The online gambling market generates billions of dollars per year in revenue and attracts an estimated 2 million players. Poker sites alone account for $15.5 billion. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not illegal to play on these sites and set up real money accounts. It is illegal to own and operate a site in the United States. When it comes to online gaming, you have to take the good with the bad. Here is a list of both:

THE GOOD

No travel: Provided you have a computer and an Internet hookup at your house, you never have to leave. You can play in your pajamas, underwear or nothing at all, but if you exercise the last option, please shut the blinds.

No tips: Those computer dealers work for free, so when you win a big pot, there’s never any pressure to show your kindness in monetary form. You are also free to get your own drinks.

No rules confusion: The games force you to play them correctly in regard to the table actions and appropriate betting size. You don’t have to worry about constantly being corrected by a dealer, which can be embarrassing.

Good deals: There are a lot of online sites out there, and they are all trying to get your business.
 
They do this by offering quality sign-up bonuses and sometimes will even give you free money.

No smoke: It’s hard to avoid smelling like an ashtray when you walk out of a casino after a long gaming session. Unless you smoke in your home, this issue is easily avoided.

THE BAD

Show me the money: Since many online sites are now required to mail a check, it can take a long time to get your money — sometimes as long as three weeks. It’s much better to look at a fattened wallet immediately after a winning session.

Social isolation: Playing poker or blackjack around a lot of people is much more enjoyable than sitting at home on a computer, where boredom has a tendency to set in.

Fairness: In a casino, there are personnel to help solve any problem or dispute a player has with any game or situation. Online, this can be a bit of a hassle that might require a series of e-mails and telephone exchanges before a player gets any satisfaction.

Power outages: At some point, your electricity will shut down unexpectedly and could potentially cost you money. Most online sites will freeze your account and automatically log you off, but if you’re in the middle of a poker hand, you will forfeit the pot.

Chuck Blount | 210SA contributor