It used to be very easy to play online poker, and most states in the US allow it. However, this practice was outlawed in 2006 when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was signed into law. It is unclear how this law will be interpreted, but in general, it prohibits online gambling. Global Poker, for instance, uses a sweepstakes model to keep its players happy while offering legal poker in every US state.
To play online poker, players need to sign up at a poker site that is regulated and licensed. Sign-up bonuses are not immediate, and require players to play for a while on the site before they can withdraw them. Bonuses are based on a player’s frequent play, so the best way to earn points is to play as many hands as possible in the first couple of weeks. This way, you’ll have a chance to earn more bonuses over time.
Legal online poker sites require a person’s ID, address, and a back-up method of payment. A picture of their credit card is usually required, but it’s possible to black out the last four numbers. Know-your-customer laws help prevent underage gambling, and many poker sites have self-exclusion mechanisms that allow users to opt-out of a site. Online poker has come a long way since the Department of Justice chased away the global giants. Four states now permit online poker, which reflects the growing popularity of the game.
However, while five states have made online poker legal, there are many other states that don’t. Although Pennsylvania was the first to legalize online poker in November, it isn’t expected to join the list before 2020. Michigan and BetMGM are next in line. Currently, WSOP/888 US is the only poker site to share its players among the 3 legal online poker states. It is the number one US online poker site.
Despite the uncertainty of how the new law will affect Connecticut, the MSIGA between Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey is a precedent for future multi-state online poker agreements. With shared liquidity, it should be a great opportunity for new players in Connecticut to play online poker. Nevertheless, the state’s small population size will probably prevent any big operator from entering Connecticut. If online poker in CT is legal, it will be very popular.
Despite the growing popularity of online poker, it has never been rigged. Despite widespread rumors, the online poker industry has financial incentives to keep the games honest. In fact, the poker sites earned $877 million from online poker in 2017, an increase of 4% over the previous year. It’s safe to say that the poker sites are the real big winners, and are the sharks in the game. This is why the integrity of online poker is so important.