Ever Wonder How a Poker Site Works?

We have all seen that rich guy that owns bodog splashing around his money, with fancy cars, and hot girls.... but I am more interested in knowing how the system all comes together...

Here is an idea... on how I think it all works:

regular computers... from new and current users.. log-on to a server..

the server keeps user data, such as amount of money they deposit and withdraw... as well as their points...

that info is relayed to a banking system that manages one big bank account...

when a player enters a tournament or a rake a taking from a ring game... it is taken from the big bank account... and placed into the companies bank account... and this is profit...

Let me know what you guys think... or if we have any one that used to work for an online poker site... I would really like to know if am right...

Well I know Pokerstars at least keeps money in separate bank accounts (they said this after the Bodog incident) but I think this is essentially right. More likely though for a pot they take money out of everyone's account for the pot, then puts the winning amount into the winner's account and puts the rake into theirs. It really doesn't matter how they do it though, as long as it works.