From underground to mainstream, online poker has come a long way since its birth in the late 1990s. Plagued with technical difficulties and only accessible to computer-literate individuals, it was one thing owning a laptop back then, but it was another knowing how to play poker for real money.
 Then came the poker boom of the early 2000s. Fueled by the convenience and excitement of online, as well as the always-thrilling World Series of Poker, players began flocking in the tens of thousands to the digital felt. And with so many people opting for online play, casinos rushed to cash in. Suddenly, the scene grew from a handful of online casinos to an endless variety of places to play online poker. It hasn’t stopped since. Fast-forward to today and online casino games are enjoyed by millions across the world; now it’s land-based casinos that are struggling to maintain a consistent footfall. Read on to learn how online gambling sites have changed poker.
Why Have Online Casinos Taken Over?
From economics to variety, there are plenty of reasons why the future of land-based casinos is uncertain. Firstly, the cost of living has risen exponentially since the heyday of brick-and-mortar casinos — the 2008 financial crisis was the first major incident that affected this swing. Today, people would rather play from the comfort of their homes than deal with the added costs of going to a casino (transport, beverages and food.)
 Then there’s the array of online casino games. Simply put, in-house casinos can offer only a fraction of the games that online sites can. Even the biggest casinos in the world can’t keep up with the endless number of variations offered by digital casinos. Here you can choose any poker variation you desire: Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud and Omaha (to name a few.) And to infuse more excitement, online developers are constantly creating themed games based on popular shows, movies and icons. Picture a James Bond-inspired table or a Star Wars-themed slot machine and you’ve got the right idea.
 Moreover, online gambling sites seem to be always improving. For instance, encryption technology and secure payment methods have improved the security of online sites while ensuring seamless and instantaneous payments. And when cheating started to occur within the online scene, the problem was eradicated via detection tools and advanced algorithms that focused on implementing anti-cheating methods.
 The opportunity to play multiple games and poker tournaments also contributed to its rising popularity. The ability to enter low- or high-stakes competition meant it became accessible to all skill levels. Experienced players enjoyed the fruitful opportunities of being able to play multiple games at once. The online experience has been further boosted by its offerings of bonuses and rewards. Upon joining, players are usually greeted with welcome bonuses. Moreover, free entrances to tournaments and deposit bonuses are awarded throughout.
 Socially, the online community has never been better. Assisted by online forums and groups on Discord and Reddit, as well as a live chat box during a game, there’s a real sense of community that’s infectious and keeps players coming back for more. Although they’re competing for money, there’s a real sense of comradery and support amongst players.
 Convenience is another major influence in the rapid growth of online gambling. The advancements in technology and gaming software, coupled with the introduction of mobile apps, mean players can play on the move or from the comfort of a sofa. Moreover, the addition of live online poker means the authentic experience of having a dealer has been replicated. As long as your internet connection is stable, you can expect fast and smooth servers that never disappoint.
Is Playing Online Harder?
If you’re wondering how to switch from casino poker to online poker, all it takes is a little practice. The rules are the same, but strategy differs. The fast-paced nature of online play means constant concentration is key. Try to keep one step ahead and have a gist of what your bet will be if certain cards appear.
 Bankroll management is another vital component to keep in mind. Because you’re playing more rounds in quick succession, there’s more room for downswings and variance. So, when betting, always be mindful of the number of chips you’ll have left in your stack. For beginners, it’s important to remember that even if you have a strong card, success isn’t guaranteed — unless you have the nut hand. So, be careful of betting too high and damaging your bankroll.
 Put Your Poker Math to the Test at BetMGM
 Want to play in an online casino for real money? With advanced online software and games available 24/7, BetMGM is regarded as one of the best online poker sites. Register today, play with friends and explore the extensive range of poker variations — from Texas Hold’em and Seven-Card Stud to Omaha.
 Outside of poker, BetMGM gives you access to an endless array of online casino games. From themed slots and bingo to roulette and blackjack, play from anywhere and anytime.
