In the late 1990s, the first online poker sites were launched. Today, this game is played in many countries, including the United States. It’s one of the most popular forms of online gaming. It’s also more convenient than traveling to a brick-and-mortar poker room. In the US, you can play a variety of cash games and tournaments, both free and for real money. Despite its popularity, the legality of online poker in the US is still in debate. In 2006, President Bush signed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA. The legislation forced a number of sites out of the country, but not before the market grew.
The best way to get started is by downloading poker software. You can do this by using a computer or your smartphone. Once you have the software, you will need to create an account. This is where you’ll have to provide some personal information, including your name, date of birth, and address. You may also be asked for some documents to verify your identity. You might need to present a driver’s license, a utility bill, or a bank statement.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start playing for real money. Unlike live poker, you can choose to deposit and withdraw funds from your account. It’s a good idea to spread your funds around so you don’t burn through your bankroll in a single hand. It’s not a bad idea to sign up for a few free games so you can see if the site is a good fit for you.
The most important factor to remember is that you’ll have to be 18 to start playing. Some sites have a minimum age restriction, so check to see what the policy is for the site you are considering.
Several online poker sites are licensed in the US, but the laws are not always the same. If you’re looking for legality, check out the state’s law on online gambling. If you’re looking for some fun, you can try playing at smaller regional websites. These aren’t as big as the online gaming giants, but they often have tighter communities and are a lot of fun to play in.
You might want to consider signing up for a freeroll, a contest where you can win real money for free. These free tournaments are available in a number of locations. Some will require an entry fee, while others will let you win for free with no entry fees at all. You’ll also be able to earn points for frequent player status. These points can be used to unlock bonuses. You can find these at sites such as PokerListings, where you can access exclusive free tournaments every week.
The internet has given rise to hundreds of websites, many of which are not limited to gambling. There are plenty of sites that offer all sorts of other services, from news and blogs to online stores. Some of these sites even offer bonuses for their members. However, these offers are not handed out instantly, and are usually only made available after you accumulate a certain number of points.