How to play online poker legally
You will be happy to learn that most online poker sites offer quick and easy registration procedures that allow you to start playing right away. However, deciding where to play always comes first. It is crucial to choose a website that is reliable, secure and safe. However, you should also look for a popular app so you can join a game when you’re ready to play.
Can you legally play poker online in the US?
Online poker is legalized in the United States, but only in selected states. State laws in Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan all allow the use of online poker systems. For other states, you need the correct information; for example, Washington State online poker rules are unique and you need to understand the details before engaging in any form of real money online poker.
The registration procedure
Once you’ve decided on a poker site, it’s time to download the app. Most poker sites are virus-free and require a few minutes to download to your PC or, in most cases, mobile devices. It helps to confirm that the app you intend to download is verified. Downloading apps from malicious sources can get you into trouble; for example, some of them can get your accounts hacked or even get your PC or mobile device infected with malware.
Once the download is complete, open the app and create an account. You choose a screen name at this stage. You won’t be able to change your name once you’ve chosen it, so make sure you like it. In addition, you can only open one account. Poker players who use multiple accounts are prohibited from doing so and will have their accounts permanently suspended.
How real money poker works
Once you have deposited funds into your account to play online poker for real money, you have a few options for how to spend those funds. Players spend their money in either real money games or poker tournaments.
The maximum amount you can buy in certain games is limited. You can buy into other games for the amount you choose if you have the funds in your account.
Online real money tournaments are also available. You will submit a one-time fee in addition to the tournament buy-in just like with live events. After that you will use tournament chips to play. Therefore, it is unusual for a player to start a tournament with 5,000 chips, equivalent to $5,000. The organizers determine the value of a chip.
Deposit process
After completing the registration procedure, you can start playing online poker for real money. You need money to play with before you can start a game.
One possibility is to participate in freeroll competitions and earn money, but this takes time and your chances of winning money are small. Depositing into your player account is thus the wisest course of action.
Most deposits are instant, so you can start playing poker immediately with the money as it becomes available. Simply select “Cashier” on the poker site’s software to make a deposit. It will take you to another page where you can follow the instructions to make a deposit.
