Unlike the old days when poker was played in smokey bars, online poker is played over the internet. There are dozens of poker sites on the Internet and each offers different features to entice new players. Generally, online poker is a free game and does not require large amounts of money to join. However, some poker sites require a deposit and may require players to convert funds into a different currency.
Online poker is regulated differently than brick-and-mortar poker. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into law by President Bush in 2006. Online poker is regulated in the United Kingdom, Canada, the Caribbean Sea, and several other countries. There are also a handful of licensed sites in some states. However, the legality of online poker is still debated, and a lot depends on where you live.
Online poker sites can also offer satellite tournaments for real-life poker tournaments. One example of this is the World Series of Poker. In 2004, the WSOP featured three times as many players as in 2003. Four of the players that reached the final table came from the online cardroom of PokerStars. In addition, the winner of the main event, Chris Moneymaker, was able to enter the tournament by playing online.
Another advantage of playing online is that you can play from a variety of devices. This includes desktop computers, laptops, and tablets. Most online poker sites allow players to sit at multiple tables at the same time. In some cases, you can even play eight tables at a time.
Online poker software saves the hand histories that you’ve played in the past. You can also track your statistics, including your win rate and number of flops seen. This is great for beginners, as it helps you learn how to play the game.
In addition to tracking your results, you can also play free games. There are many online poker rooms that offer this service. It’s a great way to get practice without losing any real money. However, keep in mind that these free games are usually not the full version of the game.
There are also smaller regional poker sites that may offer a tighter community. These may also offer bigger sign-up bonuses. In some cases, the smaller poker sites are better for beginners. But, as you progress in the game, you may wish to move to a larger site.
Aside from the free poker games, most online poker sites also offer tournaments at lower costs than conventional casinos. Many operators report double or more traffic than they used to. Some sites also offer online poker schools that speed up the learning curve for beginners.
PokerStars, for example, is one of the most popular online poker sites. They have a mobile app that’s great for a quick play session on the go. The app provides simple betting options and convenient features. Funding your PokerStars account is as simple as a credit or debit card or an e-wallet like BitCoin or Ethereum. The money you win can be withdrawn using your debit or credit card, an e-wallet, or even a check by courier.