Page 38 - Southern California Gaming Guide • December 2021

Most online poker sites have games for free so players can hone their skills without risking real money. Many new players are gaining experience and confidence playing online and then moving to the card rooms in the casino. Online poker rooms offer many satellite tournaments that allow the players to win an entry into one of the major live tournaments such as the WSOP or one of the
World Poker Tour events
When the online poker sites first started there was
some concern that they may hurt business at the brick and mortar poker rooms. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are actually helping increase the number of players heading to the poker rooms.
Poker at Home and on the Road
It seems that people can’t get enough poker, more specifically Texas Hold’em. In the past, home poker games usually involved getting a bunch of guys together for a “boys’ night out.” The popularity of the game has redefined the home poker game as more and more women are discovering the thrill of playing poker. Many couples in my social circle are replacing their traditional cocktail party with a couple’s poker tournament. There is a small entry fee to make the game interesting, but the tournaments are designed to be a night of social interaction. These home poker parties have proved to be a very popular.
No-Limit Future
What does the future hold for poker? Will it continue to grow or is it a fad? I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think to get an idea about the future of poker we need only to look at the past. Poker has endured for 180 years or more and it is now just becoming a socially acceptable
game. In the last two decades gambling in general has expanded immensely as casinos open up all over the country. Since poker is a game where the skilled player can gain an edge, I think it will continue its growth for quite some time.
Some players will try it, lose and then quit playing, but these are people who won’t take the time or make the effort to learn to play the game. Since poker is a game of skill those who do practice and learn will find that the rewards of being a winner will be worth the effort.
Until next time remember... “Luck comes and goes... Knowledge stays forever!”
PAGE 38 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE DECEMBER 2021