If you’re new to online poker, you may be wondering how to get started. There are several reasons to play online, including lower costs and the fact that you don’t need a venue or hundreds of employees to run a successful business. Beginners can start by playing free online poker and then graduate to higher stakes when they have a better understanding of the rules. If you have a good understanding of the rules, online poker websites often have tournaments that cost far less than at a conventional casino. Some online poker tournament winners even earn entry into real-life poker tournaments.
After you’ve decided to try online poker, you should download the appropriate software to your computer. Most poker sites require a small amount of memory for the software, so even if you’re using an old-school connection, the download shouldn’t take long. If you don’t want to download the software, you can play a no-download version of the game, but it won’t have the full features of a downloaded poker game.
Delaware was the first state to legalize online poker, and players can now play at websites operated by Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway, and Delaware Park. These sites use 888poker software to manage their poker games. West Virginia has also legalized online poker and issued gaming licenses to several operators. The first WV poker sites will launch in the near future. There are still many legalities to overcome, but online poker is quickly becoming a mainstream game.
While the new legislation is not perfect, it does make online poker more accessible and safer. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to make it legal to play poker online in the US, but that decision didn’t come without some caveats. The DOJ can’t operate a poker site in Nevada. So, the online poker industry in the US has been dominated by New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. The three states agreed to share online poker liquidity.
When choosing an online poker site, you should look at its regulation. There are strict laws in place in the US and online poker operators are bound by them. Moreover, most of them pay substantial taxes on their revenue. The money they generate from the games goes to a good cause, like improving schools and social programs. Another major factor is the size of bonuses offered to players. US-regulated online poker sites are more reliable, and they often offer valuable promotions and reload bonuses to attract players from the US.
For newcomers, you should start at low stakes in online poker tournaments. In Ignition Poker, there’s a feature called Anonymous Tables. This feature helps you play anonymously, which protects you from shark-infested waters. Heads-Up Displays are also prohibited, so if you’re new to online poker, playing anonymously is recommended. You’ll enjoy a smoother mobile poker experience as well.