Online Poker in the United States
Online poker has grown quickly in the United States. This popularity was fueled by a combination of technological advancements and the proliferation of mobile devices. However, the legality of online poker in this country remains an issue of debate. Several states are trying to legalize the practice, while others are seeking to regulate it within their own borders.
The online poker market is expected to hit $4 billion by 2021. According to a recent report, the market will increase to nearly seven times its current size. Despite the growth, the industry still isn’t fully regulated. In addition, online poker websites have to deal with the threat of fraud. Fortunately, these sites are working hard to improve anti-fraud measures.
Some of the top poker operators have managed to stay in business, even though the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed by Congress in 2006. It was signed into law by President Bush and went after the money that fuels the online gaming industry. Several companies were forced to shut down, including FullTilt Poker, but many others remained operational.
Online poker sites are also offering bonuses and other incentives to entice new players. For instance, GGPoker has a Honeymoon for Newcomers bonus. This reward program requires new players to complete a series of missions and earn a total of $350. A similar incentive is offered at Americas Cardroom. Similarly, the Winning Poker Network’s flagship site offers a wide range of standard cash games and SNGs. Additionally, the company hosts lottery-inspired Jackpot SNGs.
Online poker is also available in many Caribbean Sea countries, and some of these countries have legalized the game. California is the largest poker market in the U.S., and Californians can enjoy the game in both limit and no-limit formats. These types of games are ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
Online poker is an excellent source of revenue for card rooms, and the industry is growing. While not all states are allowing online poker, the industry is projected to reach a $3.7 billion mark by 2020. Moreover, the Multi-State Gaming Compact (MSIGA) allows players to compete against other residents of the participating states.
Until now, the biggest online poker markets have been Nevada and New Jersey. They are expected to grow further, and Michigan and Pennsylvania are also on the verge of joining the multi-state pool. But if Alaska becomes legalized, it would need to enact proper legislation and a licensing body.
Several of the most popular poker sites offer rewards and promotions for new players, including the best welcome bonuses. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of a site before you sign up, and check that the site uses SSL encryption.
The best sites are also dedicated to anti-money laundering efforts. If you’re using a smartphone to play, you should look for a quick mobile app. You can also check out reviews on poker forums and sites like Trustpilot to get an idea of the quality of a particular website.