Time pots

[poker327]

Like Jeffage said, one reason is to speed up the game. With a $7 charge, the dealer often has to make change (in comparison with a $5 charge), and it can take a little while. (That and using a 4/8 chip structure can make 20/40 a slower game than 10/20). Also, there is the idea that if you win a pot, you won't mind paying. Loose players don't like time pots because they often have to pay.

But I don't think they are worth the aggravation I have seen where there will be an argument for five minutes over someone owing $3 when in a typical hand you can lose $100 without thinking about it.