Online poker has become popular among people from all walks of life, and 15 million people worldwide play for real money. That’s almost 2.5% of the total adult population. One of the great things about online poker is that you can choose between multiple tables at one time – some sites feature up to 40! This means that you can play any type of game, from a cash game to a tournament – you’ll never run out of tables to join!
The cost of operating a physical casino is higher than the rake that you pay on online poker sites. However, the overhead of running an online poker site is lower than the cost of employing hundreds of people to run an actual casino. Furthermore, online poker sites often have free games for beginners, which allows them to get a feel for the rules of the game. Online poker websites often have free tournaments and free cash games, so they can afford to offer them for the most part.
To play real money games on an online poker site, you first need to download the software. Most sites only require a few minutes to download, and most are virus-free. Once the software is installed on your computer, you need to create an account. Remember to only create one account, as multi-accounting is against the rules of online poker and can lead to a permanent ban. If you don’t want to risk your bank account, then it’s best to sign up for a free trial and play a few sessions.
The US Department of Justice has made it legal for online poker in Nevada. Despite the federal law against online gambling, Nevada is now home to two major online poker sites that offer large guaranteed tournaments, low-to-mid stakes cash games, and satellites into major live events. The US Department of Justice also gave the green light for lottery sales online, allowing states to tax online gambling operators without fear of violating federal law. For the next few years, online poker may become legal in the state.
Legal online poker in the US is still a controversial issue. In the US, there is still a great deal of controversy surrounding the legality of online poker. President Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, into law in 2006. The new administration hopes to overturn this policy and open the market to online poker players. However, online poker remains legal and well-regulated in many other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean Sea nations.
Before you join a poker site, it is vital to familiarize yourself with its software. You will need to learn how to use the software and learn the best ways to make use of it. Learn how to play the game, how to make the most of your money, and how to manage a multi-table environment. Remember that not every poker room offers downloadable Mac software. Many only offer browser software. Make sure you know which software works best for your operating system and choose an appropriate poker room for your computer.