Until recently, the legality of online poker was unclear. In fact, three of the largest online poker sites, Full Tilt, PokerStars and Absolute Poker, were shut down by federal authorities. However, the game was legal in several other countries. In fact, online poker could be the next big thing in the gambling world.
The good news is that you can play real money poker on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. And since most of these sites offer tracking, it’s not hard to find out how well you’re doing at any given moment. The bad news is that not all states have made real money poker legal.
In order to play, you’ll need to sign up for an account. You’ll need to give your name, date of birth, and address, and most sites will require you to provide some proof of your identity, such as a utility bill or other documentation. Generally, you’ll get a matching bonus of some kind, usually up to $100. In the past, you’d have to wait a few weeks to make a withdrawal, but it’s now quicker than ever. You can opt for a wire transfer or a cheque.
Using your own cash is the easiest way to play, but if you don’t have it, there are also a number of credit card options. Most online poker sites offer signup bonuses, from instant free $10 to massive $1,000 bonuses. The key is to shop around for the best deal.
The internet has democratized online poker, and you can now find a wide selection of third-party sites offering special perks. The biggest downside is that some of these sites expose you to fraudsters. But the good news is that these online poker websites are improving their anti-fraud measures. They check your computer’s IP address to see if you’re playing with multiple players from the same location.
There are a number of books that can help you learn the basics of the game, but the best advice is to stick to strategy sites. A lot of online poker sites also offer free tutorials, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of the game, you’ll need to pay for a membership.
In the United States, the best sites to play are those operated by major poker companies such as Party Poker, WSOP and Borgata. There are also some smaller regional sites that are more fun to play at, and tend to have tighter communities. But the majority of these sites aren’t legally licensed, so you’ll probably be playing against strangers.
Aside from the legality of online poker, there are also many fun and interesting things you can do to improve your game. For example, you should use a PIN, or IP PIN, to protect your identity on the Web. You should also look into tracking your hand if you’re a casual player. You can learn how often you’re winning and losing, and how often you’re hitting a flop.