The thrill of playing poker online has become an extremely popular activity for a variety of people. With the ability to play against strangers, online poker is a fun and lucrative activity. In the past, poker was a game only seen in smoky bars, but with the development of technology, poker has moved online. Now, people from all over the world can compete against each other. Here are some advantages to playing online poker:
Loyalty programs – There are plenty of rewards to be had in an online poker loyalty program. Players earn loyalty points based on their volume of play and rake paid. These points can then be redeemed for real rewards such as cash or bonuses. Be sure to fully understand the terms and conditions of the loyalty scheme before you commit any funds. A good loyalty program can be the difference between a rewarding game and a terrible one.
Regulations – While online poker is not entirely legal in all states, there are some important guidelines that you should consider. Most US states have regulations regarding online poker. If your state does not regulate online poker, you shouldn’t play there. It’s illegal in most states. However, if you’re playing in a state that regulates poker, you’re safe and compliant. A site that has many visitors is the safest bet.
Legalization – Despite the recent scandals, there are still plenty of US-accepted online poker sites available. However, more offshore sites have been established since Black Friday. In addition, only a few states regulate the online poker industry. Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware have legalized online poker. The remaining states, including Delaware, are also working to legalize online poker. The future of US online poker may lie in the hands of the online poker community.
Anti-fraud measures – While online poker websites are improving their anti-fraud measures, the online gambling environment remains vulnerable to fraud. Because it’s easier to rig a game, collusion between players can be arranged through online poker websites. In some cases, IP addresses reveal multiple players from the same location. If a player is suspected of colluding, his or her account will be canceled and he or she will not be able to log in again.
The US UIGEA – The US Department of Justice seized the domains of several prominent online poker sites and sought to arrest their executives. The shutdown led to the closure of many of the world’s biggest online poker sites. PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker were the only two major operators to stay in the US market. PokerStars was the first to refund players in the USA. Others took months to process refunds, and have yet to return any funds to their players.