Until 2011, an interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act effectively barred the US from offering online poker. However, at the urging of states like Illinois, the Office of Legal Counsel revised the Wire Act’s scope. As a result, the prospect of a federal ban on online poker grows less likely. As of this writing, the US Supreme Court has not ruled on the issue, but it has made things easier for those who want to play the game online.
Although the law made it illegal for US banks to process payments connected to online poker, there were still several sites accepting US players, and many found ways to continue their business without violating the law. As a result, online poker in the United States grew until April 15, 2011.
In order to play online poker, players need to sign up for an account at a website. The majority of poker websites offer a variety of options, from cash games to tournaments to special format games. Players can deposit money by using their credit cards or by using a virtual bank account. Depending on the site, deposit limits can range anywhere from $5 to $20 to hundreds of thousands. Deposits also vary in time; from hours to days, most sites require several days to process the transaction.
Poker has been played in casinos and bars for years, but in the early 2000s, the internet brought the game to the forefront. Although many players played online poker recreationally, most of the action happened in chat rooms. But when secured online poker sites were launched, players were able to safely deposit their money and wager against other players. And now, even if the best players don’t play online, there’s a game for them.
In addition to the cash games, players can play games that are fun and exciting. Ignition Poker has the most popular cash game variations and more than $1.5 million in weekly online poker tournament guarantees. Its unique Zone Poker game, which is similar to Zoom Poker, moves players each time they fold. Its mobile-optimized design and anonymous tables give players a genuine Las Vegas-like experience. So, how do you play online poker in the US?
First of all, you must understand the rules of online poker. Unlike land-based casinos, online poker is completely free. You can join a poker tournament anytime of the day. The buy-in for this tournament is usually free, although you can play real cash if you want. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality experience, consider Ignition Poker. The site hosts daily and weekly tournaments, and boasts the largest Sunday major in the US. There’s also the $100K Guaranteed tournament that takes place every Sunday at 4PM ET and pays out at least $17,000 in prize money.
The problem with online poker is that the players who make these claims almost never produce statistically significant samples. They generally have sample sizes of three, ten, or even 100 hands. This is far too small for statistically significant results, and amateur mathematicians can easily refute these claims. Moreover, the samples are usually within the range of variance and standard deviation, which means that the claims are simply silliness. And, as a result, they are almost always dismissed as pure silliness.