If you’re new to online poker, there are a few basic steps you must follow before you can begin playing. First, you must download the poker software. This only takes a little bit of memory on your computer and shouldn’t take long to download, even on an archaic connection. Most poker sites have no download versions of their games, but these won’t offer you all of the same features as the full download version. Here are a few important tips for making the most of your online poker experience.
Regulatory bodies have been trying to make the online poker industry more safe and legal. While there are still few US-accepted sites, offshore sites are growing in popularity. And although the number of states that have regulated online poker has remained low, more are on the way. Some states have already passed laws to make it more difficult for illegal online gambling sites to operate. The United Kingdom, Germany, and Slovenia are in various stages of regulating the market.
State laws are very specific when it comes to online poker. Online poker sites must operate within state boundaries, while interstate operations are prohibited by federal law. Luckily, an ecosystem of software providers has emerged to meet the needs of online poker sites. The applications range from anti-money laundering solutions to fraud prevention, geolocation, and responsible gambling advocacy. Whether you want to play for fun, or play for cash, there’s a poker room online for you.
Despite the federal law, many states are considering legalizing online poker. The first to legalize the online gambling industry was New Jersey, which passed legislation authorizing it in 2011 but later vetoed it. Later, in 2013, Governor Christie signed a new bill allowing online poker to operate in the state for ten years. If the industry performs well, more states will likely follow suit and legalize online gambling. The future is bright for the industry.
Many online poker rooms accept cryptocurrency. Although most are outside the US, some that accept players from the United States have already implemented these options. For example, Ignition Poker now accepts deposits via bitcoin and withdrawals with Litecoin. While cryptocurrency is still an unregulated form of payment, it has not yet proven to be an effective alternative to traditional forms of online poker. These poker rooms are offering a service that allows you to make deposits or withdrawals safely and securely.
Once you’ve decided to play for real money, you’ll need to register with a real-money poker site. Bovada Poker, licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, is one of the oldest online poker sites to serve the American market. It features anonymous tables, mobile-optimized design, and a large number of cash games and tournaments. With over $1.5 million in weekly guaranteed tournaments, Bovada is an excellent choice for playing online poker.