Online Poker in the US
Currently, there are few legal US online poker sites that accept players from the US. Consequently, offshore sites have become very popular. Even though the US government does not currently regulate online gaming, there are a few states that are on the verge of regulating this sector. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have all passed laws that govern the industry. South America is also in the process of regulating the industry. Nevertheless, a number of US online poker players have had to deal with the consequences of UIGEA.
In November 2013, online gaming sites became available to residents of New Jersey. Ultimate Gaming and Betfair did not survive, but the combination of 888poker and Borgata/PartyPoker made it possible for these online gaming sites to launch in the state. In September of that same year, PokerStars earned its license, and Pala Poker followed in 2017.
To play poker for real money, players must download poker software onto their computers. The software is typically virus-free. Next, they must create an account. Only one account can be created at a time – multi-accounting is strictly prohibited and may result in a permanent ban from the poker site. When registering with an online poker site, be sure to provide an email address that you have on file. It’s best to keep these documents safe for several reasons, including the fact that phishing sites are notorious for sending spam to unsuspecting clients.
Despite a lack of federal regulation, online poker sites operate in six states. Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have already legalized online poker. More states are expected to follow suit in the coming months. But for now, players in Pennsylvania can only play poker between themselves – there are no federal laws that prohibit them from playing the game online. But there are many reasons to welcome legal online poker in the US. So, what are the benefits for US players?
Unlike real-world games, online poker is a very easy game to learn. Unlike live games, online poker sites automatically notify you when it’s your turn to act. A major advantage of online poker over live games is that you won’t have to worry about shouting at your opponents for holding up the game. This is especially true when it comes to online poker. When a player doesn’t play properly, the entire game can be harmed, and that’s not fun for anyone.
One major problem with online poker is that it is easy for bots to cheat online. There are over 600 doorways into poker networks, but only forty of these have measurable traffic. Therefore, the vast majority of online poker traffic is centered around a few major networks. Moreover, most of the money won’t leave the site unless you’re a pro. There are also several smaller online poker sites that are rigged, but they’re not illegal. If you suspect a poker site is rigging its game, withdraw your funds immediately.