Online poker is a card game played over the Internet. It became popular after an amateur named Chris Moneymaker qualified for the World Series of Poker Main Event through a $40 tournament online.
Players can enjoy an extensive range of exciting tournaments and cash games against opponents of different skill levels at premier online poker sites. In addition, many of these operators offer generous sign-up bonuses.
Legality
Online poker has enjoyed a relatively smooth ride in the United States, thanks to state laws that make it legal. These laws are strict and require that operators adhere to rules for operations being kept within state boundaries, as well as to avoid interstate gambling operations prohibited by federal law. These laws also demand that operators offer responsible gaming features.
The halcyon days of the industry were short-lived, however, after Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This legislation went after the money flow that powered online poker, making it illegal to process payments related to online gambling. This drove many companies from the market, although several stayed operational.
Today, only New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware operate regulated online poker sites. Pennsylvania and Michigan are currently working towards legalization, but neither has launched yet. Those three states will likely join the existing traffic-sharing agreement once they launch, which will expand the overall player pool.
Game rules
Online poker offers a great way for players to learn the game without risking real money. The rules are similar to those of live poker, and all you need is a laptop or computer with a good internet connection to play. The game is also convenient and can be played anytime, anywhere.
Online players cannot read physical ’tells’ from their opponents, so they must pay attention to betting patterns. This makes it easy to spot a fish, and players can adjust their strategy accordingly. However, it is important to note that online poker is not a social game and can be lonely.
Unlike live games, players don’t receive congratulatory high-fives or fist bumps when they win. In addition, you can’t hear the trash-talking banter that often takes place in live games. In fact, many players find it difficult to get used to this aspect of the game. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent game to try for beginners and experts alike.
Depositing money
If you are a serious real money player then depositing is a very important part of your online poker experience. You will want to choose a site that accepts your preferred banking method and offers low or no fees for deposits and withdrawals. All reputable sites will list their banking options clearly somewhere in their virtual pages. This may be on a deposit/withdrawal page, a help or FAQ page or even on the home page.
Credit cards are by far the most popular method of depositing money into an online poker account. This is especially true for Visa and MasterCard. However, there are many other methods available. For example, online payment services like Neteller, Skrill and PayPal are a great choice for poker players since they provide a secure environment for poker transactions and often have high transfer limits. Another option is Bitcoin, which provides fast transfers and near-instant liquidity. You can buy Bitcoin on a currency exchange market using traditional real money and then deposit it at an online poker site.
Withdrawing money
When you win money at an online poker site, it is important to remember that you will eventually have to withdraw it. This is a process that must be done with just as much care as depositing money. It is essential to choose a reputable poker website and to verify your identity with proper documentation before making any withdrawals.
Withdrawal times vary depending on the banking method used and your location. However, e-wallet sites like Neteller and Skrill usually have the fastest withdrawals, with funds credited to player accounts in real time. For credit cards, expect it to take 2-4 business days.
Almost all poker sites accept VISA as a payment option, although American Express is not as popular. Players should make sure that the site they are playing on offers all of their preferred withdrawal methods. Most sites will list the available options somewhere in their virtual pages, often via a help or FAQ page.