Poker is a popular card game that involves betting against other players. Online poker sites allow players to bet real money and win cash prizes. It is possible to play poker online from anywhere with an internet connection, as long as the site is licensed and regulated in your jurisdiction. Regulated online poker sites follow strict rules to ensure that your account funds and personal information are secure. Be wary of unregulated poker sites that may operate without basic consumer safeguards or abide by anti-money laundering laws.
A few years ago, it seemed like the future of regulated online poker in the United States was bright. A number of states passed legislation and established licensing regimes, but it was a state-by-state affair. After New Jersey joined Delaware and Nevada in 2013 for a multi-state compact, it looked as though the federal government would soon follow suit and legalize interstate poker.
However, a series of events in 2011 put an abrupt end to the rosy outlook. The Obama Administration’s DOJ reinterpreted the Wire Act in an attempt to crack down on online gambling, which included poker. The result was a series of indictments against FullTilt Poker executives, payment processors and other individuals who were defrauding players out of hundreds of millions of dollars.
This was a devastating blow to the burgeoning industry, and while a few players were able to recoup some of their losses, the damage was done. The era of big-name poker websites was essentially over.
Since then, several states have passed legislation allowing for regulated poker sites to operate within their borders. While there have been a few high-profile legal battles between state regulators and poker sites, the majority of players are now able to play regulated online poker in a few different US states.
In addition to offering a large selection of games, top-rated online poker sites offer safe deposit and withdrawal options for their players. These options can be easily found on the homepage of a poker website and are typically processed within minutes. These options are a must-have for any serious poker player, and you should never settle for less when choosing an online poker site.
Another important factor to consider when selecting an online poker site is the software that they use. The table software should be easy for players to understand and navigate, with plenty of customization options available. Ideally, it should be designed in a way that doesn’t distract players from the game itself. A great user interface will go unnoticed, whereas one that is cluttered and difficult to navigate will be noticeable right off the bat.
No reputable online poker site will risk its reputation, legal status and billion dollar business by cheating. There are many checks and balances in place, and the top-ranked poker players are always on their guard for suspicious activity. The concept of rigging individual poker hands is absurd, and any reputable operator knows that to try such a thing is professional suicide.