If you’re interested in online poker, you’re not alone. In fact, 15 million people play the game for real money. That’s more than two percent of the adult population! What makes online poker different from offline poker is that you can play at more than one table – some sites have 40 or more – at the same time. The game can be played in a tournament, cash game, or holdem or omaha. No matter your skill level or the type of game you prefer, there is always a table you can join!
Despite the legality of online poker, New Jersey is still a relatively crowded market. In 2016, only a handful of states had regulated online poker. New Jersey’s legislation passed by a vote of 53-5. In 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online poker. The state’s legislation on the issue was passed in October 2017.
Once you have decided to join an online poker room, the next step is to sign up. Most poker sites have a join now link, usually located above the navigation bar. If you don’t see a link for a cashier, you’ll need to find one. Deposit limits vary from site to site, but most sites allow for a deposit of $5 to $20. Then, you’ll need to set a budget and make sure you don’t spend more money than you can afford to lose.
While some countries have yet to fully regulate the industry, others are working on it. Some have segregated their markets, prohibited international operators, and implemented licensing and taxation requirements. France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal were among the first to regulate online gaming. Meanwhile, Slovenia and Germany are still struggling with their own licensing regimes. The United Kingdom has already regulated the market, while countries in South America are undergoing the same process. It’s likely to be a while before these countries begin to accept online poker for real money.
Whether or not online poker is legal in New York depends on how you play the game. New Jersey’s online poker sites require players to be at least 21 years old to participate. They also use sophisticated geolocation tools to ensure that they are located within the state. If you’re based in New Jersey, however, you can register an account with a legal online poker site in neighboring New Jersey or Pennsylvania. You can then use the New York account to deposit funds in a casino or poker site in the nearby states.