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People are playing poker like never before. In fact, a study by Ingo Fiedler and Ann-Christin Wilcke shows that in 2010 about 6 million players from all over the world paid about 3.6 billion USD to the poker operators. Six years down the line and that number has hardly diminished, but does that mean that people openly share their betting habits or are most still reluctant to let others know about their online gaming hobbies?

Everybody gambles online

Do you know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a game online every now and then? The predictions for smartphone use point towards well over 230 million users by 2019 in the US alone, and smartphones are essential when it comes to games. If you look at sites like APNET that offer casino recommendations, it is clear to see that most modern gaming portals are made to meet the new demands of on the go play.

But when we play games on our phones, anyone can see it, and therefore some people stick to playing at home at the computer. The reason for this is not necessarily because they are embarrassed to admit that they play poker or casino games. Sometimes people who find out that you play poker take it for granted that you are willing to share the trade with them or that you are interested in lengthy conversations about different games, which you may not be.

But one thing is for sure, the fact that more people gamble online, at home and visibly on their smartphones makes it more accepted to do so. Therefore it is really not such a big deal to tell that you play online poker or in a casino online. Most people won’t think that you’re strange, as there’s a good chance that they enjoy the same sort of pastime.

Guard your poker face

One good reason for not telling people about your poker games online is because you need to keep a poker face. Once your nickname is out, other players will know just who you are, which can be a disadvantage if you play in the same poker room. Skill games demand a level of secrecy, especially when your betting style will be a key to your cards.

If a person playing in the same poker room as you asks if you also play there, you might find yourself in a jam. But don’t worry. You can always say that you only play there occasionally and you can avoid sharing your real nickname. This way you can continue eating fish at the beginner tables without people finding out.

Games online are social

Let’s not forget that many games online are social and great to share on social networks. When you win on slots or other luck based games you can share it openly. Nobody will feel jealous of you winning a bingo tournament where skill had no place. In poker, by contrast, it can also be social, but you have to be much more careful with what you say to others. Perhaps it is wisest to keep the poker games personal and only share the latest bingo bravados. Even so, that is only till the day that you become a pro, sitting in televised finals for the world to see your amazing abilities…