From the very beginning of the boom in online gambling, opponents have preached against it. With the creation of additional Internet card rooms, the situation has only worsened and the reputation of sites related to such activities are seen in a negative light. Whether for objective reasons or not, some people believe that online gambling is a corruptive form of entertainment. We, however, do not share this point of view. Unfortunately, online poker opponents prefer to ignore the game's true potential as an educational tool for critical thinking.

Among online poker rooms' most ardent opponents are educators and conservatives. Being somewhat unjustified, the negative attitude towards Internet poker simply ignores the positive aspects of this industry. First and foremost, most respected online casino and poker websites disallow access to players who are under eighteen.

Minors are strictly unwelcome in any poker room that cares about the reputation it has built with its existing players. Second, players who can not control their play are not welcome as well. Although it may cost them some revenue, most industry-leading online poker rooms seek to prevent problem gamblers from gambling. This, more or less, dismisses most allegations regarding possible corruption.

Among the aforementioned positive aspects of the gaming industry is the fact that online poker is a great tool to develop critical thinking. When taking part in a fast-paced poker tournament, many-a-time players are required to make quick decisions.

These decisions must take into consideration a wide range of factors, including the player's cards, his position at the table, his opponents' possible hands, tells and any other valuable information that could help them make the right move. This is what critical thinking is all about and online poker should be used as an important learning tool.

Many child psychology experts allege that critical thinking is necessary for cognitive development. If critical thinking is developed in childhood, it benefits the person because it allows them to discern, analyze and evaluate any situation in life and make the most logical conclusions. Critical thinking allows people to raise vital questions, formulating them clearly and precisely.

Playing Texas Holdem is a great method to develop critical thinking skills. The game requires players to combine both strategy and foresight in order to win. With success relying almost exclusively on a player's gaming experience, luck plays virtually no role in Texas Hold 'em. Additionally, the game teaches players about smart money management. Providing so many lessons in so many important fields, Texas Hold 'em is almost a 'must' in any educational system.

The way we see it, many educators fear to bring both traditional and online poker to their classrooms because they believe that poker is synonymous with gambling. And, what is even worse, a gambling addiction. We, however, believe that the time has come for online poker to get rid of this negative image and shed light on its positive sides. Perhaps if the onine poker community invested some advertising dollars into a ‘use poker for education' campaign something could change...