From LSB Documentation

Before you play poker online, many of you would like to find out if online poker is safe. Well, to answer that question, you need to delve a bit deeper into the overall online poker scene. Historically, playing poker has always meant visiting the local casino or gambling house. However, the margins in creating and running such poker rooms are very slim, while the overheads are steep. Casino owners much prefer replacing poker rooms with slot machines - they earn more revenue that way. With much lower overheads, and lower barriers to entry, online poker has therefore filled this void. As early as the 1990's, online poker sites like Planet Poker provided for customers wishing to play poker online. Thousands of online poker fans flock to sites like PokerStars and PartyGamong today so they can play online poker all day.

And with that, you also have a burgeoning industry of online sites offering to teach you how to play poker online. Not sure where to start, take a look at this site and see if it fits your needs PokerStars When looking to play poker online, search for credible sites that have a history of safe online poker practices. Toronto-based PokerStars is considered to be the industry's leading online poker game site. Boasting a market value of over $2 billion, PokerStars attracts the highest number of visitors who play online poker. While sites such as PokerStars have established themselves as market leaders in the online poker arena, you will stumble onto many lesser known names in your quest to play poker online.

Be aware that the internet is rife with fraudulent sites that entice you with low entry or no fees, high stakes and the promise of easy money. While reputable sites, such as PokerStars, invest in collusion detection software to prevent fraud, colluding amongst players to defraud fellow online poker players is the norm at other sites. You stand a better chance at joining a broader variety of online poker games at sites that have large player traffic. And before you jump in, make sure to read the rules for fees and rake charges. Popular online poker sites such as PokerStars often offer great poker bonuses, be it for sign-up, deposit or reload.

Additionally, your search to play poker online should take into account any promotions that a site has to offer. Good loyalty programs at online poker sites, such as the ones at PokerStars, make you want to go there time and again to play poker online. A final piece of advice - don't break the law! Some countries have banned online poker. So check your local laws before you play poker online. In all fairness then, 'Can you safely play poker online' - and I'd have to respond - Yes. However, to have a really safe, legal and pleasant online poker experience, remember all of the points covered in this article.