Poker – From the ‘Cheating Game’ to Respectability

There is a dispute among card historians as to the exact origins of the card game known as ‘Poker’. Some claim that it is a derivation of a centuries old Persian game called ‘Nas’, while others insist that it is Chinese in origin started Emperor Mu-tsung. The French imported a Spanish card game called ‘Pochen’ (which they renamed ‘Poque’) into New Orleans which most people agree was the beginning of the game we now know as Poker.The game of Poker quickly spread up the Mississippi via the Riverboat gamblers of the 1800’s. The earliest written accounts of the card game of Poker was made by Jonathan H. Green where he referred to Poker in his writings as ‘The Cheating Game’, a name that probably refers to both the idea of ‘bluffing’ (a major part of the game and until Poker seldom found in card games) and the amount of money lost to those who were unfortunate enough to lose their money to the riverboat gamblers of the period.Poker soon became a part of Americana during this country’s Wild West era. There was hardly a saloon or hotel that didn’t have a Poker game in progress either in a backroom or at a table.Until recently Poker was relegated to a card game that was played at a ‘boy’s night out’ gathering or by professionals at gaming casinos or illegal gambling houses. With the growth of the internet and the sudden rise of Poker variants such as “Texas Hold’ Em” Poker has now found its way into the social mainstream. Now everyone from housewives to professional gamblers are playing the game.The game of poker has taken off like wildfire in both the United States and abroad. Poker sets are ‘flying’ out of the game stores and many stores have poker tables on back order because of the recent demand. There are now cable channels that are dedicated to the card game, and high stakes games are now televised nationally. Poker has become a true cultural phenomenon; one that the internet has taken full advantage of.Before the advent of internet gaming sites, a poker player had to sit down at a table with other players in order to wager on a poker game. Since a major part of poker gambling involves ‘bluffing’ (pretending that you have a better hand than you actually have) the visual signals that one player could glean from another (often called ‘tells’) were critical for true gambling success. Now card players can play, wager, and bluff without ever seeing their opponent, shifting the emphasis from physiological clues to psychological pressure.Currently there are literally hundreds of poker websites which cater to the beginner player all the way up to gambling poker professionals where hundreds of thousands of dollars can be won or lost on a single hand. Most of the online poker sites attempt to create a relaxed and ‘player-friendly’ environment in an attempt to allay the fears of first time players. Most allow new players a large amount of freedom to ‘roam’ the various ‘rooms’ and even observe actual games in progress so that they can get a ‘feel’ for the differences of online play verses the more traditional ‘live’ poker game.The card game of poker has had an image overhaul. No longer is it a game played by card sharks and men in smoke filled rooms hidden away from the general public. It is now played by housewives, businessmen, and even little old ladies in Pasadena.

Horse Race Betting Online – 7 Tips in Doing Online Betting

Online sports betting is now a convenient way to bet on your favorite sports and that includes horse race betting online as well. Indeed, these days, you can just enjoy the game in front of your TV and be able to bet and win without having to go out. Although betting on the internet is convenient and easy, there are also advantages and disadvantages that you can get.If you want to try your luck in a horse race betting online, here are some tips to help you with online betting and in making yourself comfortable with virtual betting. Of course, betting right there on the racetrack is different and it is important to note of some safety precautions when it comes to your money as well.* Choose the type of bet you are comfortable and skilled with. In betting, there are simple bets and more combination ones. If you are a starter, you may want to start with the simple bets where you can win easily although, lesser than combination bets.* Study and research the horses. One advantage of horse race betting online is the convenience of researching or finding information about the horses, their riders and any other information you may want to consider to make a wise decision. Check out of previous races of horses, injuries as well as its track record.* Don’t be directly swayed by the crowd favorites. Sometimes we tend to go with the flow, and if lots and lots of people are betting on the favorite, it may not be the best way to make a profitable win. Weigh out, decide and make sure you analyzed everything about the horse, the weather conditions, the race track and other factors that may affect the outcome of the race.* Choose a betting system or a software betting program that will assist you in making wise decisions. Keep in mind however, that even if you do have a betting system in place, it does not mean that you will be picking a winning horse always. These tools and software may help in increasing your chances of winning but they will never ensure that you can win every time you bet.* Make sure your payments and your financial information are secured. Perhaps one of the most important things that you also have to keep in mind is the fact that you will never know who you are dealing with online, thus it is very important to double check* Be ready to deal with the disadvantages. Of course, horse race betting online is dependent on internet connection, so make sure you can also add that into your consideration if you opt for online betting.* Enjoy the game. You may not be right there in the race track cheering, you can still enjoy the game in your own living room. Of course, horse race betting is done for enjoyment, so take time to enjoy it as well.

Thinking About Playing An Online Game? You’re Not Alone

One of the most common things that people do online is play games and there are no shortage of options to play thanks to websites like Facebook. Developers are cashing in on the demand for new online options and are creating new free games every single day. The great thing about online games is that there are many types for you to choose from dirt bike games, classic arcade games and so much more. You can easily find the right option for you that matches your level of computer experience, internet skills and interests in life that you have.Besides the variety of free games that are available on Facebook you can also find a wide variety of other games to play through sites like Pogo and iWin. Many of the best online sites offer free trials of the top titles so that you have the ability to try the game before you buy it or you can play the game continuously the catch is many game companies run advertisements or mini commercials during their free games so be prepared to view advertisements just like you would when watching TV.No Experience NecessaryMany people who are first time gamers have found out just how easy it is to play online even if they have no experience playing online games or using computers. Many game developers have made their games so simple that the only thing you need to do to play is just click your mouse. There are also a wide variety of more advanced games that you can when you’re ready so rest assured that as your skills with online gaming grows you can always find something more challenging for you to play.Online Game CommunitiesOne of the best parts of playing online are the ‘communities’ that have evolved around many online games. You can become a part of the community in the game that you play by doing things like sending gifts regularly, working on your friends properties, chatting with friends and other gamers when you see them online and sharing new tips, techniques and strategies that you learn as they become available.