Legality is one of the first considerations for any US online poker player. While some states restrict the number of sites, many more do not. The only exception to this rule is Delaware, which continues to offer online poker, despite the fact that its player pool is small and its online presence is underdeveloped. West Virginia recently became the latest US state to legalize online poker. In early 2019, the state issued its first gaming license to online poker sites. Currently, final preparations are being made for the first WV poker sites to launch.
While it is not mandatory to use US dollars, many online poker sites let players deposit in various currencies. Many of these sites convert the money you deposit at a reduced rate than banks would. Other sites only accept U.S. dollars, which can cause rounding problems. Although these small inconveniences might seem insignificant, they can add up in the long run. To prevent this problem, players should use an online bank account that is registered with a reputable financial institution.
Despite the legality of online poker in most US states, the industry has experienced some bumps along the way. The largest setback came in 2011, when the federal government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Since then, several states have regulated online poker and a handful of other sites are on the way. With more states legalizing poker, we should expect that the number of US poker sites will continue to grow. If you live in an unregulated state, online poker is still illegal, but this won’t stop players from enjoying the game.
New Hampshire was the first state to legalize online poker, and the New Hampshire Lottery Commission filed suit against the federal government in November 2017. However, this lawsuit hasn’t yet come to fruition. While the Supreme Court might eventually rule on this issue, it is unlikely to affect the industry until the federal government gives the green light. In the meantime, the MSIGA remains the only US multi-state online poker compact in place. The DOJ’s actions in New Hampshire are a result of a lawsuit by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission feared that their own business would be negatively affected.
Players in brick-and-mortar casinos are limited to playing at one table. However, the internet offers many benefits. Compared to live casinos, online poker rooms often offer low-limit games where you can play for as little as $10 per 100 hands. Moreover, these games are often accompanied by poker freeroll tournaments, which attract beginners and less well-off clients. The online poker scene is booming, and the future looks bright for players who want to play poker.
US online poker operators are also responsible for paying significant taxes. These funds go towards education, social programs, and other worthwhile causes. To compete for your business, US online poker sites offer the largest bonuses worldwide. These bonuses are not only a good way to attract new customers, but they also benefit state economies. Many of these sites also offer valuable promotions and reload bonuses. As more states legalize online poker, the industry will continue to expand at an unprecedented pace.