Poker is a game of skill that originated in casinos and back rooms, but it was the internet that really brought it to the public’s attention. Prior to 2000, most internet poker was played in chat rooms or was recreational in nature. However, the technology of the time changed that when secured online poker sites came on the scene, players could put their cash in a bank account and wager against other players. Today, thousands of no-limit hold’em games are running every day, across the globe at all stake levels.
Besides ensuring your safety, you can also use an IP PIN for tax purposes. Since most online poker sites operate in the U.S. dollar, they will be able to accommodate players from other countries. It is wise to sign up with a U.S.-based poker site if you’re a resident of that country. After you’ve registered, you can start playing for real money! Regardless of your age, you should be careful when using your credit card online and keep your social security number private.
Although a few regulated US-based online poker sites remain, many Americans are still banned from playing in these offshore sites. However, the popularity of offshore sites helped offshore websites flourish, and only a handful of states have regulated online poker. Currently, only the states of Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have regulated the market. West Virginia and Michigan are expected to follow suit soon. However, this process is not guaranteed. In the meantime, American players should stay positive and play responsibly. The future of online poker is bright.
Poker software is another option for playing online. You can use these programs to study hand histories and odds. Some software can even scan a hand to catch mistakes. You can also learn to use these programs with ease by following the instructions and tutorials that come with them. Many poker software programs come with hand database programs. With these, you can save and organize your hand histories easily. Then, when you play, you can scan your hands for mistakes and other errors.
The United States has legalized online poker in six states. Other states are likely to follow suit if revenue results are positive. The multi-state poker alliance is fundamental to the long-term success of US online poker. While WSOP and 888 are the two largest poker networks operating in the US, they are the only networks that share players between these states. As a result, they are currently the top US online poker sites by traffic. You can find legal online poker in your state by visiting one of the poker websites listed below.
While Nevada has been one of the first states to legalize online poker, other states are now following suit. A new law in Nevada was passed in February 2013, and online poker became legal in the state a month later. A month earlier, the DOJ had ruled that Nevada casinos had the ability to offer online poker. So far, six US states are in favor of legalizing online poker and casino games. These laws will only serve to encourage more people to play online poker.