Poker Players 'Use Internet To Practice Skills'

It has been suggested that there is a link between online poker and playing the game in casinos.

A number of poker players practice the game at online casinos before turning up at land-based venues to play in tournaments around the world.

That is the opinion of Casino Review magazine editor Phil Martin, who also thinks that the rise in popularity of internet poker has helped develop a "new buzz" in the world's gambling halls.

"What you're finding is that people are learning online - things like the best intimidations - instead of face-to-face and then coming into casinos afterwards," said Mr Martin.

He added that there is a "new generation" of poker players, particularly in the US, who learnt to play via the internet.

The Gambling Commission recently claimed that 7.1 per cent of adults have participated in online gambling in the 12 months up to March 2008. This equates to a rise of 1.9 per cent over two years.