The popularity of online poker rose dramatically in the early 2000s, when a young player won the World Series of Poker Main Event by entering the tournament through an online satellite. As the story of Moneymaker’s triumph spread on television, poker became a national obsession. Millions of Americans dreamed of becoming the next Chris Moneymaker. It became ubiquitous in the media, with live games complemented by hole-card cameras. Even the commercial breaks featured spots for offshore online poker sites.
Live games tend to play looser than online games, so the player pool is less varied. While live games can sometimes be boring and time-consuming, online games are often easier to beat. Players often put their money into the pot, regardless of the hole cards they hold. Another advantage of playing online is the increased speed of the game. Online poker tables can deal sixty or more hands per hour compared to live games. It is possible to play multiple tables at once, which increases the number of hands dealt per hour.
Before you start playing, you’ll need to download poker software. The software is usually virus-free. Next, you’ll need to sign up for an account. Only one account can be created at a time, as multiple accounts are illegal and can lead to a permanent ban from a poker site. In addition, you should be careful when creating an account – never create several accounts. If you do, you may end up losing your money if you do.
The online poker scene in the U.S. is not flourishing as it was before the infamous Black Friday. However, there are some positive signs. New legislation is taking place in various states. Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have all legalized online poker. However, there is still much uncertainty in the future as there is still no definite rule on online gambling in the United States. That said, it remains legal in many other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
The DOJ is currently reviewing its 2018 opinion on online poker. If the new DOJ imposes the opinion, it will likely limit the growth of the online poker industry in US states. The new administration seems less interested in pursuing this matter. The MSIGA is currently the only multi-state online poker compact in the US. And that isn’t all. Despite the DOJ’s concerns, a new law may make the US poker industry more attractive to online players.
Despite the fact that there are numerous online poker sites that accept US players, it is important not to sign up with the first one you see. Not all of them are worth your time. Some should be avoided at all costs. A comprehensive list of online poker sites is available on PokerListings.com. And, there are several bonuses for players. But don’t rush into signing up with the first poker site that you find. If you’re not sure which site to choose, sign up with a good poker training site.
