Online poker is a fun, fast-paced game that rewards actual skill rather than chance. Players can play at any time, for any stakes, from the comfort of their home or office.
Most reliable and trusted online poker sites are licensed and regulated by state regulators. This ensures your information and funds are protected from outside influences.
Legality
The legality of online poker is currently in a state of flux. A few states have recently passed legislation to legalize and regulate the game, but others are still in the early stages of developing it.
New Jersey launched iGaming in 2013, followed by Nevada and Delaware in 2014. These three states formed the first multi-state iPoker network, a pact called the Multi State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA).
This is a big deal, because it means that players can play real money poker at sites in their own state, rather than playing at offshore sites. This is a win-win for all involved, as it keeps the industry safe from the dangers of illegal offshore operators. In addition, it ensures that the game is regulated and secure.
Sites to play at
The best poker sites have a high-traffic player base, multiple poker rooms, and a large variety of games. They also offer a great selection of bonuses and rewards for players.
Rakeback – Poker sites make money by taking a percentage of every pot called “rake.” The best poker sites will return a portion of that rake to their players as a reward for playing there.
Bonuses – Some poker sites offer first-time deposit bonuses and reload bonuses to new and existing players. These bonuses are a good way to test the waters of a new site and see if you enjoy it before you play for real money.
When choosing a site, check for a valid gambling license and ensure that the site has a secure SSL encryption to protect your personal information. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews and forums to see what others have experienced.
Signing up
If you’re new to online poker, it can seem like a daunting process. But don’t be discouraged, it’s easy to sign up for an account and start playing real money games in no time.
The first step is to download the poker client software from your chosen site. This allows you to play in a more stable environment than if you were using a web browser.
Once you have downloaded the software, you’ll need to open a new account. The poker room will send you an email with instructions on how to do this. You may also need to click a verification link or enter a code to verify your account. It’s important to follow these steps so that you don’t lose any money and your account is secure.
Depositing money
There are several ways to deposit money into your poker account, from direct bank transfers to e-wallets. It’s important to choose a poker site that offers good banking options and has reliable software and security.
Using a credit or debit card is one of the most popular and safest ways to deposit and withdraw. Most major cards are accepted by online poker sites and they can be deposited almost instantly.
Depending on the card you use and your bank, you may be charged a fee for each transaction. Check the poker site’s cashier page for details of any extra fees you might incur.
Withdrawing money
Depending on the poker site you play at, there are several different withdrawal options. These include bank wires, cheques, cash transfer, and eWallets like PayPal.
The withdrawal process is usually a matter of waiting for the site to approve your request. Typically, it takes between 2 and 5 business days to receive your money.
Some poker sites allow players to withdraw via Bitcoin, which is a secure and instant method of payment. SWCPoker, Intertops, Poker Host, Ignition and BetOnline offer this option.
Some online poker rooms also offer a debit card option, which is useful for larger withdrawals. It works much the same way as an ATM card, meaning you can take your winnings to a store and withdraw it without having to go through the hassle of cashing a check.