Online Poker in the US
The internet poker industry was once considered illegal in the US. A bill was introduced in 2011 to legalize online gambling, but it was vetoed by the governor. A new bill was approved in 2013 and authorized the industry to operate for 10 years. It is possible that the government could extend that time, however. However, it is unclear what this means for online poker in the US. While a few states have made online poker legal, others have not.
To play online poker, first download poker software. Poker software only requires a small amount of memory. It doesn’t take long to download, even on a slow connection. No-download poker games can also be played at most poker websites, but they don’t have the same features. If you’re on a tight budget, a no-download poker game may be enough. A no-download version of poker does not have the same features as the downloaded version, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two.
Before playing any game, check the site’s age requirements and licensing. Most online poker sites require players to be 18 years old, or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. If you’re not, you may need to register with a separate poker site. You should also check out the site’s game selection before playing. Make sure to choose the best site to fit your playing style and budget. As with any online game, gamble responsibly and never wager more money than you can afford to lose.
Online poker has been legal in the United States for decades. Its emergence was spurred by the 2003 World Series of Poker, and it quickly expanded into an unregulated industry. However, after Chris Moneymaker’s win in 2003, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) forced a number of sites out of the U.S. market. However, a few of the leading sites continued to accept U.S. players for several years.
Pennsylvania and West Virginia have regulated online poker. Meanwhile, more states are expected to follow suit. For now, players in these states are playing poker among themselves. Regulatory hurdles are not as difficult as some might think. Michigan and West Virginia are reportedly considering legislation to legalize online poker. That’s great news for the industry. With more states coming on board, online poker should become legal in all 50 states. And, if it’s legal in your state, you can play online!
Another advantage to online poker is that you can play at multiple tables at once. This is especially useful when you’re waiting for good cards. If you’re a good player, opening up two tables adjacent to each other is a good idea, as it will free up your time to focus on improving your poker hand. In the end, both online and live poker are equally lucrative! So, don’t let a lack of choice discourage you from enjoying the game.
