Hi ElCubano, There may be some truth to what you are saying but I can assure you that in single table cash play at a more significant amount of buy in than you may be accustomed too, the rake more than makes up for the drinks etc... + tips to the waitress and dealer if you are not a snob... most places will only put up a drink per hour as per regulation, and food is not always free depending on your chosen venue. Trust me in that it is making a profit or will be filled with more slots in no time... Also most places have a waiting list to get into a table especially at higher stakes and this contributes to profit also as they will go play some slots or bj as they await there seat... and then once sizing up the players, may move again to get a better edge... Just my 2 cents as I hate actually playing at a table as everyone is advancing their lie or truth and will chew up more time than I can bare having come from playing a tight game with 10 tables at a time online. Also if playing enough at higher stakes room fees magically disappear and comps become more prevalent( i.e. food, drinks, shows etc...) xclr8tr wdbaker socal
In addition, your ability to play with the chips you have i.e. flipping chips, shuffling them or any casual showmanship that mystify's those at the table and/or motivates them or those watching rather then degrade them in front of peers will endear those in control of comps, thus giving those watching more reason to stay or join, just to watch you play and be encouraged by your rapport adds to your comp value. xclr8tr wdbaker socal
I'm waiting for the day when a non US country starts going after US companies for breaking their (non US country) laws. Just to give the US a bit of their own arrogant medicine. All it takes is for a bit of guts and chutzpah.
Poker provides enjoyment to millions of afficionados. Providing online poker allows them to play, even if they are not near a casino, or don't know anyone who likes the game. Who are you to say it's any more worthless than sports, watching TV, drinking beer, making sports cars, playing chess or any other things that could easily be criticised too? The point is that you don't get to decide what something is worth for other people. Only the people actually doing the activity have the right to decide it. That's what liberty means - the freedom to pursue your own version of happiness, chosen by yourself, not by your neighbour, your local cop, your government or anyone else, so long as it's based around consent and doesn't infringe the rights of others. Last time I checked, people voluntarily playing cards with each other for money wasn't infringing any rights, no one is forced to sit down at the table. How would you like it if someone else said that your favourite hobby or way of earning a living was worthless or evil, and then sent you to jail for it? You're entitled to your leisure preferences but you absolutely are not entitled to impose those preferences on others.
It won't be Europe, although EU did play it tough with MSFT. The old families of Europe are too interconnected with the US and still hold a lot of power in EU. The dialogue between China and the US if sometimes fun to watch: US: "Let the yuan appreciate! It's too low!" China: "Err, why is it any of your business?" US: "Seriously, the yuan must go up, stop holding it back!" China: "Whatever, mind your own business..."
I can see a nice Hollywood thriller being made out of this! Its got gambling, its got crime, all you need is a screenwriter to add copious amounts of sex and you have a blockbuster!! It's even got the "based on true events" tagline built in!
If you knew how to trade multiple currencies and systems, you'd know the answer to that one. Before the Dodd-Frank disaster (which attacked retail FX traders and small businesses while ignoring the real financial culprits), I used to trade 100:1 and 200:1 and never had a drawdown like you'd get by buying and holding the S&P 500 in an IRA with no leverage.
Some people do have an edge to playing poker or trading. Just like some people like to drink whiskey and some like to smoke pot. The difference, is that the government said certain things are illegal until or if the law is changed. Also, some things that are illegal in most states are legal in Nevada, like gambling and whores. I don't gamble on-line but I noticed even the free tournaments on PokerStars.net won't allow US citizens to play now.
Don't any of the turkeys here know how to bet horses? Can bet all day online. A lot more interesting than flipping a bunch of stupid cards around. Harder game though, with a big fat takeout.