Many online poker sites allow you to access the software through a web browser. Instant play is the least common form of access, but it does allow you to play poker in your web browser. Instant play games respond to the size of your screen, so they are not as suitable for small screens. Most poker websites split their selection into major poker variations at the top of the navigation menu, and offer tabs and checkboxes to narrow down your search. Many also offer a variety of tournament formats and features.
The playing speed of online poker is significantly faster than live poker. Live poker is extremely slow, and online poker tables can deal up to 60 hands an hour (or more if the game is short-handed). Also, playing online allows you to play multiple tables at one time, which can increase your game speed even further.
A number of players enjoy the convenience of online poker, but the downside is that online poker can also expose you to more fraudsters. The anonymity of the Internet can make collusion among players easier, and many online poker websites are implementing stronger anti-fraud measures to prevent fraud. One of these measures is checking player computer IP addresses. This can reveal a number of players coming from the same location. This information will help prevent fraud and other illegal activities.
Although the gaming bill doesn’t mention shared liquidity, Connecticut lawmakers are open to this possibility. If Connecticut wins the last court case, online poker may be legal in the state. If it passes, the state could then enter shared liquidity agreements with other states. Ultimately, online poker could become the next big thing in the US gambling industry. It may be a year or more before online poker is allowed in the state.
Online poker is regulated by different laws than brick-and-mortar poker. The United States government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, which was later amended by the new administration. Other countries, however, have made online poker legal. Canada, the United Kingdom, and several Caribbean Sea nations have laws that allow the activity.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get started playing online poker. Many poker sites offer no-deposit bonuses. These are basically free buy-ins to cash games and tournaments. They can also be converted to matched welcome bonuses that can amount to thousands of dollars. These bonuses are usually released in increments as players become more active. Some poker sites also offer beginner freerolls and depositor freerolls with real money prize pools. In addition, you may be eligible to receive additional entries into future tournaments based on loyalty schemes or future deposits.
