Online Poker in the United States
Although Kentucky has long been one of the least likely states to legalize online poker, it’s a good bet that the state is on the right track. The state has been waging a legal battle against online gaming, beginning with a seizure of 140 online domains in 2008. Kentucky’s governor, Steve Beshear, has led this battle, aggressively suing PokerStars for offering online poker to Kentuckians.
The first step to playing online poker is to download the software necessary for the game. This software only takes up a small amount of memory and shouldn’t take very long to download even if your computer has a slow connection. If you don’t want to download software, you can also play poker games online using no download software. However, this does not mean that you’ll get all the features of the full download version of the game.
If US online poker were legal, it would likely reach the heights of the poker boom, with players from other countries sharing tables. The UIGEA, however, was ambiguous and did not ban poker specifically. It did affect party poker, which pulled out of the United States. PokerStars and Full Tilt, on the other hand, remained in the country. In the same vein, the Department of Justice seized the domain names of PokerStars and Full Tilt, and several people were arrested on charges of money laundering and bank fraud.
Although the United States is not yet regulated, the US market is developing rapidly. Many states have banned foreign operators or restricted their markets to US players. However, a few are making the process much easier and quicker. Online poker is popular in the US because it is convenient and rewarding for players. The real money won’t hurt either, as it is an activity that rewards skill. But the main reason for playing online poker is the chance to win real money!
While the best online poker sites are available in the United States, it’s worth noting that not all of them are mobile-friendly. Some only offer software for Windows, but the vast majority of sites are compatible with iPhones, Androids, and Macs. If you’re looking to play poker, you’ll find a number of state-specific online sites. You can even browse these according to your state. It’s definitely worth checking out.
There’s no reason why New York shouldn’t be among the first states to legalize online poker. The Upstate NY Economic Development Gaming Act paved the way for four new commercial casinos in the state. In 2021, four of them will open and offer legal online poker and sports betting. Meanwhile, a bill introduced by Sen. John Bonacic would make online poker legal in New York. Although the legislation doesn’t ban “bad actor” sites, it would still make online poker a game of skill rather than chance.
Another option for Americans is the America’s Cardroom. Licensed in Curacao and the Netherlands Antilles, America’s Cardroom has a PC downloadable client and a mobile-optimized web version. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to start small and build up their bankroll. The site also offers a generous 200% welcome bonus for new players. The top online poker room for Americans is America’s Cardroom. This site accepts American players and offers a variety of payment options.