There are a few important things you should know before playing Online Poker. First, the site will require you to download the software. The download process usually takes a few minutes and is free of viruses. You will then need to create an account. Be sure to create one account per person because it is illegal to have multiple accounts on an online poker site.
Second, online poker is regulated differently than brick-and-mortar poker. In the US, there is a lot of debate about the legality of online poker. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into law by President Bush in 2006. The new administration hopes to repeal the law and allow online poker to be played legally. In some other countries, such as the United Kingdom and many Caribbean states, online poker is not illegal.
In addition to the federal government, several states have legalized online gambling. In November 2012, Delaware approved legislation that authorized online poker and casino sites. In April of the same year, Nevada became the second US state to legalize online gambling. In November 2013, New Jersey became the third state to legalize online gambling. In November, New Jersey issued licenses to several online poker sites. As of September 2017, Pennsylvania has approved legislation to legalize online poker.
Another important difference between live and online poker is the speed at which games play. Online poker tables can deal up to 60 hands an hour, and the pace can be even faster when playing shorthanded. Additionally, you can have multiple tables playing at the same time, allowing you to play more hands per hour than you could in a live game.