online you can find online poker sites for $0.01 – so there’s plenty of room for mistakes.

That doesn’t mean you can’t win big, though! Professionals and die-hard pokies still get chances of winning the big bucks on the online tables, it just all depends on what blind you’re willing to bet.

Game Time

One of the most obvious differences in the online vs live debate is the pace of play. Online poker is perfect if you’re short on time and are looking for a quick buck in your spare time, as live poker can take up a lot of time. No social interactions are there in online poker as cards are dealt with automatically, and all wins are automatic, therefore there is no hanging around the table.

In reality, you have to sit around the table in a social setting, awaiting everyone’s decision on the game. People who play online may not enjoy the live physical version as it can be tiresome and waste people's time, who aren’t there for the social aspect. Certain online games allow you to play multi-table games, which also means that more hands per hour are available, which doesn't happen in the live game.

Overall, there are plenty of pros and cons to both types of poker, but at the end of the day – it’s still the same game. All of the skills that you can develop and learn throughout the years can be incorporated into both versions, and it just all depends on whether you can venture to the table, or open up your phone. The choice is yours.