While many of us may not be familiar with online poker, it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of gambling online. It’s possible to play poker for free, for small stakes, or to qualify for satellite entries in live tournaments. The best part is that you can play poker on any device, including desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones. All you need is a computer and a web browser. Online poker has even become available on tablets.
Although most states still do not have comprehensive legislation governing online poker, Washington State is one of the few that has explicitly listed it as a form of illegal gambling. However, more states are reconsidering their laws regarding online gambling and are introducing legislation to address such issues. That means that online poker is legal in most states. But how can you find an online poker site that will not violate your state’s gambling laws? To help you navigate the maze of online poker sites, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you.
Once you’ve decided to play online poker, you’ll need to download a poker client onto your computer. Fortunately, the software is small enough to fit on a laptop or desktop PC and shouldn’t take much time, even on slow connections. You can also find no-download poker games at any poker site, though they won’t offer you the full benefits of the download version. This way, you can get the feel for the game without risking your finances.
Depending on your location, you’ll want to consider whether the online poker site accepts your currency. Some sites don’t accept credit cards at all, so you’ll need to open a virtual bank account with a bank that’s popular with consumers in your area. Most sites will give you a few different options for funding your account, so make sure to read up on them. When playing poker, you don’t want to be scammed. There’s nothing worse than losing money just to learn that it was a bad decision.
Playing online poker allows you to multi-table. This is great if you’re waiting for a pair of good cards, as it’s easy to do. In that case, you can open two tables next to each other, and concentrate on winning. This way, you can focus on your cards while waiting for a decent hand. You’ll also be able to watch your opponents’ betting patterns, and learn how to read beginners’ tells.
The problem with online poker, however, is that you can’t be sure of its legality. Many states have laws that prohibit online gambling, but there are some important differences between states. In the United States, online poker is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. A federal court ruled in 2011 that online gambling was a game of skill and chance. So it’s important to research the laws in your state and make sure you’re playing on a legal site.