While poker was long played in the back rooms of casinos and bars, the internet helped bring the game to the forefront. While online poker started out as a recreational activity, in the early 2000s it went from chat rooms to a full-fledged business. As technology improved, online poker sites could securely hold players’ cash and allow them to wager against other players. Today, nearly every major online poker website offers legal poker games. But not all online poker sites are equal.
To begin playing poker, you must first download the poker software. The poker software is small enough to take up a minimal amount of memory, and it shouldn’t take very long to download, even on a slow connection. While online poker sites offer free no-download versions of their software, they aren’t as feature-rich as a full-download version. If you’re unsure, try a free no-download poker game first before moving up to the next level.
There are hundreds of websites offering free and low-stakes online. These sites can also act as satellite entries for live poker tournaments. Another plus to playing poker online is that the games are available on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones and tablets. There’s no need to travel to an actual poker club to join a tournament if you’re playing from your home computer. Moreover, many poker websites offer a mobile version that lets you play poker even on a mobile device.
Ignition Poker offers the best real money poker software for US players and a range of other jurisdictions. They have the largest US network in terms of traffic, and a healthy blend of professional and recreational players. The bonuses and promotions are generous, and they accept Bitcoin as a form of deposit and withdrawal. Additionally, they don’t charge a deposit fee, making them a great option for those on the go. If you want to play poker while on the go, Ignition’s mobile site makes it a breeze.
While most states allow players to play real money online, not all states allow it. Federal law prevents moving funds for gambling over state lines. To avoid this, operators must ensure that players are in the same state as they are when making payments. In the US, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have legalized online poker sites. However, West Virginia has passed legislation that has yet to be implemented. As the internet grows in popularity, more states will eventually be joining the fray.
Online poker in the US is a highly regulated industry. Despite the numerous laws surrounding the game, state-regulated online poker sites are not subject to the same restrictions as the UK, France, and Italy. Many operators report that the increased traffic is attributable to the fact that the gambling industry has experienced a major downturn in the live gaming industry. In addition to the slowdown in live gaming, many people turned to online poker as a safe and convenient alternative.