Is Online Poker Safe?
The question I get more often than any other by new players is always some variation of “Is online poker safe?”
The short answer to that question is a simple yes. Online poker is just as safe as live poker. In fact, it could be argued that online poker is safer than live poker. There are several reasons why this is so.
1. Online poker sites value their reputations
Online poker sites must keep a strong reputation if they wish to stay in business and keep making money. The online poker industry is lucrative but poker sites are completely dependent upon their reputations. If the word gets out that a poker site isn’t secure or that it doesn’t pay its players, that site will eventually lose all its players and go out of business.
You can see evidence of this first hand by looking at the most popular poker sites out there. The biggest, most popular poker sites also happen to be the ones with the best reputations. That’s not a coincidence. It’s because people talk and refer each other to the sites that are known for safety and security.
2. All forms of poker involve trust
Whether you play online poker or live poker, you have to trust the venue at which you play. Some people say they have a hard time trusting online poker sites, but then they go and play at live poker rooms without a bit of hesitation. It’s kind of funny because you have to trust the place you play no matter where it is.
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With that in mind, it’s important that you always play at a reputable poker venue. Research is easy with online poker sites because so many people know about those sites. With live poker rooms and home games, you just have to ask around and hope for the best.
3. Online poker doesn’t involve cash
Online poker doesn’t involve cash because all transaction are taken care of electronically. There’s no danger of being mugged in a dark parking lot or of losing track of a wad of bills. All you have to do is log in to your poker site and request an electronic pay out. It’s as easy as checking your bank account online.
In all fairness, I must admit that there have been cases of players not being paid by online poker sites. Those sites were quickly shut down and went out of business but the players were never paid. That’s why it’s important that you only play at large, well-known poker sites.
Summary
Online poker is just as safe as live poker. Even so, it’s important that you always do your research before you deposit your bankroll at a poker site. There are nearly 600 online poker sites out there but they weren’t all created equal. Take a look at our list of poker site reviews to find the best one for you. These poker sites are well known and have served millions of customers over the years.
| Site | US | Rating | Bonus | Review | Visit | ||
| 1. |
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Bodog |
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$1100 | Review | Play Now | |
| 2. |
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Party Poker |
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$500 | Review | Play Now | |
| 3. |
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Carbon Poker |
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$600 | Review | Play Now |
| 4. |
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Pokerstars |
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$600 | Review | Play Now | |
| 5. |
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Cake Poker |
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$600 | Review | Play Now |