Early Online Poker: Players' Concerns and First Experiences

The first online poker rooms began to appear at the end of the 90s. As the platform gained traction, players from the early 2000s expressed various concerns about the new format. One of the primary worries was the lack of control over player collusion and the potential for cheating by online casinos. Players like ratso and George M. Rice, Jr. voiced their fears about the inability to verify the legitimacy of online games and the risk of casinos using bots to manipulate outcomes.

In one notable incident, a player mentioned that they and their friend used two computers and two phone lines to play together online. This practice was considered cheating by another player, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that arose in the early days of online poker. The conversation also touched on the high rake (fee) charged by online casinos, with players hoping that it would decrease as the platform became more popular.

Additionally, players discussed the development of bad habits, such as shouting at the computer while playing online poker. This behavior was seen as a result of the immersive nature of the game, leading to a lack of discipline and control. Despite these challenges, the early pioneers of online poker laid the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon.