Despite the fact that poker is a game played in smokey bars and casinos, it has now been made available to the public on a more regular basis thanks to online poker sites. Poker is a skill game that requires players to bluff, make the right moves, and keep their wits about them. Players also have the option of playing multiple tables at a time, which is one of the advantages of online poker over live games.
The first state to regulate and license online poker was Nevada. Several operators reported double or more traffic in comparison to prior years. In the end, however, Nevada’s rules didn’t really stand out. It took two years for Delaware to follow suit. This is because the state was keen on keeping the interstate compact in place.
There are also online poker sites in Florida, which is home to a dozen retail poker rooms. These sites often offer sweepstakes games, which give players a chance to win cash prizes. Alternatively, players can sign up for sweepstakes gaming sites, which are not regulated.
The next logical step was for the states to regulate and license online poker sites. A number of states have passed legislation allowing for the regulation of online poker. Some of these laws were designed to limit the risks of online gambling operators. While many of these sites were not regulated, a few still accepted US players. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, took a different approach. Rather than a full-scale regulation, these sites only allowed players to play in a supervised and sanctioned environment.
As the industry grew, more players were tempted to try their luck at poker online. However, the industry didn’t take off until Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003. His success inspired millions of Americans to think they could be the next big thing.
The multi-state internet gaming agreement (MSIGA) was the answer. MSIGA is a legal agreement between three states that allows for sharing player pools across their borders. If each state can meet certain criteria, it is eligible to join the MSIGA. Although not yet approved by all states, the WSOP US network has already begun to grow. Eventually, it will expand to four states.
The WSOP US app was the only site to have a presence in all three markets. It’s only a matter of time before the WSOP’s Michigan App hits the market. Meanwhile, the Garden State became the third regulated market in the United States.
Several online poker sites were able to find ways around the banking restrictions. Some even converted funds at a lower cost than banks. Even though the UIGEA made it illegal for US banks to handle transactions with offshore online poker sites, several of these sites still welcomed US players.
As more states are considering regulating and licensing online poker, more of these sites will make their way to the broader market. However, there are currently fewer than forty networks with a detectable traffic level.