The Internet has brought the world of poker into the twenty-first century. The US Senate recognized this trend and proposed the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act in 2006. This bill, however, was unsuccessful and new online poker sites were launched throughout the world. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2011 that sports betting is illegal under the Federal Wire Act, but the DOJ, citing the same law, disagreed. The DOJ continued to claim that online poker is illegal and that US residents had no right to play.
Legality
Despite its popularity, online poker is still not allowed in all states. This is due to the misinterpretation of the laws governing gambling. If you want to play online poker, you should consult your state’s laws before you play. These laws can vary greatly depending on your location, but most states allow internet gambling. It is important to check with your state’s gambling office to learn more about the legality of online poker before you play.
Benefits
One of the most obvious advantages of online poker is the convenience it provides. Unlike land-based casinos, you can join a game at any time of the day. You can play for small stakes and not have to worry about high fees or time zone differences. Most online poker sites also have freeroll tournaments, which make it possible to take advantage of players who are weaker than you. There are many benefits to online poker and you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Compatibility
If you’re a Mac user, you’ll want to look for poker sites that support this operating system. While Apple products are created by the same company, Macs and iPhones use different operating systems. That said, there are some websites that support both Mac and iOS. You may be surprised to learn that you can actually play poker on a Mac! Here are some helpful tips to help you choose the right online poker site for your operating system.
Regulation
Despite the fact that many jurisdictions have strict rules on online poker, the industry is still thriving. For example, sites are not legally required to accept a specific currency, and players are not required to pay interest on their bankrolls. Moreover, many jurisdictions are trying to regulate the industry. Listed below are the main reasons why the industry is so popular. However, before we get into the specifics, let’s take a look at some of the main problems faced by players.
UIGEA
PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker remained in business even after the UIGEA was passed, gaining thousands of new customers from those sites that departed the US market. The two companies also had to find new ways to process payments, and many of them turned to electronic wallets and foreign banks. This also led to many criminal charges, and the situation became known as “Black Friday.”
Offshore sites
Offshore poker sites offer players a variety of games that are available to play on desktop, mobile devices, and in tournaments. While most offshore sites do not have mobile apps for US players, they do offer a variety of deposit methods, including credit cards and eWallets. Players can access offshore poker sites on mobile devices with apps or mobile websites, and most offer mobile poker as well. Here are some of the top sites to check out: