Although online poker is legal in many states, the federal government has a problem with it. Many states ban the activity, but others, such as Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut, have legalized the game. In addition to the four states that have legalized online poker, several others are considering legislation. Here are some of these states’ regulatory hurdles.
The computer requirements for playing online poker are very low, as it is not a memory-intensive game. Even older computers with moderate processing power are fine to play. There are also real-money poker apps available for smart phones and tablets. These apps are available for iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. This allows you to play poker whenever you want, anywhere.
Despite these obstacles, online poker has been around for decades in the United States. During the 1990s, the first online poker websites began appearing. The unregulated market quickly grew, and after Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker in 2003, the online poker market began to flourish. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, however, forced many sites to close their U.S. doors, but some remained, including PokerStars.
Online poker players should play anonymously. In some cases, playing under a username can expose you to online sharks, which can make your game unplayable. Ignition Poker has an anonymous table feature that allows players to play poker without revealing their identities. This helps newer players avoid shark-infested waters.
Although there are differences between online poker and live poker, the games are similar in most ways. In both, a straight beat beats a flush, and the players give and receive bad beats. There are many skills that can be transferred between online and live poker. Despite these differences, online poker is much more accessible and fast-paced than its live counterpart.
US players should be careful when choosing an online poker room. Some sites may require players to convert their funds, which could result in a lower payout. Other sites may allow payments in various currencies, but only offer US dollars. However, American players who live in a legal state can play on these foreign-based platforms.
Some players report a higher number of bad beats in online games than in live games. This is due to the smaller stakes, where players are more likely to call with sub-par hands. In some cases, bad beats can actually outdraw better hands. As a result, the odds are higher for players to make mistakes while playing online.
Massachusetts has a long road ahead of it in terms of legalizing online poker. It is well behind in legalizing sports betting, so online poker is unlikely to get legalization in the state any time soon. Despite this, there are plenty of poker sites in the state that offer their services to residents of the state.