Online poker is a traditional card game played over the internet. It can be played for free or at a real-money stake, and it can be played on your laptop, your tablet, or your phone. While it can be a lot of fun, it can also be quite expensive. You’ll want to check with your local jurisdiction to make sure it’s legal to play.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up for an account with an online poker site. Some will require additional documentation to verify your identity and address. Once you’re registered, you’ll need to download poker software to start playing. The process is relatively simple and shouldn’t take too long to complete on an old connection.
There are several US online poker sites. They offer different deposit options, which can include bank transfers, third party eWallets, and cheques in the mail. However, not all of them are regulated. A few still accept players from the US, but the federal government has been able to drive a few major operators out of the country.
In 2013, a new wave of regulated online poker came to the US. This was in response to the federal government’s push for the largest global poker operators to leave the country. One such site was the WSOP US app. These are the same games you can play in Vegas, but they’re available on your phone or desktop computer.
Another good reason to play online poker is the sheer variety of options it offers. For instance, you can play No-Limit Hold’em on your laptop or on your smartphone. Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular game, but you can find a wide array of other poker variants on many online sites. Among other features, some sites allow you to participate in side games against “the house” for real money.
Online poker has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. While the number of regulated sites has increased, not every state has legalized the game. Still, the number of players playing the game has skyrocketed. Several US states have considered regulating the game. Other countries such as Canada have already passed legislation that will make online poker legal. Until recently, there were only three regulated markets in the US: Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey. Luckily, more states have taken up the issue, and more are on the horizon.
In the most recent iteration of the US gambling laws, Michigan has become the latest state to legalize the game. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill into law in early 2017. Now, the state’s three online poker operators will have to navigate regulatory hurdles. But before that, they’ll need to comply with new rules regarding cash games.
In general, online poker is a more convenient way to enjoy the game than it used to be. In addition to being a better value, it’s often faster and safer. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about paying interest on your bankroll.