Legal online poker sites ask for proof of identification and address, as well as backups of deposit methods. They may also require a blacked-out photo of the front of a credit card. This procedure is known as Know Your Customer (KYC) and helps prevent underage gambling. Many legal sites also offer self-exclusion options and links to help organizations. Online poker has come a long way since the Department of Justice chased the last remaining global giants out of business in 2011. In the US, online poker is now legal in four states.

Live poker vs. online poker

In live poker, players can see and feel the cards in front of them, and interact with other players. Online poker, on the other hand, is faster and easier to navigate. Many sites offer tracking software so that players can study results and see how their opponents behave. They can also take notes on their opponents and study their betting patterns and tendencies.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced player, knowing the differences between live and online poker can help you choose the best method for your gaming needs. Both games have their advantages and disadvantages. Online players may have more time to practice, and live players might find it easier to keep track of other players’ strategies.

Legality

The legality of online poker is a contentious issue in the US. Different states have different laws governing online poker, and some have banned financial institutions from processing transactions. Still, most states consider online poker legal. The most difficult hurdles are regulating the sites, preventing fraud and collusion, and taxing monies generated by online poker.

Currently, three bills are in the works to address this issue. The Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act and the bill sponsored by Jim McDermott and Robert Menendez are two bills in Congress that are aimed at protecting online poker players. Neither of these bills, however, will overturn the UIGEA, which prohibits gambling that crosses state lines. However, the bills will protect legal sites and those licensed under federal law.

Bonuses

Online poker bonus money is usually provided as a free cash boost to the player’s account. However, this free cash cannot be withdrawn unless the wagering requirements are met. In many cases, online poker bonus money is available in the form of tournament tickets. For example, 888poker offers $88 in free poker bonus money.

The first deposit bonus offered by the most popular poker sites is a valuable incentive for players. It is usually credited to the player’s account and consists of a percentage of the first deposit. These bonuses vary from 50% to 150% of the player’s initial deposit. Usually, these first deposit bonuses are accompanied by wagering requirements and eligibility requirements. Nonetheless, these bonuses can be an excellent way to boost a player’s bankroll and move up the stakes faster.

Regulation

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement must introduce specific regulations regarding online poker. Although the state has the population to support a few online poker sites, the legislature may prefer to restrict online poker to simpler casino games. Lipparelli, a former state gaming regulator, is a strong advocate of regulating I-gaming.

The federal government has taken notice of the growth of online poker and has enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This law prohibits gambling companies from accepting payment for wagers that violate state or federal laws. As a result of these laws, a number of online poker companies were shut down or faced criminal charges. Thankfully, a few top companies such as PokerStars remained accessible to U.S. players for a few years.

States that have regulated online poker

The US state of New York recently passed a bill to regulate online poker. The bill was referred to the Assembly for further consideration. However, insiders aren’t optimistic about the bill’s future. States that have regulated online poker are Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. This isn’t the end of the road, however. More states are considering legislation on this topic, and it’s important to know what your state’s regulatory framework looks like before launching a poker site.

The future of regulated online poker in the US depends on whether the federal government is willing to let the states pass their own laws. The anti-gambling wing of Congress has proposed repealing state gaming laws, and has threatened to waste state resources trying to make online poker legal.