Whether you’re a US resident or not, there are several things you need to know before playing online poker. There are several things to keep in mind, including the UIGEA and the legality of online poker in the US. You should also know about any Bonuses and Side games offered by online poker sites.
UIGEA
The UIGEA is a federal law that prohibits the acceptance of financial instruments used for internet gambling. Violations of the law are punishable by fines and imprisonment for up to five years. In April 2011, the United States Department of Justice unsealed a 52-page indictment against the founders of the two largest internet poker companies, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. Those companies, along with Absolute Poker, were among the largest Internet poker companies accepting players from the United States.
UIGEA was enacted in 2006 and prohibits online gambling companies from accepting transactions for illegal gambling. Although the law does not explicitly ban online poker in the US, it does prohibit online poker sites from accepting US citizens. Providing a high-speed internet connection is a prerequisite for playing at an online poker site.
Legality of online poker in the US
The legality of online poker in the US is a subject of much debate. Some people think it’s illegal because it’s an online gambling activity, but others are of the opinion that it is not. The reality is more complicated. While online gambling is not illegal in the US, there are many restrictions and regulations.
In addition to the different regulations, state laws can also have an impact on the legality of online poker. For example, Washington State has a specific law that bans online poker. However, this law hasn’t been enforced in over two years. In fact, the law may be void due to legal desuetude. This is because the state that enacted the law has not enforced it. However, in one instance, a high school teacher admitted to violating the law at a legislative hearing and did not lose her job or face any penalties.
Side games offered by online poker sites
Some online poker sites offer additional games such as side games. These games are often designed for casual players. Some are soft and fun, while others are more serious. Some sites allow players to play for free, while others require a small deposit. Signing up for a side game is generally safe, but you should make sure that you deal with a reputable company.
Before signing up for any online poker site, make sure it is licensed and follows the laws of your home country. Also, make sure you know how long it will take to withdraw your winnings. Many clients prefer to receive their winnings as soon as possible. Other important factors to look for include the number of games offered, stakes given, and tournaments published on the site.
Bonuses offered by online poker sites
Online poker bonuses offered by sites vary widely. Some offer large, welcome bonuses while others have recurring or low-dollar bonuses. Newer sites usually offer larger welcome bonuses than established ones. Bonus amounts and conditions may vary among sites, so it’s best to check each one out before deciding on a poker site.
Poker registration bonuses can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, and many sites will match a player’s initial deposit. Some poker sites match 100%, while others will match up to 200%.
Getting started with online poker
There are a few things you should know before you get started playing online poker for real money. First of all, you should check the legality of the site in your country. There are some murky jurisdictions regarding online gambling, so it’s important to be aware of your local laws. Also, make sure that the site you choose has a gaming license from a recognized authority, such as the UKGC or MGA. This will help you avoid any legal trouble down the road.
Next, you should choose a site that offers sign up bonuses and free games, as this will allow you to try out different sites and learn the rules of the game before playing for real money. Online poker can be intimidating at first, so it’s important to spend some time reading guides and practicing strategy.