Online poker has been around for a while now. The first incarnations of online poker appeared in the late 1990s, and Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 victory in the World Series of Poker made the game more popular. However, it wasn’t until the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed that the industry began to wane. As a result, many online poker sites decided to exit the United States market. Some were forced to move offshore, but others like PokerStars, remained accessible to U.S. players for several years.
When looking for a new poker site, it’s important to take into account the state in which you live. Several states have legalized online poker, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition, several offshore sites are located outside of the U.S. and haven’t been subject to the same regulations. This makes it an ideal option for players who wish to play for real money.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up and deposit some money into your account. It’s also a good idea to check out the terms and conditions for any bonuses you’re eligible for. Most offer a variety of promotions to get you started. Many times, you’ll need to meet a minimum bet or play a certain number of hands to unlock the rewards. If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider free poker sites.
Fortunately, most of the top sites offer a wide range of rewards for newcomers. A few of the best include the Honeymoon for Newcomers promotion from GGPoker, which gives you up to $350 in free chips to use for playing real money games. Other bonuses are available from sites like Borgata, MGM Resorts International and Bovada.
Another nifty feature is the Quick Seat option, which takes you to a table when it’s ready. Not only does this save you time, but it also offers you the chance to try a variety of games while you’re there. You can even play an Omaha Hi/Lo cash game and a hold’em tournament at the same time.
For those looking to make a real money bet, a large player pool is the best way to go. This allows you to have more chances to win against softer opponents. With a bigger pool, you can also find more games that are appropriate for your skill level.
Online poker is a great way to get the thrill of the game, and it can help you improve your skills. However, it isn’t for everyone. Beginners and casual players aren’t likely to want to commit a lot of time or money to the game. Using a username and a quick seat is a good way to get started, but it’s a bad idea to jump into and out of games too quickly. Likewise, using a large number of different payment methods is a good way to ensure your payments are secure.
The best part about online poker is that you can play a game in a matter of minutes. If you’re short on time, you can log on and play a full game for the price of a coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts. Those who are more experienced can challenge themselves with high stakes games.