There are many benefits to playing in a good home game.

• Playing with friends – The ability to play with people you like can’t be under estimated.  There can be some real jerks in poker.
• Setting your own stakes – There is no lack of high stakes poker games, but there aren’t too many lower stakes (micro stakes) games for new people who may be learning the game
• Losing to friends – This sounds like an odd benefit, but I’m going to spend money for an evening’s entertainment.  I’d rather my money end up in the pocket of one of my friends than a stranger’s.
• No rake/admin fees – All casinos take a  certain amount of the winnings to support their facilities.  Poker leagues pay out sometimes a half of the wagers with the rest going to seasonal jackpots and operating fees.  But home games take the full amount of the wager and leave it on the table.  It is illegal for a home game to take money off of the table.
• Equipment – The equipment is subjected to less wear and tear and is generally higher quality than casinos.  Our games use professional Copag cards (not cardboard) and a felt table (not speed cloth)