Online poker is becoming increasingly popular among gamers, primarily due to the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. The pandemic has forced the closure of most live gaming venues around the world. This sudden dearth in the number of gaming venues has caused a dramatic increase in online poker traffic. Casual players have flocked to online poker to avoid the lack of live entertainment. Some operators have experienced double or triple the amount of traffic that they experienced before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The first step in playing poker online is ensuring that the site is legal and regulated. Certain states have passed legislation to regulate online poker and others are considering legislation. Many states have enacted laws that require online poker operators to obtain licenses in their jurisdictions. Only players who reside in the state can legally participate in real-money online poker games. In addition, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission has filed a lawsuit to seek clarity about the Wire Act, stating that it would impact the state’s interstate lottery sales.
Once you’ve selected a website that suits your needs, you’ll need to sign up for an account. There are several online poker operators in each state, so you need to make your selection based on your criteria. After signing up, you’ll have to complete the registration process, which involves filling out your personal information and obtaining a username and password. Once you’ve completed this, you’ll be able to play poker online for real money.
While many online poker sites are geared towards beginners, there are a number of top-notch sites that are geared towards pros and newbies alike. PokerStars and Full Tilt have tables for both kinds of players. If you’re a beginner and are unsure about which online poker site to choose, start with a low-stakes table and practice your skills. Many poker sites have beginners-only tables that are open to new customers for the first 30 to 90 days after signing up. Beginners shouldn’t hesitate to join these tables, as they will allow you to practice your strategies with no one to judge you.
For players looking for a smooth mobile poker experience, Ignition Poker is a great place to play. The site is accessible for players in five states, and does not allow VPNs. Ignition also offers players the opportunity to play anonymously, protecting new players from sharky waters. Additionally, players at Ignition are not allowed to use Heads-Up Displays, so you can’t track your opponents in the online poker community.
In addition to offering a variety of games, Bovada Poker also has an option to play poker for free. In order to play for free, players only need to register a free account with Bovada Poker. Afterwards, they can choose a sports-themed layout or a four-color deck. Once they’re satisfied with their game, they can play in the real cash game. However, if they feel they can’t afford a real money poker game, they can try playing for fun cash in Practice mode.