As you can see, the legality of online poker in the US is a controversial topic. The DOJ’s interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act effectively banned the practice until 2011. This law was recently reviewed by the Office of Legal Counsel at the urging of states like Illinois and New York. With each passing year, however, the prospect of a federal online gambling ban becomes less likely. In the meantime, there are some state-based online poker sites.
First, you need to download the poker software. It only requires a small amount of memory and shouldn’t take very long to download, even on archaic Internet connections. Once you have the poker software, you can start playing online. While there are no download poker games available at all online poker sites, you won’t have access to all their features. To avoid being bored or frustrated, play only the best hands and fold often. You can choose a poker room based on the rules and conditions.
The state you live in will have the greatest impact on the legality of online poker. Although it is legal to play poker online in the US, you may not be able to access major online sites. Therefore, it is important to look up the laws of your state before signing up for an account. If you can’t find a poker site in your state, consider joining smaller regional poker sites. These communities are typically tighter, which makes them more fun to play.
Playing poker online has many advantages over live poker. The player interface is easier to use, and the time to act is much faster than playing live. There is no need to wait for the dealer to deal the cards or to deal the betting chips. Additionally, you can play multiple games at one time. Furthermore, you can choose your own time and place, and the poker software will automatically update and store your current position in every game. This means you can win more money playing poker online than you would at a live casino.
In addition to Nevada and New Jersey, three other states have passed laws regulating online poker. In 2014, Delaware and Nevada signed a compact, and New Jersey joined the network in 2017. These states share player pools. The WSOP.com poker platform is available in all three states. Until recently, interstate compacts have been slow to become legal, but they are now underway. So, what are you waiting for? There are many reasons why you should play poker in your state!