There are many ways to play online poker, including free games and low stakes, satellite entries to live tournaments, and more. The best way to learn the game is to practice at low stakes and play in forums that are free. After all, the only way to improve is to play for fun. This guide outlines some tips for a successful online poker career. Continue reading for more tips. Listed below are just a few:
Regulatory hurdles. Currently, there is no centralized regulatory system for online poker and Internet gaming in the US. But, four states have passed laws legalizing online poker. Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have all legalized the activity, but will not accept license applications from PokerStars after 2006. And despite the lack of federal regulation, a number of offshore operators continue to accept US players. There is still a long way to go until all US states allow online poker.
Online poker regulation. The lack of regulation means that a few offshore sites remain available to US players. Despite the recent crackdown, these sites remain popular. Currently, only a handful of states regulate online poker, including Nevada and Delaware. Other states, including the UK and India, are in various stages of regulating the market. Regulatory barriers in these countries are likely to continue to hamper growth in online poker. And, the Internet-based poker industry has no shortage of critics.
Legitimacy. Although poker sites are obligated to maintain integrity, they do have financial incentives to ensure that games are fair. PokerStars, for example, made $877 million from poker in 2017, a 4% increase from 2016. So, if you’re wondering if online poker is rigged, remember that there are many different ways to cheat in online poker. If you suspect your online poker site has rigged games, it’s best to withdraw all of your money and stop playing there. Superusers and bots are also issues.
Kentucky is one of the states most likely to legalize online poker. However, it has a lawsuit against PokerStars that dates back to 2008. The lawsuit stems from a seizure of 140 online gaming domains in 2008. The state’s attorney general led the charge against online gaming and has aggressively sued PokerStars for offering online poker to Kentuckians. This lawsuit is ongoing and if it does not end soon, it will continue to pose a legal hurdle for online poker in Kentucky.
Fortunately, Nevada has taken the first step towards legalizing online poker. In February 2013, the Nevada Gaming Commission approved legislation that legalized the industry. The Nevada Gaming Commission began drafting regulations just one month after the DOJ’s ruling. It will take a few more states to follow suit. As with any new laws, the online poker industry in the US is still in its infancy. You may even be able to enjoy poker in Nevada even if you live in another state.