So, you are new to poker and want to know the difference between free online poker and live casino poker?

In short, online poker is a fast game and less controlled, whereas casino poker is more relaxed and much slower.

Here are a the pro’s and con’s for both types of games.

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. The best part about online poker is you can do it from the comfort of your own home. They downfall to playing online is the ability to read your opponents, the only thing you can rely on for reading is betting patterns.

Casino poker offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a slower play. If you are more of a slow paced sit back and relax type of player then live action is more for you. Live poker also offers more high risk high reward type games for high rollers. But most local casinos offer small buy in tournaments that are great for timid people with skill to get their feet wet.

In closing my advice would be to play tournaments online and cash games in casinos. Online most tournaments last two-twelve hours whereas live tournaments can last three days to over a week! Free poker online is a great way to learn how to play poker if you are new to the game. 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.

Whatever you choose (I suggest both if possible as you’ll be a better overall player) start small, play free online poker and low stakes games in the casino, that way your bankroll will survive long enough for you to get good!