Before playing online poker, you should know a few important things. To play legally, you must be at least eighteen years old, or the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction. Some poker sites require age verification before you can play. Read the following article to learn more. It will help you decide whether or not online poker is right for you. After reading these important points, you will be well on your way to playing online poker legally and safely.
Legislation
There is a great deal of debate over whether or not legislation for online poker is a good idea. Although the Obama administration cleared the way for such legislation, it did so by arguing that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting. This reasoning, however, has been overturned by the Trump Administration. Here’s an update on whether or not online poker is legal in the United States. And while the debate continues, what is the best course of action?
Legality
If you have been wondering whether online poker is legal in the U.S., you are not alone. Online poker has been around for decades, but in 2003, Chris Moneymaker’s victory at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) changed the legal landscape. In 2004, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) took effect, forcing many sites to pull out of the U.S. market. Some sites, however, remain legal and accessible to US players today, like PokerStars.
Convenience
The convenience of online poker is another great perk. In addition to being legal, it allows people to play poker at any time, anywhere, and for any stake. It’s also convenient because it can be played at any time, from home. Moreover, it is always available and requires no travel. While the convenience of online poker is definitely one of its benefits, it does have its share of disadvantages. Here are a few of them:
Risk
Playing poker online has its risks. Cheating is a possibility, but it is not an easy task. While there are many ways to cheat, an individual needs physical access to do so. In addition, online poker rooms deal with large sums of money 24 hours a day, making them a prime target for computer fraudsters and criminals. But how do you minimize the risk of being a victim of online poker fraud?
Deposit options
Online poker sites offer a variety of deposit options for players to choose from. For example, a player can use a credit card to deposit funds, but these transactions can sometimes be declined. A player can also deposit money by wire transfer, a secure option that allows a player to avoid the high fees that are associated with using a credit card. However, these deposit options are not ideal for all players. If you have trouble with online poker sites that accept credit cards, eChecks are a good option.
Regulation
In 2006, the federal government took notice of online poker’s popularity and passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The UIGEA prohibits any gambling business from accepting payments for wagers that involve the use of the internet. These bets are also against state and federal law. Three of the largest online poker companies were targeted for criminal prosecution as a result of this law. Some players’ funds were seized.