If you’ve never played online poker before, you might be wondering how it differs from live play. The first difference is in the way you play, which is significantly faster. You can log up to 10 times more hands while playing online, which can affect your short-term results artificially. Online poker is also generally available on any device, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You can also play poker whenever you’d like.
In the US, you can access legal online poker by registering at one of the many licensed sites. The number of licensed sites is increasing every day. US players can deposit through bank transfers, e-checks, and third-party eWallets. Some poker sites even accept cheques mailed to them. But, if you’re a newbie and don’t want to risk your money, you should check out online poker sites from other states.
Most online poker websites are legitimate, but not all of them are. Some are rigged, but most of them don’t do so. Online poker companies have too much to lose to cheat their customers. If you suspect a site is rigged, you should withdraw all of your funds and stop playing there. Other issues that affect online poker include the use of bots, collusion, and superusers. These issues affect only the small percentage of players, so it’s important to stick with a reliable site that offers a large pool of games.
To play online poker, you must first download poker software. The software requires little memory, so it shouldn’t take long even on slow connections. You can also play poker without downloading software, but no download version does not have as many features as a full download version. So, if you’re not interested in downloading software, opt for a no-download version of the game. This way, you can still get the same benefits as a full-fledged version.
If you’re worried about compatibility, instant play poker is a good option for you. Downloadable clients often are incompatible with Apple Macs or other operating systems, and many are made specifically for Windows PCs. In contrast, instant play poker is compatible with a wide range of devices. Additionally, instant play poker is usually powered by Adobe Flash, which is a good alternative if you’re worried about compatibility. A good online poker software will also offer more games and opponents than a no-download client.
In 2001, the US Senate realized that online poker was a growing phenomenon in the country, and attempted to ban it. It failed to pass, but online poker sites continued to develop their software and new sites popped up in the world. After Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker tournament, the unregulated online poker market thrived. However, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act forced several sites out of the U.S. market. However, PokerStars remained open to US players for several years.
If you’re looking for an online poker room in California, you can find many reliable and popular options by visiting BetOnline or Bovada. The two best known online poker rooms in the state are Bovada and Ignition. Both sites offer premium poker gaming, including tournaments with more than $1.5 million weekly guarantees. Ignition offers a popular alternative for US players, which is similar to Zoom Poker. In terms of cash games, BetOnline and Bovada are all legal options.