Online Poker at Barnes and Noble? [Archive] - Two Plus Two Older Archives

07-15-2005, 05:33 PM

The situation is that the internet is down at my house pretty much indefinately, but I'd really like to get some sessions in, and I figure that it might be possible that i could use the wireless network at Barnes and Noble to do so. However my gut tells me that this is most likely a completely idiotic idea (i live in IL btw). What should I do? What is the worst that could happen?

eric5148

07-15-2005, 05:45 PM

The worst that could happen is that you become one of those goddamn yuppie slackers who camp out for entire evenings in the BN lounging around and reading and talking and drinking $6 cups of coffee LIKE IT'S SOME KIND OF FRICKIN PICNIC.

jman220

07-15-2005, 05:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The situation is that the internet is down at my house pretty much indefinately, but I'd really like to get some sessions in, and I figure that it might be possible that i could use the wireless network at Barnes and Noble to do so. However my gut tells me that this is most likely a completely idiotic idea (i live in IL btw). What should I do? What is the worst that could happen?

[/ QUOTE ]

You could get struck by lightning walking from your car to the bookstore in the B & N parking lot.

IronDragon1

07-15-2005, 06:14 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The situation is that the internet is down at my house pretty much indefinately, but I'd really like to get some sessions in, and I figure that it might be possible that i could use the wireless network at Barnes and Noble to do so. However my gut tells me that this is most likely a completely idiotic idea (i live in IL btw). What should I do? What is the worst that could happen?

[/ QUOTE ]

This is an idiotic idea if you're a losing player but if not then go for it.

The worst that could happen (aside from being struck by lighting of course) is that you'll be surrounded by curious yokels but if some of these yokels are hot chicks than it's a good thing.

Smackdab

07-15-2005, 06:17 PM

The OP's point about being in IL is very relevant. IL is one of the few states where online gaming is officially illegal so the concern here is by playing on a not so secure network does he risk the possibility of arrest. I would say the chances are very slim. I reside in IL myself and have used wireless in hotels with no problems. I say get your sessions in. Chances are slim law enforcement has nothing better to do than randomly monitor BN networks for illegal activity.

eric5148

07-15-2005, 06:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]
IL is one of the few states where online gaming is officially illegal

[/ QUOTE ]

Really? How do you know?

otctrader

07-15-2005, 06:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The worst that could happen is that you become one of those goddamn yuppie slackers who camp out for entire evenings in the BN lounging around and reading and talking and drinking $6 cups of coffee LIKE IT'S SOME KIND OF FRICKIN PICNIC.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah this is a pet peeve of mine along with the crowd Starbucks attracts as if it's some high class Parisian cafe (without the hot chicks w/armpit hair that haven't showered for a week). Last time I ordered a cup of coffee there they seemed confused because I wasn't ordering one of their $6 coffee-flavored milkshakes.

Amid Cent

07-15-2005, 06:36 PM

Actually, the worst the could happen is that since wireless hotspots like that are vulnerable to being hacked into, someone could get your account info.

Greg J

07-15-2005, 06:37 PM

Remember tonite is the debut of the new Harry Potter book, so it might be hectic there.

Tapin

07-15-2005, 06:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Actually, the worst the could happen is that since wireless hotspots like that are vulnerable to being hacked into, someone could get your account info.

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't bothered to snoop my own connections, but I'd assume that all of the major online players are encrypting their traffic stream. Sniffing the wireless traffic (which wouldn't involve any real hacking if it's an open WAP, btw) won't do much good, there.

patssoxceltsfan

07-15-2005, 07:01 PM

The worst thing that could happen is that the local police have cops staked out looking out for people doing illegal online gambling at B&N and that you get caught up in the sting and busted. I'd say that's pretty unlikely though.

bobbyi

07-15-2005, 07:02 PM

Honestly, that doesn't seem like a bad idea. If anyone actually notices and asks, just say it's play money.

07-15-2005, 07:04 PM

The only thing i'm moderately worried about is that some of the employees are monitoring it and call the cops--but given the typical who works at bandn i guess its not that likely.

boose_bagina

07-15-2005, 07:05 PM

ooorrrr....you could just get up waving your hands all crazy like in the air, start screaming, and run towards the door...then everybody will be like, oh, thats just crazy ol' mongrel, he playin that illegal poker, but he so crazy he don't know no better so just let him be....solution solved.

AA suited

07-15-2005, 11:09 PM

internet @ B&N in your area is free?

in DC area, i have to buy a subscription /images/graemlins/frown.gif

poker is safe. everything is (supposely) encrypted in the poker sites.

IggyWH

07-15-2005, 11:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Remember tonite is the debut of the new Harry Potter book, so it might be hectic there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Listen to this wise man... B&N will be insane. Find a Starfucks.

Theodore Donald Kiravatsos

07-15-2005, 11:38 PM

"...So I'm thinking, who KNOWS when I'll be back in Haiti again, so why bother trying to find a condom..."

StacysMom

07-16-2005, 03:15 PM

I live in IL too, and play in public all the time. I usually go for starbucks and panera, i prefer panera cause they have great food. Once I played at Cluvers too.

But my best advice is have your PW's saved to avoid key logging, and like mentioned before, If anyone notices my pokering, I just tell them it's only play money. Also go for a table in with your back against the wall. I cant imagine employees having a problem if you are behaving yourself, but spectators would be annoying as hell.

Greg J

07-16-2005, 03:21 PM

I can imagine yelling at over-the-shoulder "experts" telling me I need to slowplay my aces.

slavic

07-16-2005, 03:24 PM

Check your local public libraries also. They tend to have free WiFi more and more often.

Perseus

07-16-2005, 03:30 PM

TheHammer24

07-16-2005, 03:49 PM

Whats the punishment if you are caught gambling online in IL. From what I have heard, they give you a 30 day warning to stop playing, and the police rely on ISP's to report the problem. I doubt any B&N employees even know poker is illegal. go for it

KeysrSoze

07-16-2005, 03:56 PM

You mean, like, go outside?

AHHH! SUNLIGHT! It BURNS us!

JordanIB

07-16-2005, 04:40 PM

Go play. I've played in Bryant Park on a few occasions

topspin

07-16-2005, 05:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Check your local public libraries also. They tend to have free WiFi more and more often.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sadly this is usually offset by port blocking and site filtering.

theben

07-16-2005, 09:01 PM

LOL

smb394

07-16-2005, 09:53 PM

Try Panera Bread also for free WiFi. I'm able to log onto Party from there.

AA suited

07-17-2005, 12:43 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Try Panera Bread also for free WiFi. I'm able to log onto Party from there.

[/ QUOTE ]

but the food is kinda pricy.. $8 for a sandwich/drink

or do you just sit there and not buy anything? CAN YOU DO THAT?!?!

Alobar

07-17-2005, 01:38 AM

I play at coffee shops all the time. I have a hotspot account so I can play at any starbucks/borders/lots of other places.

The pimp thing about B&N tho is it's free (at least the one by me is). There are also local coffee shops in lots of places that offer free wireless.

Anyway, there is no reason not to go play. The only downer is that if you arent sitting in a corner you get annoying people who want to come up and talk to you because they see you are playing poker. Plus its considered a faux pas if you dont order something from the coffee place, so it really isnt free, even when it is free. However the upsides are that its nice to get out of the house, the waitresses are usually cute, and if you cant play at home, you can still get your hours in.

smb394

07-17-2005, 01:43 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Try Panera Bread also for free WiFi. I'm able to log onto Party from there.

[/ QUOTE ]

but the food is kinda pricy.. $8 for a sandwich/drink

or do you just sit there and not buy anything? CAN YOU DO THAT?!?!

[/ QUOTE ]

This is true. I like their food, but I have gone and just purchased a bagel or a latte or something and played for a bit. It's a lot easier if you avoid the lunch rush.

djack

07-17-2005, 06:59 AM

There are security issues, although they tend to be small.

AASooted

07-17-2005, 12:56 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I figure that it might be possible that i could use the wireless network at Barnes and Noble to do so. However my gut tells me that this is most likely a completely idiotic idea (i live in IL btw). What should I do? What is the worst that could happen?

[/ QUOTE ]

Last month I had my car totaled in an Illinois Barnes & Noble parking lot by an employee who was running late. That might be the worst that could happen. On the other hand, my insurance paid off at dealer retail, so I came out ahead. YMMV.

VegasVixen

07-17-2005, 02:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I figure that it might be possible that i could use the wireless network at Barnes and Noble to do so. However my gut tells me that this is most likely a completely idiotic idea (i live in IL btw). What should I do? What is the worst that could happen?

[/ QUOTE ]

Last month I had my car totaled in an Illinois Barnes & Noble parking lot by an employee who was running late. That might be the worst that could happen. On the other hand, my insurance paid off at dealer retail, so I came out ahead. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

So if I understand correctly, having your car totaled on your way to an illegal in Illinois poker session is an EV+ situation? /images/graemlins/confused.gif

slavic

07-17-2005, 02:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Check your local public libraries also. They tend to have free WiFi more and more often.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sadly this is usually offset by port blocking and site filtering.

[/ QUOTE ]

You obviously don't live in my neck of the woods.

Viewing porn in the library is a guaranteed right by GAWD.

Poker is a trivial matter.

Alobar

07-17-2005, 02:51 PM

[ QUOTE ]
There are security issues, although they tend to be small.

[/ QUOTE ]

such as? The data between your comp and the poker site is all encrypted.

AASooted

07-17-2005, 08:36 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Last month I had my car totaled in an Illinois Barnes & Noble parking lot by an employee who was running late. That might be the worst that could happen. On the other hand, my insurance paid off at dealer retail, so I came out ahead. YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

So if I understand correctly, having your car totaled on your way to an illegal in Illinois poker session is an EV+ situation? /images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I was just going to pick up SSHE, but yes, if you ignore the hassle factor it did turn out to be +EV for me.