Online poker has seen a surge in traffic recently, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shut down most live gaming venues in the world. Many unlicensed venues were forced to close as a result of the disease, and many casual players have turned to online poker as a convenient alternative. Most online poker operators reported a double or even tripled traffic increase after the outbreak.
Online poker is available in a wide range of formats. You can play single-player or tournament-style games, or a mix of the two. In a typical game, you play against one opponent and a dealer. Usually, the game lasts for three to five hours. The goal is to win the hand before the timer runs out.
Online poker sites invest money earned from players. The regulations for online poker sites limit the risks they can take with client money. As such, online poker sites often don’t have to pay interest on player bankrolls. Nonetheless, these investments can represent a significant revenue stream. Some online poker sites accept payments in currencies other than U.S. dollars, and can even exchange them at a reduced rate compared to banks.
The IDNPlay network has been virtually invisible online until last year, but in 2016 it shot up to the second spot in the PokerScout ranking, proving its popularity. The network opened its doors in 2010 but has only recently begun to promote its services to the Western market. The website and client are both available in English. The lobby has an elegant but minimalist design, and you can choose whether you want to play cash games or tournaments. The lobby does not feature waiting lists, and tables are arranged by number of seated players.
I had a poker player at a table who had a 100% VPIP. This player checked back with a top pair on a safe board and then a nut flush on the river. He did this many times, knowing he could not beat his opponent’s hand. I was impressed by his strategy, and he won nine out of ten games.