If you want to play online poker in the US, you’ll need to be in a state that has legalized the pastime. Luckily, there are a few states you can choose from.
New York and Delaware have both passed laws allowing online poker operators to operate within their states. The Garden State has also joined the Multi-state Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This agreement allows for a state-to-state pact between a handful of states, which will help make both the live and online poker markets more appealing.
A number of other states have passed legislation allowing for online poker, including Oregon, California, and Washington. Online poker players in these states are now able to cash in on the game’s big money maker. One of the most popular sites in this market is BetMGM. In November of 2019, Pennsylvania’s online poker operation went live.
While Nevada and Delaware have paved the way for legal online poker in the US, other states need to follow their lead. Michigan, for instance, was the first state to join the multi-state poker network in five years. It’s also one of the few states to have legalized online sports betting. 888 is expected to apply for the lottery’s exclusive iGaming contract.
One of the best parts of multi-state online poker is that players from different states can play together. This can boost traffic levels and provide for more competitive games. Having a large pool of players makes for bigger tournaments and guarantees, which helps attract more players and rakeback. Those who are not yet interested in a hefty investment can try their hand at freerolls.
However, the biggest hurdle for those looking to join an interstate poker network is securing the license to do so. States like California and Nevada need to pass their own regulations on the matter. Fortunately, Assemblymen Pretlow and Vanel have taken a positive stance on online poker. They’ve also put forth legislation in the form of a bill that would allow operators to collect a 15 percent tax from their revenues.
The most important thing to know about the whole multi-state poker game is that it’s still in its infancy. Operators are still working out the details of the multi-state network, but it won’t be long before you can get your game on. Until then, it’s recommended you sign up for an account at a top notch online poker site. You might even want to sign up for the IRS’s IP PIN, which will help ensure you don’t end up in the wrong state.
The real trick is finding a reputable website that has plenty of games to choose from. Some websites will only accept U.S. dollar deposits, but others will convert funds at a lower rate than most banks. When transferring money from one site to another, be sure to verify the site’s address and credentials. Also, keep in mind that most online poker sites are virus-free. Depending on your location, you may need to pay a small one-time fee to access the site’s services.