Online poker clubs vs poker rooms: basic differences

As the first online poker games appeared, it wasn’t clear how much they would transform how we discover and play poker today. So successful has online poker been, that today you can play games of just about any poker variant you can think of, at tables with everything from tiny 1 cent buy ins to unlimited tournaments where you can become a millionaire overnight.

But that rapid expansion and the choice it brings has given poker players several options on where to play, but one of the most important is whether you should choose a poker club or poker room.

What is an online poker room?

These are online poker platforms that allow you to join poker games over the internet. This could be a website or a dedicated app, and they allow you to select from almost endless variations of poker, choose a table, join and play.

Alongside the more common Texas Hold’em and Omaha, you’ll also find games of seven card stud and other variants, with tables that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Games are played at various stake levels, from micro stakes with buy ins of a few cents to no limit poker, whatever suits your style.

When you join a table, you play against opponents from all over the world, making it one of the most engaging poker experiences you can have.

What is a poker room network?

While poker rooms may be operated by individual companies, over the years as the industry has matured, you will find many become part of a network that shares traffic and resources, helping even small online poker companies to compete with the international giants that have come to dominate the industry.

In a network, when you join a table, you could be playing against opponents from any of the other network members, so there is more variation in players and games available. It also makes sure that there is always someone to play against and avoids the annoying task of waiting for players to join tables that can be an issue with a smaller poker room.

What is a poker club?

A poker club is a group of people who join together to play poker on a regular basis. This is not usually a commercial endeavor, and players can play online or meet in person, depending on who the members are.

They are often formed by groups of friends, co-workers or just people who love to play poker, and the games and tournaments are private, only accessible to members of the club. Games can be competitive or friendly, depending on what the members prefer, and are frequently a mix of the two.

What is a poker union?

Poker Unions are groups of players, both individuals and poker clubs, who come together to advocate for Poker. This could be promoting the game itself, the value of clubs, legality issues for players and player safety concerns. They also organize some of the largest poker tournaments and events globally.

The unions normally partner with government bodies or related charity organizations to provide valuable information and resources for players and to push for safe, well regulated gaming.

Basic differences between online poker clubs and online poker rooms

Understanding the pros and cons of poker rooms and poker clubs is only half the story. Knowing which is the right choice for you means understanding what each offers and how they differ, so now its time to look at a number of aspects of your poker experience and what these alternatives have to offer.

Access and availability

If you love playing poker, you want to be able to grab a few hands as and when you can, but which option is best for that?

Online poker rooms

Tables are open 24/7, and with app or web based platforms, you can access games on your phoner at the beach, in your lunch break or wherever you may be.

Online poker clubs

Games are built around the schedules of members, if there isn’t a game organized, you probably need to look elsewhere to play. Some clubs use online platforms for private rooms, which does make it easier to access games, but many rely on physical meetups.

Variety of games

Being able to play different types of poker, different stakes and so on keeps things interesting, but which platform offers the most options?

Online poker rooms

Poker rooms tend to give you access to a wide variety of game types, and if it’s a big network or platform, even some relatively obscure offerings you would struggle to find anywhere else. Table stakes differ greatly too, covering everything from a few cent buy ins to no limit play.

Online poker clubs

The choice is entirely dependent on what members want to play. Clubs normally form around a shared interest of poker, so whatever brought everyone together tends to stay the main focus of the group.

Competition

Finding a variety of different player abilities can make games more interesting. It is also useful for improving your game or making money if that is your goal.

In online poker rooms

With large numbers of players from around the world, you can play against opponents of all abilities from a single poker platform.

In online poker clubs

Games are only between members, so there is nowhere near the same variation, and you may find after a while all players tend to reach the same level of skill.

Sociability

For many players, the ability to meet and connect with others who share their interest in poker is one of the attractions of the game.

Online poker rooms

With full chat systems and huge numbers of players from around the world, poker rooms are agreat place to build communities and friends within the poker community.

Online poker clubs

As groups built on the shared love of poker, poker clubs are often more focused on the social aspects than they are the playing of poker.

Organization of online poker vs poker clubs

Do you want to just play poker, or have a say in how your poker is presented?

Online poker rooms

These are commercial operations strictly licensed by government authorities in terms of security and how games are held.

Online poker clubs

How the club is run depends almost entirely on the members themselves. If you want to change things, as a member you can have an effect, but you will have to get involved and do it yourself.

Regulation and support

Knowing where you stand with money and assistance is one of the things that online poker players really have to be aware of.

Online poker rooms

Licensed and regulated by government, these commercial enterprises offer dedicated support systems to help if you have any problems.

Online poker clubs

Entirely member driven, you may find they have few, if any safeguards and regulations other than the type of game being played.

Payment and Withdrawal Methods

Getting money in and out of your account is essential for online poker players, but which is best here?

Online poker rooms

As commercial businesses, you will find a wide range of payment and withdrawal options here, and there is usually something that works for every player regardless of location.

Online poker clubs

This will be down to club members, who may decide on a single platform for transferring money. This can be an issue for players in some countries, as not all payment platforms are freely available everywhere.

Conclusion

So, which is right for you, online poker rooms or a poker club? That depends; if you have a group of friends or colleagues who are into poker, then a club may be all you need. You get regular games with people you know and like, and for some that is enough.

However, a poker room opens up a world of options, from different poker games to stake levels, tournaments and more, all played against players from all over the world. The endless variation is what keeps poker interesting for many, and that is why, if you do want to enjoy poker beyond games with friends, the poker room is the one to choose.

Always remember though, you can play both.

FAQ:

How do the game varieties differ between poker rooms and poker clubs?

Poker rooms tend to have access to all kinds of poker variants at different buy in levels, so wherever you are on your poker journey, you can find a table to suit your needs. Clubs are usually focused on a specific poker game that the members all love.

How does the rake differ between poker clubs and poker rooms?

The rake is designed to cover costs, and for poker rooms tends to be around 5% but is often capped. In online poker clubs, you may find that there is a higher rake, especially in club tournaments.

Is the social experience different in poker clubs compared to poker rooms for beginners and experienced players?

Yes. There are many more players in a poker room, allowing you to connect with players of all kinds from all over the world. A poker club tends to be built around shared interests from a specific group.

How do I ensure the legitimacy of an online poker club?

It is extremely difficult as the clubs are not regulated. The best approach is to search for member reviews and complaints, especially in terms of ease of cashout from your account.

Can I switch between online poker clubs and poker rooms easily?

Yes, you can play both if you wish to.