If you want to play poker online legally, you need to understand the legalities and requirements of playing in the United States. Listed below are some of the main benefits of playing poker online, as well as some side games you can play. For more information, check out our guide to online poker. It will also give you tips on what to look out for when choosing a poker website.

Legality of online poker in the United States

The United States has enacted several laws to regulate online gambling, including the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA). These laws apply to Internet poker and other online games. Some states have laws that prohibit online gambling altogether, while others have specific regulations for online poker. The UIGEA applies to gambling sites that report customers from all 50 states.

In 2011, three of the biggest online poker operators were indicted for violating the UIGEA. They included PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker/Ultimate Bet. The three sites were shut down in the US. In December 2011, efforts to reopen the market began. States began considering licensing online poker sites.

Benefits of playing poker online

One of the best things about playing poker online is the convenience it offers. It’s possible to play from anywhere you have internet access, including trains and planes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about downloading and installing special software. You can play at any time of day, anywhere in the world. Another plus is the lower game limits, which allow you to play more hands per hour.

When you play poker online, you can select a variety of games and currencies. Unlike real-life casinos, you won’t have to worry about figuring out which currency to use. Most online poker sites accept many currencies. Some of them even allow you to deposit in multiple currencies.

Side games offered

When playing poker online, you may have noticed that some sites offer side games. These are cash games that run in parallel with the large-field tournaments. The odds are generally in favor of the house in these side games. The World Series of Poker is one example of an online poker site that offers side games.

Players can also take side bets in games like 2 Card Poker or Let It Ride. These games allow players to place poker-themed bets against the house. These games are available in the tournament lobby and are often promoted with leaderboards. Those who play regularly can win cash prizes. These side games are a fun way to add some spice to your online poker experience.

Requirements for playing poker online

While playing poker online can be a fun and profitable activity, you will need to meet certain requirements in order to participate. First, you should be at least 18 years of age. Some jurisdictions have stricter age requirements for playing online. Other requirements include having a credit card or third-party eWallet. You should also read reviews about a website before deciding to join.

Another requirement for playing poker online is to have a good internet connection. The poker software does not take up much memory and shouldn’t slow down your computer. Some poker sites offer no-download versions of the software. However, these games do not include all the features of the full download version. Therefore, you should practice playing poker online first before making a big investment.