Shuffle Up and Deal

So I'd say that one of my favorite forms of interactive media is interactive games; I love video games and have since I was probably 7 or 8, but more recently, I've been addicted to online Texas Hold'em.

PokerStars is my favorite! This is a free downloadable software that allows you to play a wide variety of poker games, from Hold'em to Razz to Omaha, in either real or play money games. Play money is obviously more for practice, especially if you don't have money to be playing real money games at the moment. However, real money games start off quite affordable- $1.20 double-or-nothing tournaments (the $0.20 is PokerStars' profit). The games can get up into the thousands of dollars. There are also tournaments to win a place in a bigger, better tournament- whether it be a chance to play in a big money online tournament, or a seat at the World Series of Poker Main Event ($10000 buy in). They also issue Player Points, which allow you to shop in the PokerStars store. With your player points, you can purchase autographed photos of pro players, PokerStars apparel, books, dvds, and more.

Because it is illegal for online gambling sites to interact with American banks (BOOOOO Bush >:/) PokerStars handles the money through a European bank, so it takes about two weeks to receive your check from PokerStars once you cash out. However, it is very much worth it, once that check arrives in the mail. PokerStars also keeps track of your earnings, for when tax season rolls around.

So whether you're there for the fun, the money, or both, PokerStars is the perfect place to play poker with thousands of people from all over the world.