Has online poker surpassed BM

[PokerPaul]

I'm wondering if online poker is almost at a stage where it has (or will very soon) surpass BM poker in terms of the number of players playing.

Online poker is accessable to anyone around the world, regardless of their proximity to land based casino. Rakes are lower. No tipping required. No annoying neighbours blowing smoke in your face. No endless waits for cocktail waitress to show up (and thats another tip to pay).

The sheer number of players at para, ub, party, and pokerstars should be equivalent to the number of players in american BM poker rooms.

Just look at the pokerstars sunday tourneys...where else can you pay a $200 entry fee and walk away with almost $60k?

POker is growing astronomically thanks to internet....

[RiverMel]

One minor nit..
The first prize in the $200 was only $34K, not $60K.

[Vehn]

The rake online is only lower in a per hand regard, not per unit of time. The amount being dropped off the table at for example Paradise $20/$40 is much more than a comparable mid limit B&M game.

[Aragorn]

I think there is a place for both. I like the experience of playing real people and online chat just isn't the same as some of the conversation at a real table. (That is sometimes a good thing.)

On the hand the convenience and comfort of an online game has a lot to be said for it.

I think they can each help the other by increasing interest in poker.