There was a time not long ago where there was a very clear separation between “live poker players” and “online poker players”. Live pros tended to avoid playing online, while many online players complained about how the game wasn’t “real poker”. Today, however, there is much more crossover between the two types of players. Most top players, and many at lower levels, play both live and online, although it is important to be aware of the differences in how each game tends to be played.
Licensed and regulated online poker sites process thousands of secure transactions daily, with strict regulation ensuring game integrity and player data security. These sites are monitored by government and financial bodies to ensure their operation is up to scratch. They also have to adhere to strict rules regarding player age and are subject to regular age verification checks.
As a result, you can be confident that all licensed and regulated online poker sites are safe to play. You can open a real money poker account from the comfort of your home, on your mobile or tablet device, and know that you are playing at a site that is backed by the best regulators in the industry.
You can play a wide variety of poker games on licensed and regulated sites, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha, Stud and other variants. You can also play in a number of different formats, including cash games, Sit ‘N Go events and tournament play. Some poker sites offer a range of game-specific features, such as high-stakes tables and exclusive tournaments.
When you first start out, it is a good idea to play for free before investing your own funds. This will allow you to get a feel for the game and get familiar with the terminology and rules. It is also worth checking out some of the many poker strategy blogs and training sites available. Some of these sites are free but others require a subscription.
A large player pool is a positive thing for any regulated online poker site. It offers newcomers the chance to learn the game against softer opponents and it gives experienced players the opportunity to compete at higher stakes against a broader range of skill levels. A growing player base is vital to the success of a regulated poker network and it’s why you should always play at an online poker site with the highest traffic.
The prospect of legalized online poker in California has been on the cards for a while now, with New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware all passing legislation to regulate the game. These states have signed up to an interstate poker compact with each other, allowing them to combine their player pools. However, for California to join this compact, the state must first pass its own online poker regulations.
Once this happens, it’s expected that the state will opt for the MSIGA and join the other three states in their compact. It will then be possible for Californians to compete against players from across the US, as well as from around the world.