While there are a few legal options for US players, offshore sites continue to be the preferred choice of most players. While only a few states regulate online gambling, West Virginia and Michigan are expected to do so soon. The United States is not alone in its struggle with the online gambling industry. Countries in South America are also in the process of developing legislation and licensing regimes that will allow players to participate in legal online poker games. Until then, online poker is an unregulated activity, and is a potential source of taxation and regulation.
When playing online poker, the minimum computer requirements are very low. Generally, a PC from the early 2000s will have more than enough processing power. Alternatively, you can download real money poker apps for your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to play poker even on the go. These applications are designed to help beginners become familiar with the game. Regardless of your preferred platform, a few essential factors will help you get started with online poker.
At present, there are only 6 states that have legalized online poker. But that will likely change, and other states are considering allowing poker websites to operate. Pennsylvania and Michigan, for example, have already legalized online poker. And once they do, they’ll likely become the biggest players on the Internet. And if these states legalize online poker, you can bet that more will follow suit and join the growing online poker movement. The only way to know for sure is to try.
Playing poker online is not only convenient and enjoyable – it’s easy to learn how to play, and it rewards skill as much as money. And since it’s available 24 hours a day, you can play for any stake you’d like. The biggest drawback is the lack of face-to-face interaction. Although online poker can be thrilling, there are still a few caveats. So, before you play online, make sure you educate yourself on its rules and regulations.
Kentucky is one of the states that may legalize online poker. Despite the state’s history against online gaming, online poker is not yet a widespread industry in Kentucky. However, it has a long-running lawsuit against PokerStars. The lawsuit dates back to 2008, when the state seized 140 online gaming domains. Steve Beshear, the attorney general of Kentucky, is actively fighting to stop online gaming in the state. By October 1999, he became the face of Planet Poker.
Online poker tends to play faster than live poker, making it a better option for many players. For example, a live $1/$2 NL cash game is unlikely to be as tough as a $5/$10 NL game. Moreover, online poker games can be played at much lower stakes than live games, meaning you can play for pennies! When playing poker online, you can also play for higher stakes than in real life.