Howdy,
Flash & I play a live game, once a month. We have a regular group of anywhere from 30 to 50 players. It's a $20 buy-in, tournement style game. It pays the top 3 spots. Talk about FUN, you couldn't ask for a better group or a better game.
The players are from all walks of life and come in all shapes, sizes, ages, & genders. We've been playing with this group for over a year now & we've done quite well.
It's cheaper than dinner & a movie . We all bring a bit to eat & drink. We laugh, eat, drink, & play poker. Flash & I have even managed to take home a fair bit of change too, bonus .
And while playing on-line is fun there is no substitute for handling the chips & the cards. You get to put into practice all you have learned on line. But in live games you have to pay close attention. Ther are no "buzzers" telling you when it's your turn. There are no buttons that allow you to bet 2 x's the binds, you must remember what's in the pot & do the math yourself. It really is a great experience.
I've got to admit Mr. Cat I do admire the fact that you play in casino's & do so well. I thought home games were challenging. I can only imagine the skill involved taking on all those who play in casino's & fancy themselves "players".
For now I'll stick with home games. I still have so much to learn. But there is no substitute for live play. My hats off to all those who play live games.

Nice TP I don't have a home game I play in but there are always tournaments going on at different firehouses in the area. They are usually from $100-$150 buy-ins, some have re-buys.
As far as cash games go, all my friends have short arms and deep pockets if you know what I mean. Can't remember last time I finished on the good end of drinks at a pub