OK, enough of accusing online sites of being not totally above board, clearly a number of players take exception to this accusation and as I have no evidence to support it, I will accept what people say.
On reflection, there is another reason why bad beats seem more prevalent in online games - the style of the players.
I've been playing in a lot of big tournaments in the UK recently (where I am based). Generally, pro players have a low opinion of internet players copmpared to live players. This largely seems due to the pro's perception that internet players make questionable calls and moves and then hit lucky. Certainly, more players are prepared to go all in with marginal or weak hands online, or in a limit game to see the turn and river cards hoping to spike a pair, two pair or trips which often hits. If there are four players in a pot at the river, then a pocket AA is very likely to be beaten.
I guess I have to hold my hand up and say that I fall into this category as well.
For example, in a tough live game, I don't know many players who would go all in preflop from an early position with AQo or AJo, as these are marginal, not monster, hands, but this move is made a lot online, as is calling pre-flop all-ins with medium pairs such as JJ or TT. Even calling with QQ in this situation is dicey. It often succeeds online, but can be a very dangerous ploy.
It is true that live pros hate to lose to internet players as they find them difficult to read. They know that they could be holding anything.
Maybe internet players can teach us a lot about the game?
Cheers and good wishes to all who responded to a previous thread - it made for interesting reading.
