If you’re new to online poker, there are a few tips to keep in mind before getting started. The first is that you must be at least 18 years old, or the legal age in your jurisdiction. Many sites require proof of age. Fortunately, this isn’t hard to accomplish, and it won’t cost you a penny. Just follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an online poker pro in no time!
Next, find out if there’s any legal hurdles in your state. Some states have already legalized online poker, but more are on the way. West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have all already passed legislation that would enable online poker sites to operate. These are all positive steps for the industry, but there is still a long way to go. For now, the easiest way to make sure you can play legal online poker in your state is to choose a site that doesn’t charge any taxes.
Next, find an online poker site with high traffic. The more players you play, the more fish you’ll encounter. This is good for your bankroll and increases the fun of playing poker online. Make sure that the site you’ve chosen has a variety of games, and that you can deposit and withdraw money without any problems. When playing online, remember to play responsibly and set a budget. Never stake more than you can afford to lose.
Finally, you should know that the US has a long history with online gambling. Before the UIGEA, the US government raised money for the revolutionary war by holding raffles. New Orleans soon became the gambling capital of the country. Later, the US court of appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that sports betting violates the Federal Wire Act. However, the DOJ disagreed with this ruling and declared that online gambling is illegal. If this were the case, the online poker industry would become even more popular.
Although New York’s legislature has never passed legislation allowing online poker, it does have strong champions in the State Assembly. After the retiring Assemblyman Bonacic in 2019, Assemblyman Addabbo took up the torch. Assemblymen Pretlow and Vanel both acted favorably on online poker legislation. Even Governor Cuomo reversed his stance on online sports betting and has now endorsed online poker. You can bet that New York will soon be joining the ranks of states that are already accepting the game.
In addition, the demise of PASPA provided a boon to state legislatures and sports betting businesses. However, the demise of PASPA might have affected the prospects for online poker in New York. Sports betting has greater tax and profit potential, but there are still a few legal hurdles to overcome. While New York may be far from the final step in legalizing online poker, it’s worth following the news closely to see how things turn out.