QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ONLINE POKER

Playing poker online is a fun hobby and, for some, even a profession. But how does online poker really work? Can you cheat in the game, and do you have to pay taxes on poker winnings? Here, we have gathered the most common questions and answers about online poker! 

Is online poker legal? 

Playing online poker is completely legal, as are the money transfers to online poker sites. 

How do you deposit money on an online poker site? 

Depositing money on an online poker site and withdrawing your winnings back to your account is easy. The most common payment methods include bank transfers, Trustly, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Neteller, and Skrill. When withdrawing your winnings, you will usually need to send a copy of your identification and/or proof that you own the bank account or card from which you made the deposit. This is a normal anti-money laundering measure required by all licensed operators. 

Can you cheat in online poker? 

Short answer: Yes. However, falling victim to cheating is extremely unlikely, as most sites can detect cheating and typically freeze the cheaters' funds, eventually refunding them to the players. It is essential to know that online poker operators have no reason to cheat players. Their revenue comes from the small tournament fees paid by players and rake fees from cash games. The operator's income is not affected by who wins a hand, so there is no motivation to allow cheating in their games. 

What is the best possible hand in poker? 

It depends on the game variant. In both Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, the best possible hand is a royal flush. The next best hand is a straight flush. Online poker does not use jokers, so you cannot get a five-of-a-kind hand. Therefore, the third-best hand is four of a kind. 

Can you play online poker on mobile devices? 
Yes, almost all operators now offer a mobile version of their online poker platform. For example, Pokerihuone's online poker platform is designed with mobile play in mind. 

How much can you earn with online poker? 

In theory, you can earn even seven-figure sums per year with online poker. However, it is essential to remember that earning over €100,000 per year from online poker requires being at the top of the game. As a beginner, it is more advisable to focus on improving your poker skills rather than tracking wins and losses. The hourly wage of a winning online poker player varies significantly based on the choice of games, skill level, game variant, and other factors. You can easily track your own hourly wage by keeping a record of your playing hours and monitoring your bankroll development. It's worth noting that with a small sample size, variance can have a significant impact on results. 

Is becoming a professional poker player worth it? 

The answer to this question is up to you. In most cases, the answer is likely "no." Being a poker professional is a demanding and stressful career, usually involving late-night online sessions. For a skilled poker player who has been consistently winning in online poker for a long time, transitioning to semi-professional play might be a good option. Playing online poker as a profitable hobby can also be a pleasant and stress-free alternative. Being a professional player always requires a substantial bankroll, and your financial situation should be stable before considering it as a career. 

Can you get addicted to online poker? 

Yes, you can. If you have a tendency towards addiction or have experienced problems related to gambling, you should never try online poker. Online poker is generally considered less addictive than casino games, such as slot machines and roulette, as poker is slower-paced and requires more skill. However, online poker can still trigger gambling problems. Never play with money you cannot afford to lose. If you suspect gambling is becoming a problem for you, the helpline for gambling issues (Pelurin auttava puhelin) can be reached at 0800 100 101. 

Who is the best poker player in the world? 

There is no absolute answer to this eternal question. The World Series of Poker is held in Las Vegas every year, and the winner of the $10,000 Main Event is officially crowned as the world champion of poker. However, the tournament is open to all, and winning among over 8,000 players also requires a lot of luck. If there were a vote for the greatest poker player of all time, Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, and Phil Ivey would undoubtedly be among the top names on the list of all voters.