Legalizing online poker has been a long and bumpy road. Despite the recent setback in the legality of online poker, the trend has steadily increased since. States such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Nevada have legalized the practice and online poker sites are now available in all of these states. Meanwhile, new sites are being developed in other states that plan to make poker accessible to people living outside these states. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of online poker.
First, you should download poker software. While poker software does require some computer memory, it’s not so big a deal on slow connections. You can also play poker games without downloading software from a poker site. However, keep in mind that a poker site’s no-download version of its software does not have as many features as the full download version. Hence, you should stick to low-stakes games for the time being until you can upgrade.
Fortunately, the new administration is open to anti-online poker arguments. Several members of the US Congress have even asked the DOJ to act. Meanwhile, several states are looking into legalizing online gambling. Ultimately, it is up to the states to decide whether to make it legal in their jurisdiction. If it does, it should be noted that the new York bill may be passed as it stands, although there’s no guarantee that it will pass.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Nevada have already approved online poker and casino legislation. New Jersey and Delaware joined the group in November. BetMGM and New Jersey expect to go live in January 2021. WSOP/888 US currently boasts a massive online poker player base across all the states that have legalized the sport. The two sites share traffic and are the biggest US online poker sites. If you’re planning on playing poker in the US, be sure to check out the legalities first.
When choosing an online poker room, make sure to look for a site with a high traffic volume. More players mean more fish at the tables. That’s good news for your bankroll and for your enjoyment. And the more people playing poker, the better the odds for a win. It’s important to sign up with a site that suits your playing style. There are many sites out there, but not all of them offer the same features.
In 2006, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting. This opened the door for states to regulate online poker. After the victory of Chris Moneymaker in the 2003 World Series of Poker, the unregulated market for online poker flourished. However, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) forced many sites out of the U.S. market, but some sites, like PokerStars, remained open to U.S. players.
As the trend continues, the legality of online poker is a hot topic. More states are regulating the industry, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Despite these hurdles, more states are considering legalizing online poker. So, you should be careful and take all necessary precautions to ensure that your gaming activities remain legal in your state. After all, the legality of online poker is a good thing for everyone. So play poker legally!