Online poker is the game of choice for many players. It’s a fun, intellectual game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. Players can play for a wide range of stakes from home or on the go.
Getting started in online poker can be intimidating. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an online poker site.
Legality
Online poker has had a roller coaster ride since the first hands were dealt in the late 90s. Its biggest setback came when Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006. The law made it illegal for banks to process transactions for unlawful gambling sites, which effectively shut down most major US operators.
Fortunately, the legal landscape has since improved. A court decision clarified that the 1961 Wire Act, which prohibits certain types of betting over phone lines, only applies to sports betting, not to poker or other games that are based on skill rather than chance.
This has prompted states to regulate and license poker sites. As of this writing, online poker is available in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. More states are expected to join them soon. This is a huge change from where the industry was only a few years ago. Previously, only a handful of state-regulated sites existed.
Games offered
A reputable online poker site will offer a variety of games. It should also provide the latest security measures. This will protect players’ financial information and prevent fraud and money laundering. Some poker sites even offer rakeback to loyal customers.
Besides offering a variety of poker games, a good online poker site should allow players to deposit and withdraw using a number of options. E-wallets like Neteller and Skrill make it easy to deposit, while bank transfers through online banking can be an option as well.
The best US online poker sites offer a great variety of games and promotions for new players. For example, America’s Cardroom (ACR) offers a comprehensive selection of cash games with a range of stakes. It also offers unique game features, including CAP games, short buy-in games, and bomb pots. It’s also associated with top-rated poker pros, making it a trustworthy platform. Moreover, it offers a generous welcome bonus and gold chip program.
Depositing money
Online poker rooms typically allow players to deposit and withdraw using a variety of banking methods. Some of these options are instant while others may take a few days to process. It is recommended that players review the available banking methods before making a deposit so that they can choose a method that works best for them.
Credit cards are a popular deposit option for poker sites because they are fast and convenient. However, some players are not comfortable revealing their card details directly to poker site deposit processors. In these cases, an e-wallet is an excellent alternative.
Several of the top poker sites offer prepaid debit cards for deposits. These cards can be purchased at local grocery stores or Wal-Mart and loaded in increments above the poker site’s minimum deposit amount. The player then provides the poker site with a MoneyGram or Western Union receipt which is credited to their account in less than an hour.
Tracking your results
Keeping track of your results is an important part of online poker success. This way you can see if your strategy is working or not and make changes accordingly. However, it is not enough to simply keep track of your wins and losses; you also need to look at the specifics of each session you play.
Most online poker sites allow players to use a variety of poker tracking tools. One of the best examples is PokerTracker 4, which offers a variety of features including an extensive leak tracker and customizable HUD. Another option is Holdem Manager, which has a wide range of tools to optimize your game.
In addition to tracking your results, you should practice bankroll management. This includes tracking your losses and wins at each session, as well as identifying the limits that are money pits for you. By doing this, you will be able to avoid costly mistakes in the future.