As a multi-billion dollar industry (The Economist reported in 2008 that the poker industry was worth 15 billion US dollars and was expected to rise year on year), poker has developed over the past decade into a casino game that is no longer restricted to a small part of the gambling industry, but is in fact one of the most popular and profitable parts of the whole sector.

Whilst the development of online casinos and the amount of television coverage that the main poker events now receive are both important catalysts when looking at why poker is now such a popular game, a substantial amount of responsibility needs to be given to the one aspect that can cost casinos money but gamblers none – free poker.

With views on the benefits of free poker varying massively depending on who you talk to, some people believe that it is the best part of the industry, whilst others believe it does nothing but encourage novice players to gain false hopes and lead them into a real money event where they can make heavy financial losses.

So where do we start when looking at the benefits of free poker?

The fact that it is a much more versatile learning tool than most would realise is a great point to begin with, as it’s a common misconception that free poker is only of use to amateur players.

There is no doubting that the fact you can play a hand of Texas Hold ‘Em or Omaha without risking any of your own money is extremely beneficial to amateur players, but this aspect can also relate to professional players.

For example, if you have developed a new strategy that you want to practice before putting into play in a real money event or you want to practice your playing skills after a period of absence from the game, what better way is there to do it than in an environment where you don’t risk losing any money?

What must also be taken into consideration is the fact that free poker can actually be financially lucrative, especially if playing at one of the major online casinos.

Real money tournaments that require players to pay a buy-in, for instance, often have free entry positions available and they are regularly used as prizes for free poker tournaments. Whilst these tournaments are obviously extremely popular, if you can get a seat and have enough experience to play against other likeminded players, you stand a great chance of getting a free entry to a tournament you otherwise may not have been involved in.

It’s impossible to please everyone all of the time and therefore there is always going to be a portion of the gambling industry that thinks free poker is a bad thing. However, the truth is that should you fully understand the benefits of free poker – not just for novice players but for professionals, too – it quickly becomes apparent that it is in fact one of the most important parts of the poker industry.

Author Bio: Play free poker online with Virgin Games provide gaming services worldwide – online Casino, Bingo and Poker games.

Category: Recreation and Leisure/Gambling
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