How to Play Online Poker
Online poker has many advantages over live poker. For starters, you can play at a faster pace. Live poker games can take several hours to play, while online games can deal up to sixty hands per hour, allowing you to play more hands per hour in short games. In addition, many online poker rooms offer multi-table play, which can allow you to deal as many as four hundred hands per hour. The drawback to playing live poker is that you can’t take part in as many big tournaments as you can find at online poker sites.
To play online poker, you must first download the software. This will require a small amount of memory and shouldn’t take long to download, even on the slowest connection. If you don’t want to download the software, there are many poker sites that have no download versions of their games. Just be aware that they may not provide you with the same features as the full download versions. Nevertheless, if you’re a new player, this option will ensure that you’re seated in a game in a short amount of time.
While online poker is legal in the United States, it is not completely legal. In fact, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) made it illegal for US banks to deal with online poker sites. While this action hurts the online gambling industry, some sites continued to accept US players until April 15, 2011.
Once you have established your poker account, the next step is to choose a poker operator. Luckily, there are dozens of online poker operators available in states that have legalized online poker. Choosing one should be based on your criteria and preferences. Once you’ve chosen an online poker operator, you must initiate the registration process. After this, you’ll need to enter your personal information and receive a user name and password. From there, you’re ready to play for real money.
When choosing a poker site, keep in mind that many of the major sites aren’t available in your country. Check to see if your favorite poker site is available in your area. Some sites are even regional and have tighter communities. If you’re not sure about playing poker online, consider playing at a smaller regional poker site. This way, you’ll get to play with a broader range of people and find a new social circle.
Sign-up bonuses can also help you get started. Most poker sites have sign-up bonuses, where they match your first deposit 100 percent up to a maximum amount. Sign-up bonuses can vary widely, ranging from an instant free $10 to a massive $1,000 bonus. Other sites offer additional bonus options, such as special perks based on future deposits or loyalty schemes. To maximize your chances of winning, make sure to play as much as you can during the first few weeks.
There are a few legal ways to deposit funds into an online poker account in the US. You can use PayPal, PayNearMe, or third-party eWallets, and you can also deposit cash at some sites. PayNearMe is available at 7-Eleven stores and CVS. It’s important to understand your loyalty program before making a deposit because the difference between a good loyalty program and a bad one can make a big impact on your bottom line.