It is common knowledge in the world of gambling that poker can be played for free. Whether it is taking up the offer of a signup bonus, where the online casino will generally match a players first deposit, or simply playing in the free money area, where poker can be played with free or play money and cannot be withdrawn, most believe it is possible to play free poker. Although this may be true in the first sense, if it is looked at more indepth, can poker be really be played with no money spent at all?

The answer to the question really depends on how far down the money ladder one would like to go. For example, if playing poker from home on the internet, then there could be the cost of the computer to consider, as well as the internet and the electricity, whilst not forgetting any drinks or beverages that may be consumed whilst playing. However, these overheads can be disregarded if they are going to be purchased or used whether poker is being played or not.

This is the same with poker in an offline casino. There is the cost of travel from home to the casino, as well as any drinks and snacks that are paid for in the casino and the cost of travel to return home. Again however, if a visit to the casino was already going to happen, then these costs are not seen as additional when calculating the cost of free poker.

One of the easiest ways to play free poker is to use one of the signup bonuses that most online casinos and poker rooms offer. Whilst many people consider these bonuses to be completely free money, there are some restrictions with the bonuses and several points that need to be noted.

In general, to receive the money from a signup bonus, the player has to first deposit a minimum amount of money to be eligible for the free money from the casino. Furthermore, there is set criteria surrounding this money, most notably and regularly the fact that is has to be gambled either a set amount of times or to a certain value. Once these criteria have been met, then the money, should any remain, can be withdrawn.

With this view, it is not possible to play poker for free, money has to be deposited and then gambled before it can be withdrawn. This, for many, would result in a loss. However, for several people, if a set strategy is played to, then a positive outcome is possible. For example, imagine a new player had deposited 100 pound and received 100 pound in free money. Rather than them playing a game of high stakes Texas Hold Em poker where there is stiff competition, they would be much better playing a less popular poker game at first, where the stakes were lower but the competition lower too, until they have reached the criteria set. They can then withdraw their initial deposit and play their chosen game with free money, the winnings from playing with the initial money given as a signup bonus.

It may take some time and it may not be to everyones tastes, but it is possible, especially online, to play completely free poker.

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