To play poker online, you must first download the appropriate poker software. This requires only a small amount of memory and shouldn’t take long. Any poker site that doesn’t allow downloads also has no download games, but these don’t offer the same features as a full download. If you’re not in the mood for downloading the software, you can play poker on an instant play basis at a variety of sites.
One of the main benefits of playing online poker is the speed of play. Compared to live games, online games can deal up to sixty hands per hour, which is very fast. The pace is even higher if you play multiple tables. Also, you can play with more people at one time, allowing you to deal more hands per hour than you could if you played live.
In the United States, the laws surrounding online poker differ from those for brick-and-mortar casinos. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into law by President Bush in 2006. Online poker players hope the new administration will change the UIGEA and allow it to be legal and widely accessible. Several other countries, including the United Kingdom and several Caribbean Sea countries, have made it legal to play poker online.
Poker is a popular card game and online poker has become a premier destination for players. Previously, players would get together with friends or head to the local casino to play. Today, players can play poker with the top pros from the comfort of their homes. The Internet has changed this traditional behavior. And because poker is so popular and easy to play, more people than ever are getting involved in the action.
Besides real money poker, online poker tournaments have become hugely popular. Some sites offer tournaments on a daily and weekly basis. Bovada Poker, for example, hosts the $100K Guaranteed and other popular tournaments. Bovada is one of the most reliable names in the industry. With millions of dollars in prize money guaranteed each year, online poker tournaments have become an integral part of the online poker industry.
The difference between live poker and online poker is in the skill level of the players. If you’re playing a $1/$2 NL cash game in a live casino, you probably won’t be facing very difficult opponents. Conversely, playing poker online is much easier, with lower stakes. Even if you’re a beginner, online poker is an excellent way to practice your poker skills.