There really are some good reasons to play poker online…and not many reasons I can think of not to! Certainly the fact it’s been recently deemed “illegal activity” (and right up their with gun running, child molestation and cattle rustling) surely must add to its allure?

Those of you who are still a bit stand-offish about computers and the “Internets” or the old school who think bluffing and the more intricate poker plays can’t be achieved online, should at least try it before you dismiss it and get on with your own preferred illegal activities.

Here’s some basics: (in no particular order…)

1. As long as you’re playing at a reputable, licensed poker room you can scarper with your winnings whenever you want. No dirty looks, no fearing for your life. No other player knows where you – or your family pet lives (unless you tell them). Which is good.

2. You can play from the comfort of your own home (or, if you’re a little bit naughty, no, I mean bored, office). No driving, no messing about with public transport (as if!), no looking for somewhere to park. Easy.

3. It doesn’t matter if you have a rubbish poker face. Develop sudden facial tics on receiving A-A, orgasm, whoop, or weep. No-one will ever know. Except your neighbours, and they (probably) won’t know why.

4. The rake at all poker rooms PokerLabRat.com rates and recommends is low (5% or under), and consistent. All sites publish this so you can’t feel too ripped off! All the sites we recommend also have a no flop no drop policy on rake.

5. No-one knows who you are. If you’d rather people didn’t know you liked a spot of poker, or indeed that you make $70K a month as a poker pro, there’s no need for anyone to ever find out. So that’s no awkward moments, no bumping into people down the local market.

6. If you’re new to the game, “online” is actually a relaxed and non-intimidating environment in which to play. There are no rough looking blokes who you’re frankly terrified of beating, and you won’t catch any snide glances if you make a mistake. You can even turn off the table chat at most good poker rooms if you get sick of the abbreviations. e.g. GHM (great hand mate…damned Aussies! Oi!).

7. Unlike many casinos or card rooms, there’s no dress code. Should the mood take you, feel free to play in your undies – or even less (just don’t tell us about it, at least not in detail unless you’re attractive!) No bad hair day hangups either!

8. You can play for as little or as long as you like. You don’t get kicked out because it’s late, and you don’t have to hammer down the door to get the poker room open in the morning. Great 24×7. Play for as long as you want, when you want.

9. Many of the top poker rooms give you bonuses on your first deposit. Some of the better ones run regular offers, competitions and promotions which mean you get more fun for your money. You don’t get this at your local card school. Having said that, they don’t give you free taco chips.

10. There aren’t any dealers to tip. This one’s often debated at casinos and card rooms and online there are no feelings of obligation, uncertainty or embarrassment.

11. There are always lots of poker tables and lots of willing opponents at a wide range of table stakes so you can always find a game that suits you. Add to this all the tournaments that are on offer, and there’s more poker action online than you can shake a stick at. (What the hell does that really mean?)

12. Online shuffling at online poker rooms has been proven to be more random than in the real world. Sophisticated software and tracking makes cheating and collusion difficult to get away with. So don’t try it. Ever.

13. Lots of online poker rooms have tables at stakes lower than you’ll find in a casino or real life poker room. With tables starting at $0.05/$0.10 and tournaments at $0.10, you can get your poker fun without having to risk the shirt off your back. Freerolls (with no raked hand requirements) also are an option until you get bored with the “all in all out” free roll munters.

14. If you rate yourself, you can play at multiple tables at once. Only attempt this if you’re an experienced player: if you’re playing at two tables you can double your potential winnings but you can also double your losses.

15. Playing online is much faster. Faster is better. Snappy spontaneous decisions, quick wins, no laboring the point. Life is just too short and quite frankly you improve at poker through EXPERIENCE (along with lots of LUCK), so the more you play the better your judgement and instinct (SKILL).

16. It’s easy to get started. Most poker room software guides you through the game telling you what to do and when so you can’t get things wrong and look like a total dork (unless you’re playing at Full Tilt and you’ve chosen a gnome, guppy or similarly stupid avatar). Using software also eliminates dealer error (really, it happens to even the best of them) and you can’t accidentally muck a winning hand.

There’s lots of choice when it comes to poker networks including the iPoker Network, Microgaming Poker, Chico Poker and WPN Poker Networks. Check out the latest poker room reviews before you decide where to play your next hand of poker.