Over the past two decades, online Poker has seen a meteoric rise in popularity and acceptance. With the accessibility and convenience of playing from the comfort of one’s couch combined with the allure of high-stakes tournaments, millions of Poker players and enthusiasts engage in virtual Poker rooms.
However, this surge in interest is not without skepticism. Many card players wonder if online Poker games are rigged, and they question the fairness of the tournaments and matches. This guide explores the common myths and misconceptions to debunk them once and for all. Keep scrolling to gain clarity on the game’s integrity so you can play Poker real cash games without an iota of doubt in your mind.
Myth 1: Online Poker Sites Rig the Card Shuffle
Online Poker websites and applications manipulating the card shuffle to favor specific outcomes or certain players is one of the most pervasive myths. You’d be surprised to know the truth.
Reputable and reliable Poker sites and apps employ RNGs or random number generators to ensure unbiased and fair card distribution to all players in a match or tournament. These RNGs generate unpredictable card sequences and replicate a physical deck’s randomness.
If the shuffle is rigged, it raises a question of the reputation and trustworthiness of the online site or app. Hence, you must always properly check whether the application or site you are registering for has a good reputation. Go through customer reviews to find out more about those sites before you start playing the game.
It is also worth noting that RNGs make the game unpredictable, and the card shuffle is on point, sometimes even better than the physical deck.
Myth 2: “Bad Beats” Indicate Rigged Games
Bad beats are situations where improbable cards on the rivers drastically change the game’s outcome. If you are an experienced Poker player, you might be fully aware of bad beats.
Some card player enthusiasts attribute these bad beats moments to the game being rigged. They feel that the online site or app targets them and deliberately changes the game’s outcome. In reality, bad beats are an intrinsic part of Poker because this game has an element of chance.
If you play this card game regularly, you will realize that chance and probability balance out. The combination of luck, skill, and strategy helps Poker players consistently profit.
Myth 3: Online Poker Sites Want Players to Lose
Another common and dangerous misconception is that online Poker applications or sites want players to lose. If you think the same, think again.
These online platforms thrive and benefit from a healthy player ecosystem. Apps or sites generate revenue from rake fees, which is a small percentage taken from each pot. Therefore, encouraging fair play and ensuring players enjoy a positive experience is in the best interest of the app or website.
As such, rigging the game will be counterproductive for the platform as players would be discouraged from playing. However, if the platform offers a seamless gaming experience, the existing players will refer the platform to others and help generate revenue.
Myth 4: Online Poker is Unsafe
Do not be scared into thinking online Poker sites and apps aren’t safe. All the major operators of online matches use cutting-edge encryption technology to secure customer data going in and out of their servers.
As long as your password isn’t compromised and you are maintaining due diligence, you can rest easy knowing your data and money are safe.
Myth 5: Insider Cheating Is Rampant
Insiders manipulating the game is another common misconception. However, it is already established that online sites and apps have rigorous security measures preventing this.
The games are closely monitored, and employee access is restricted. So, you can play online Poker games without considering insider cheating risks.
Myth 6: Online Poker Is Unregulated
The lack of oversight in the online gaming world is a concern among many card game enthusiasts. But this isn’t true.
Reputable online sites and apps are licensed and regulated by governing bodies. These authorities and organizations make sure the apps or sites adhere to strict standards of security and fairness. You can even see the credentials displayed on the site or apps that assure players their legitimacy.
Myth 7: Online Poker Games Are Not Social
Unless you are stuck in a time warp, you wouldn’t believe this misconception doing the rounds. Yes, you are not sitting at a physical table. But online Poker games are more social than ever because the Internet promotes social interactions. You can invite your friends to the table or play with real-life opponents worldwide. Some apps even allow you to send gifts to each other or have in-chat features.
Myth 8: “The House” Always Wins
Poker apps or sites generate revenue via rake fees. But they don’t have any vested interest in the outcome of individual tournaments or hands. In this card game, players are competing against each other. They are not competing against the house.
The role of the site or app is simply to facilitate the game and ensure the game is played fairly. They don’t influence the results.
Myth 9: It’s Impossible to Win Consistently
Some people believe the online matches are rigged, and that’s why they are not consistently winning. But this isn’t true because there have been countless instances where players have won consistently.
If you want to win consistently, you must have the required experience, discipline, skills, and an in-depth comprehension of Poker. With time, the influence of chance will diminish, and the online determining factor will be your skill.
Conclusion
The common misconceptions and myths about online Poker games are largely unfounded. It stems from a basic lack of understanding of how the sites or apps operate and the inherent elements of the game: skill and chance. To be able to play fairly, you must choose a reputable and licensed app or site. Also, it would be best if you worked on acquiring advanced skills.