Have you ever wondered what the difference is between playing free online poker and live at a casino?

Very basically, if you like a more fast pace game with less control than online is the way to go. If you like a slower paced relax atmosphere than the live action is more for you.

Here are a few differences between the two and reasons for playing both.

Free online poker is great as it means that you can play your favourite game without risking your own cash. Many free poker sites also offer freerolls throughout a 24 hour period so you can play any time of day. You also have no totally risk free poker sites where you they advertise finance the cash prizes so that players can win real cash while risking nothing but some time.

Online poker also offers faster paced stakes (ring) games where you can play almost at a two or three hand to one ratio over live play. One of the best things about playing online poker at home is the fact that you can play it comfortably. They downfall to playing online is the ability to read your opponents, the only thing you can rely on for reading is betting patterns.

The upside to playing live poker is a slower paced atmosphere. If you are more of a slow paced sit back and relax type of player then live action is more for you. Casino poker usually offers more rewards for the games and higher stakes, so this is good for the bigger betters. But most local casinos offer small buy in tournaments that are great for timid people with skill to get their feet wet.

I play most of my cash games in casinos and try to stick to playing tournaments online. Online most tournaments last two-twelve hours whereas live tournaments can last three days to over a week! You’ll find many free poker tournaments online too where you can get good practice time in. If cash games are more your thing I would suggest live action. This way you can see your opponents and get tells to better suit you in your game.

Whether you decide to play casino poker or free online poker start betting small, that way you should stay in the game long enough to earn a good bankroll and get good!