"Just to be able to sit in the privacy of your own home and play" is a draw, said the computer software executive.
Across the country, people are playing poker online in growing numbers.
But Internet poker, at least when money changes hands, is illegal in New Jersey, state officials say. And regulators have been going after online gambling operators, accusing them in part of making gambling accessible to underage bettors.
New Jersey already has sued 10 offshore Web gambling operations. Two sites that take bets on sporting events settled with the state, agreeing not to accept bets from New Jerseyans.
No players have been targeted, but state gaming regulators warn that players are taking a risk: "If you get ripped off, who are you going to turn to? There's nothing you can do," said Kerry Hand, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
David Karaszkiewicz, 20, of Pottstown, Pa., started playing Texas hold'em on the Internet in April. He now plays about three times a week in free online tournaments, and while he hasn't started playing for money yet, he said the law won't deter him when he turns 21.
"It's cheaper than going to Foxwoods or Atlantic City," he said. "The government should not restrict my rights to play a game."
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Never bring your entire bankroll with you to one gambling session. You need to have a daily gambling budget. Start by dividing your bankroll by the number of days you'll be gambling. Then divide your daily bankroll into the number of sessions you will be playing each day. This is now your single-session bankroll. Don't bet tomorrow's money until tomorrow comes.
