Poker Online...A $16 Billion Industry

6/17/2008      
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The Internet has developed itself from a simple recreational activity to a profitable career for millions of users around the world.

But there is a new hobby currently transforming itself into a lucrative online business, at the same time creating wealth for whoever decides to join the rush.

As per recent numbers, online poker has grown into a $16 billion industry, where monthly profits go as high as $200 millions a month.

Compared to the costly investment behind managing a poker room in Las Vegas, the technology and infrastructure is making it easier for almost anyone to launch his online poker games site.

But of course, this doesn’t mean every site is recommendable; after all if you intend to spend some of your hard-earned money on the internet, you must have a valid opinion on the provider in question.

Las Vegas from the comfort of your own house

If masculinity has been traditionally associated with regular poker, the online version is attracting people from all spheres of society. Anybody can hop online and join the stakes, even if you’re at work or it’s past your bedtime.

Online poker has even replaced the perennial favorite video game as the top activity in our nation’s campuses, as many online poker games sites are promoting prizes such as a free tuition within one of America’s top universities.

But while online poker is giving you a taste of Las Vegas from the comfort of your living room, the money you are investing is definitely real. So, how can you trust a virtual company with your money?

6StarReviews recognized this challenge, and decided to analyze the web’s best online poker sites. Following is a list featuring the best online poker sites under four crucial categories:

  • Features: Each online poker games site has their own specialities, as each site is trying to highlight its identity. Here are the best sites in term of features:
        • 1st place: Absolute Poker: This online poker games site offers some of the best online poker features, from choosing your own poker room skin to playing on 6 tables at once.
        • 2nd place: Poker Stars: The Frequent Player Points (FPPs) is one of the best loyalty programs in the industry. You can trade your points against luxury online merchandise, such as a Porsche or a trip down south.
  • Interface and playability: Online poker is nothing without the visual experience. In this category we have investigated the sites offering the most stimulating audiovisual experience. Here are our winners:
        • 1st place: True Poker: This is by far the best in online poker graphics. From the realistic 3D avatars to the surround sound, this online poker games site take online poker to a new level.
        • 2nd place: Poker Stars: They offer one of the best online poker software, through a sound balance of robustness and simplicity.
  • Playing fees: Of course, the ultimate goal of poker is to leave with the highest jackpot. But the online poker sites are also claiming their share of the pot, by imposing a rake fee on every game played. The fee depends on the number of players and stake at hand, and following are the poker sites offering the best return on your investment:
        • 1st place: Absolute poker: They have the lowest rake fees and also boast a competitive online reward program.
        • 2nd place: Pacific Poker: The Online poker games site of 888 Casino compensates for it’s slightly higher than average raking fees by offering a competitive sign on bonus, as you gain 20% up to a maximum of $100.
  • Customer Support: As experienced in our online poker reviews, customer support is the area through which we see the biggest gap between providers. This is an important feature to consider, as you need a quality support after investing some of your own money in an online service.
        • 1st place: Pacific Poker: Their frustrating web site asides, Pacific Poker offers a complete customer support solution, with a toll free number, e-mail support and live interactive chat.
        • 2nd place: Poker Room: Their community factor is one of the most developed in the industry. You can find an answer to your questions by browsing the hundreds of blogs and player profile pages to your disposition.

As you can see, each of theses online poker sites has their own motivating reasons to choose them. This is an extremely tough industry, and each provider must advertise its unique value proposition.

Your decision shouldn’t be based solely on this summary, as you have to make your selection according to your personal preferences. If you’re looking for the best graphics, then True Poker is at the top of your list. If you are shopping on price, then Absolute Poker is the online poker site fitting your criteria.

To ensure you make a sound decision before investing your time and money, we invite you to read each of our detailed reviews on these online poker sites.


                                     
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