Online poker has been a controversial subject in the US since the late nineties. The biggest blow came when online poker was illegal in the state of Delaware. But that didn’t stop any states from legalizing it. Today, four states – Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware – have legalized online poker. Two others – Michigan and West Virginia – are currently in the process of legalizing online poker. And despite the recent setbacks, there are many advantages to playing online poker.
First of all, online poker sites have lower limits than brick and mortar casinos. This is because the marginal cost of opening an online poker table is so low. As a result, some gambling sites offer limits as low as $.01 or $.02 compared to $1 or $2 in brick and mortar casinos. However, this doesn’t mean that playing online is completely unaffordable – there are hundreds of alternatives. And if you have doubts, you can always play live poker instead of playing for a low limit.
The best place to play online poker is on one of the larger online poker sites. These sites tend to have the best poker players. But the games are harder and less lucrative for beginners. Nevertheless, larger sites have the highest traffic numbers and most connected players. That makes them the most popular. But be careful, because you don’t want to get scammed! So, make sure to choose the poker site that suits your level of skill and experience.
Although many states have legalized online poker, some have not yet followed suit. Since the Supreme Court ruled that online gambling is legal, many have passed laws to regulate it. Nevada was the first state to legitimize online poker. The Nevada Gaming Commission began drafting regulations in December 2011, a month after the DOJ’s decision. However, these changes haven’t stopped online poker from becoming a legal industry in the US. But what about those states who haven’t regulated it?
Many online poker sites offer reload bonuses, wherein you can deposit money to play. These bonuses usually have the same terms as a first-time bonus, but they’re much bigger. Many players move from site to site collecting these bonuses. This practice is known as bonus hunting, and it can significantly increase your profit per hour of play. When you can find a site with bonuses that will give you the most money, bonus hunting is a lucrative choice for any online poker player.
Most sites have a beginners’ section of their poker lobby, where only newcomers can play. Beginners should stick to these tables, since they’re free of better players looking to take advantage of them. And they’ll have much more fun while learning the ropes. So if you’re new to the game of online poker, be sure to learn as much as you can about the software and the game before you join the big leagues.
If you’re new to online poker, you should play under an anonymous username, so that your opponents can’t track you down. Playing under an anonymous username will also protect you from shark-infested waters. You can also play without an identity. This way, others won’t use HUDs to spy on you. You can win more than once without having to make many friends. And if you’re a new player, this is an excellent way to get the feel of the game and find the best poker rooms.