Online poker is a fun, fast-paced intellectual game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. It’s easy to play, from any computer or device with internet access, and at a variety of stakes.
Regulated online poker came back to the US in 2013, with states passing legislation and licensing operators. However, until recently it was a state-by-state affair.
Legality
Online poker is legal in the US in states that regulate it. Players in these states enjoy safe, secure gambling experiences with strict regulation and player safety. However, if you play at unregulated sites, you could lose your money.
A number of states have legalized online poker since 2013, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. In 2022, West Virginia joined the mix with a state-level gaming bill. The state will likely join a multistate poker compact, which allows operators to combine their player pools and maximize revenue.
Legislative efforts to introduce online poker in California have been underway for years, but they have yet to succeed. Many of these attempts have piggybacked off of sports betting, which is already regulated in the state. It is important to note that the Federal Wire Act does not apply to sports betting and that legislators tend to treat games of skill more favorably than games of chance. This is a key factor that will determine whether or not online poker is successful in the state.
Games offered
Many online poker sites offer a wide range of games for players to choose from. These include cash games and tournaments. Some of these games are free to play, while others require a minimum buy-in. Some of these sites also feature a variety of bonuses and promotions. Many of these bonuses come in the form of free cash, matched bonus offers and loyalty schemes. However, be sure to read the fine print before accepting any bonus.
The pace of online poker is much faster than in live games, making it an excellent choice for people who find the pace of a live game too tedious. Moreover, it allows users to play a lot more hands per hour than they can at a live table.
Another common feature of online poker is rakeback, which redistributes a portion of the rake that an online casino takes from each real money pot to loyal players. This is an important part of online poker, and it helps ensure that the game is fair for everyone.
Deposit options
Many online poker sites offer players a variety of deposit options. These may include credit cards, pre-paid debit cards or eWallets. Some of these payment methods are free while others require a small fee to process. These fees will be displayed when a player logs in to the cashier. Some of these deposit options are only available at certain online poker rooms or in specific countries.
Some players prefer not to disclose their credit card details directly to poker site deposit processors. In this case, an eWallet is an ideal choice. These digital wallets allow players to load funds for online gambling and keep their personal banking information safe. Some popular eWallets include Click2Pay, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill. They also have high transfer limits and are a convenient option for players who like to play on multiple poker sites. Players can also make deposits using a bank wire, which eliminates the risk of rejected transactions.
Customer service
Whether you’re depositing money, asking questions about bonus offers or looking for final table deals at tournaments, customer service is an important aspect of online poker. While it may not be the most obvious factor in choosing a poker site, it’s one of the most important. Great customer support can quickly transform new players into loyal customers.
Typically, online poker sites have multiple methods of customer support, including e-mail, call centers and live chat. It’s recommended to contact a poker site by phone when possible, as the response time is generally faster and more personal than email.
Some poker websites also provide tutorials, hand analyses and forums for players to improve their game. In addition, many offer rewards programs that help players earn free chips and cash. Some sites also offer tournament points, which allow players to buy into larger prize tournaments with higher prizes. However, be aware that some of these bonuses require promo codes in order to unlock them.