Many people who play online poker worry about the possibility of cheating. Although these sites will publicly refund players after a security team reveals a rule violation, they never specify what sort of cheating took place. Instead, they usually refer to collusion or bot ring activity. Regardless of the cause, the concern is warranted. The nature of human nature will ultimately win, and this can pose a real problem for online poker players.
While there are currently no US-regulated online poker sites, offshore sites gained popularity in recent years and are expected to continue to do so. While these sites are popular, most states have not yet passed laws regulating online poker. Michigan and West Virginia are currently on track to regulate online poker. Ultimately, online poker is going to be a huge business in the US, and the future of this industry lies in the hands of the lawmakers in both states.
Online poker has experienced a roller coaster ride since its inception in the late nineties. The biggest setback for online poker came in 2011, but since then, its popularity has climbed steadily. Since then, several states have legalized online poker. Some of these states include Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Other states are in the process of introducing their own legislation. Nonetheless, there are plenty of options for people in the US to enjoy the game.
Despite the numerous benefits of online poker, legalization is still a challenge. While states like California and Pennsylvania have legalized online poker, some remain wary of its legality. Nevada is the only US state to ban poker sites, which will not accept any applications from PokerStars or other online poker companies after 2006. Despite these issues, online poker is still a legal option for players in many states. Just remember, however, that the state laws will determine who can play the game.
Internet poker is not for everyone. As all online poker rooms are based outside the US, their laws may not be what many players are familiar with. It is always better to play at a larger, more established site if you’re unfamiliar with the law of your home country. Moreover, if you have the funds, it’s best to withdraw it and never play at that site again. It’s easy to become suspicious of an online poker site if you’ve tried it before. The first step is to make sure that it is legal in your area.
Despite legal challenges, online poker is now available in many states. Nevada and Delaware were the first states to legalize online poker, and more will follow. In the meantime, WSOP/888 remain the only online poker networks that operate in more than one state. The third largest US state regulating internet gambling is Nevada. However, unlike New Jersey and Pennsylvania, online poker is not legal in New York. Therefore, legalization of online poker in the US is not a definite certainty.