Online Poker in the US
Online poker has become a hugely popular game throughout the world. It can be played with a variety of options, including cryptocurrencies, real money and sweepstakes. Most online sites also provide rakeback, or free money, in return for a player’s contribution. In addition, the games are often played more quickly than live versions.
Before the Internet age, players had to travel to Las Vegas or other areas in order to play. Now, however, players can connect to online sites from anywhere. While there are still no regulated online poker markets in the US, several states have passed legislation, including California and Pennsylvania.
The first states to legalize online poker were Nevada and Delaware. Both states kept the interstate compact, meaning the player pools of these two states would be combined. This allowed for more players to be enrolled in the overall player pool. That in turn led to bigger tournaments. However, the laws only applied to people who lived in the state.
In 2013, the first poker sites started going live. These sites had to be licensed by the state. Those who wanted to play online needed to have a valid credit card. Once a site was live, it took a few years to gain membership in the MSIGA (Multi-state Internet Gaming Agreement).
Eventually, the MSIGA signed a compact with California and New Jersey. Michigan joined the compact in April 2022. Until then, there were no multi-state agreements.
As more and more states legalized the sport, players began to move away from the crowded live market and toward the online arena. Several top players were known to be both live and online pros. But the contrast between the two was often stark. Even some online players complained about the etiquette of the game.
PokerStars, a global brand, has several locations in the US. In addition to hosting large tournament series, the company has a presence in each of the three states that have regulated online poker. For example, PA and NJ will be the sites for two of the network’s series this year.
The poker sites on this list have a wide variety of games and tournaments, as well as high traffic. When choosing a site, you should look for a trustworthy operator with a fun and reliable environment. You should also be sure to read reviews and check the software. Make sure the site is easy to use and mobile-friendly. Lastly, make sure the site has a third-party security firm.
The US multi-state online poker landscape is an exciting one. However, the future is uncertain. After all, the DOJ’s attempt to apply the Wire Act to online poker was a major setback. Although the court decision in favor of the state’s rights helped put the issue to rest, there are questions still unanswered. One major question is whether or not the individual states can sign player sharing agreements with other countries. A possible answer to this would require more legislation.