I have a question about how virtual poker games with friends work.

My partner used to play poker at his friend's house, every couple of months. He goes to the casino regularly. Since this friend moved out of town he no longer can play at his house. He recently mentioned they now know how to play it online with their regular friends. He tried this when he went to his new home.

My problem: Tonight my partner initiated a virtual poker game with his friends but didn't want me to know about it. He was very sneaky about it. I overheard him talking to another friend via phone and I swear I heard him ask if he needed to use his credit card. He was needing help setting up the game from home (hes not tech-savvy). When I questioned him about the credit card, he denied any mention of it.

He finally told me about tonight's game and said he didn't tell me because he didn't think I'd like it. I asked him why he thought that since he's played many times before.. what's different about tonight? He then said he felt guilty he turned our daughter away when she wanted to bedshare with him tonight (I bedshare with our 2 daughters). He flat out said "No, not tonight! I have to work tomorrow." When I mentioned he didn't need to start until 9am he gave us another excuse.

Anyway, what am I missing here? What's he afraid of me finding out? Do you need a credit card to play? He said everybody bids $10. I'm pretty sure he told me they used fake money the first time.

Is there something I should be aware of? It sounds like a harmless game. I do find it weird he was pushing for it when he's the only one who has to work tomorrow morning (due to coronavirus).

I don't get it. We very CLEARLY have trust issues.