The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major contributing factor to the huge increase in traffic to online poker. The virus has forced most live gaming venues worldwide to shut down permanently, with many unlicensed establishments forced to close as well. The sudden lack of live entertainment options has resulted in a huge spike in online poker traffic as casual players have turned to the internet to pass the time. Operators reported double-digit growth in traffic during the epidemic.
State laws are very specific when it comes to online poker. Operators must only operate within their own state, as interstate operations are illegal. Fortunately, an ecosystem of software developers has developed to help online poker sites meet application-specific requirements. These range from age verification to identity verification and financial services to geolocation and responsible gambling advocacy. If you’re looking for a reliable online poker experience, make sure the software is compatible with your computer and the operating system you’re using.
The primary lobbying organization for online poker in the United States is the Poker Alliance. Formed in response to threats to ban online poker in the US, this non-profit organization has grown to over 1 million members. Since its formation, the Alliance’s efforts have shifted to meet the changing needs of the industry. The Poker Alliance also maintains an online poker community in the US that has a great deal of social and economic value. Despite these benefits, US online poker sites are still far from becoming mainstream, but they are still the preferred option for many poker players.
Although there are a few US states that have legalized online poker, others are likely to follow suit. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already made it legal for players to play poker online. The revenue results from these states are significant. This means that more states will join the multi-state network to provide legal online poker. In the meantime, players in those states will be able to access more poker options than those in other states. If legal online poker becomes a nationwide industry, it will only get bigger.
The first step to becoming a professional at online poker is to decide if you want to be a recreational player or a semi-professional. While recreational poker players can easily find an online poker site in the US, professional and semi-professional players require more buy-in options, higher limits, and higher stakes. As you progress, it’s essential to decide whether or not you want to pursue a career in online poker or incorporate live poker. Although some challenges remain universal, some of them are specific to each type of player, such as figuring out how to manage your bankroll, how to start playing higher stakes, and whether to find backing for your game.
Before signing up for any online poker site, make sure it is licensed in the US. While many states have legalized online poker, some are making the game illegal. It is best to stick to regulated US poker sites if you are a US player. While some offshore sites may be a bit riskier, they are just as safe. If you have any doubts about whether or not an online poker site is regulated, check with your local gambling authority to make sure it’s safe for you.
Online poker in the US is legal in six states. Delaware was the first to legalize it, and while Delaware is still operating online, the player pool is quite small. West Virginia is the latest state to approve online poker. WV issued the first gaming licenses to online poker operators in 2019 and the first WV poker sites are about to launch. While the Delaware gambling industry continues to be highly regulated, it’s still a small niche market.
Legalizing online poker in West Virginia may take a while, as the state has a small population. There could be challenges launching a legal online poker room, and it may end up being hampered by litigation pertaining to the federal Wire Act. In the meantime, there’s Global Poker, which utilizes a sweepstakes model that is available in all states. The popularity of online poker is growing and there are many apps available to players who wish to play for real money.