The world of online poker is vast and is growing every day. Unlike in traditional brick and mortar poker rooms, you can play any type of poker game. Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud are just a few of the popular variants available. The stakes are lower, too, and you can play for pennies rather than dollars. You can even play for the highest limits on a small stakes online poker site. To learn how to play online poker, read on.
The law surrounding online poker is different than in brick and mortar casinos. For instance, in the United States, the practice of online poker is illegal. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, was passed into law in 2006 by President Bush. Online poker players hope that the new administration will amend the law to make the activity legal. Fortunately, online poker is legal in many other countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Though there are only a few US-accepted poker sites, this is unlikely to change in the near future. While a number of offshore poker sites gained popularity after Black Friday, there are still a few legal options for US players. Online poker is regulated in only a few states, including Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In the coming years, more states will join the multi-state network that is already in place. So, for now, the United States remains a great place to play poker.
As with any other industry, online poker is not yet legal in every state, but Nevada is one of the few US states to have signed a comprehensive agreement allowing online poker. However, this deal was signed before the DOJ’s Wire Act created a precarious situation and has caused states to be wary of the industry. If the deal is struck, Nevada will likely be the first state to take advantage of this newfound freedom.
Live poker and online poker are similar in many ways, although the former is significantly faster. The main difference between these two formats is the amount of hands dealt each hour. While live poker is more fun, online poker tables can deal with more hands in less time, particularly when playing shorthanded. Online poker also allows you to play multiple tables, so you can play as many hands as you’d like. It’s definitely worth a try if you’re a poker player who’s looking to make the switch.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board issues licenses to licensed poker sites in order to prevent illegal operators. These sites have stringent standards, including security for player privacy and money protection. Unlike some unregulated offshore operators, Nevada licensed sites are closely monitored by the regulator, so you’re guaranteed that your privacy and personal information will remain protected. If you’re not satisfied with the service provided by an online poker site, you can always file a complaint with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.