5 Reasons to Continue Avoiding Live Poker Rooms

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Many of you already know that select casinos around the world are beginning to reopen. This means that live poker will be available. However, live poker will look very different for most players. Cash games will be four to six-handed at most locations and poker tournaments will remain on hiatus for the time being.

Considering that the pandemic is still ongoing, one has to wonder whether it is worth the risk to play at live casinos. Here are x reasons why you should consider staying away from live casinos for a least a few more weeks.

Precautions Are Not Mandatory at All Casinos

In a previous article, we spoke about how that live poker will look very different, including how casinos will require players and staff to wear masks. However, there are some casinos that are only “recommending” the wearing of masks.

For example, SkyCity recently reopened some of its casinos in Australia. They are only recommending that players and staff wear masks. This is a dangerous precedent to set as we already know that some will simply refuse to wear masks thinking that the risk is minimal or thinking that COVID-19 is “just another flu.”

Poker Tournaments are Still on Hiatus

Poker tournaments will continue to remain on hiatus at live casinos for the time being. Since the majority of live tournaments are run eight or nine-handed, regulations don’t allow for them. Also, poker tournaments pose the greatest risk for infection in the poker room as players and dealers are constantly moving around.

This will not be allowed anytime soon.

Poker chips could realistically go through dozens of player’s hands in a short period of time. It only takes one person being infected to spread to dozens or even hundreds of players in a short time.

Some Casinos Are Running on a Limited Schedule

Like many businesses that are open during the pandemic, some casinos are operating on a limited schedule. Unfortunately, the bulk of this schedule is when poker is usually slower. Evenings and late nights are generally when the best action is available at the casino.

With some casinos closing as early as 10 PM, the games may not prove as profitable as they would normally. Is it worth it to play live if you’re making half what you normally might?

Casinos Options Will Still Be Limited

Notice that we said that SOME casinos are beginning to reopen. For example, the Venetian in Las Vegas is planning to reopen in June, but many of the other casinos on the strip and around town have yet to set a reopening date.

As such, some areas will have limited options for live poker. If an area normally has five available poker rooms, you may only find one or two rooms open. Then you still have to contend with the restrictions and potential pitfalls we’ve discussed in this article and previous ones.

Online Poker is Thriving

If you’re in an area where online poker is legal and you’re not playing, you’re missing out. Online poker rooms are thriving presently and experiencing high traffic. Many sites like partypoker and PokerStars are even expanding major poker tournaments to meet demand.

PokerStars and other online poker rooms are thriving during this time.

Live poker events like the Super High Roller Bowl, Poker Masters, and Irish Open are all moving online. Even the World Series of Poker is holding events online. This is a perfect time to play online poker.

Consider Staying Home for Now

While we understand the desire to play live poker, the reality is that you are still putting your health at risk. For the time being, playing live poker is a -EV move, especially if you have viable options for online poker.

The smartest play is to stay home until the pandemic shows serious signs of slowing. This may take a few months. However, the games will be back to normal at some point in the future. It is smarter to stay home and remain healthy that risk your health or even your life to win a few big blinds per hour.