There are many pros and cons to online poker. However, you should avoid these pitfalls if you want to have the most rewarding online poker experience. Here are a few things to look for:
Legality – So far, Nevada is the only state that offers legal online poker, but more will follow. Delaware went live in Nov. 2013, followed by New Jersey in January 2021. Currently, WSOP/888 US is the top US online poker site in terms of traffic. Its popularity in the US is unmatched by any other site. While it is illegal in most other states, online poker is legal in six of them. Therefore, you may find a variety of online poker websites in your area.
Speed – The speed of play in online poker is faster than in live games. This may be the primary reason why some players prefer playing online. If you are playing with multiple people, online poker tables can deal up to 60 hands per hour. This is particularly advantageous in short-handed games. Additionally, online tables are also equipped to handle multiple tables at once. The speed at which online poker tables deal hands is much higher than in live games. The speed at which poker games are played online also makes the game more enjoyable for players.
Legality – The United States is a federally regulated country, but it does not regulate online poker. While there are some states that have legalized online poker, Nevada is the only state that has a stipulation that prohibits the establishment of poker websites. Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will not accept license applications from PokerStars after June 2006.
UIGEA – In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act made it illegal for banks to process payments for online gambling sites. This law was ambiguous and did not explicitly ban poker, but it did affect some online poker sites. PokerStars and Full Tilt stayed in the U.S., but the Department of Justice seized their domain names and indicted key people on charges of money laundering and bank fraud.
Illinois – Legalizing online poker in Illinois could improve its current legal situation. While the Illinois Internet Gaming Bill (SB229) does not include online poker, it will be included in the online casino legislation. Illinois is considering the legalization of online poker, but the bill was not passed during the most recent legislative session. In the meantime, the Illinois online poker industry will remain unregulated. Despite these legal issues, Illinois online poker will remain illegal for the foreseeable future.