The digital poker sector has reached new heights of popularity in recent years. The emergence of mobile gaming and the integration of cutting-edge tech like Virtual Reality has modernised the classic card game for a new generation of players. As a core sector in the phenomenally successful iGaming industry, digital poker accounts for a large portion of its multi-billion dollar annual value.
In recent years, it’s become possible to play online poker once again on US shores. If you’re looking to begin playing this exciting digital game, stay tuned to find out everything you need to know about getting started.
First things first, you need to find a digital platform on which to play. The laws and regulations that govern all iGaming activities in North America differ from those in the European and Asian gaming markets. Although iGaming as a whole is enjoying continued expansion, currently, there are five states in which you can legally and safely play remote poker. They are:
•Delaware
•Michigan
•Nevada
•New Jersey
•Pennsylvania
Not all the poker sites that are currently live in the US can be accessed from every state. PokerNews has published an up-to-date poker map where you can find all the sites where it’s possible to play poker US remotely, making it easy to narrow down what’s available in your state.
Before you sign up with your chosen account and make your first deposit, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the gaming operator. Regulation in the digital market – in all iGaming markets – is stringent, which helps to keep player safety and security at the forefront.
A legitimate online gaming platform will be licensed by a recognised gaming authority, such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Brands that operate globally are also likely to be licensed by international authorities, the most renowned of which include the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.
It’s also important to do some research into the reputation of the platform with the gaming community. Experienced players are able to identify the best sites to play at easily, so don’t be afraid to reach out on forums or poker discussion websites if you’re not sure of the legitimacy of your chosen site.
It’s par for the course these days that remote poker operators will offer some type of sign-up bonus. These often take the form of deposit match bonuses, which will add a percentage of your initial deposit to your gaming account. Still, you will also have to meet minimum deposit requirements in order to qualify.
Some of the best bonus offers for new players are no-deposit bonuses. Usually, you’ll find a bonus in this category will consist of free games or a modest monetary bonus that you can use to start playing straight away.
Playing free games is a great way to get familiar with the rules and gameplay of poker variants like Texas Hold’em. Even if you have a background playing the game at brick-and-mortar casinos, the experience of playing online is very different.
Once you feel confident enough to start playing with real money, you can make your first deposit and buy into the games or tournaments of your choice. Widely accepted deposit methods include debit cards, wire transfers and eWallets, but more and more operators are also choosing to accept cryptocurrencies.