With the increased popularity of poker, not only do people enjoy going to casinos to play, but also they now have the convenience of playing real money poker anywhere. Since the majority of people now have their own personal computers or mobile devices with access to the internet, the online poker room industry has become a multi-billion dollar operation.
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As that much in unregulated money was being made and lost through online gambling sites, our government passed laws banning the use of credit card and other electronic funds transfers. In 2006, President Bush signed into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This made it illegal for USA banks, credit card companies, and online payment systems to process payments to online gambling companies, but not illegal to gamble.
Playing poker online is very similar to playing poker in a regular casino. it is a great way for both novice players to learn how to play almost game, to experts who enjoy doing what they love. From Texas Hold’em, all the way to the new game of Badugi, it’s is both exciting, mentally challenging, and can be financially rewarding. However, you’ll first have to get used to the basic mechanics of the each website’s software. Basic skills you’ll need to maneuver these sites include how to use the lobby, getting free money, finding a seat in the right game or tournament, betting, folding, chatting, and learning the somewhat different etiquette of online poker.
Next, you will need to know the general strategies for playing poker online. Having been familiar with types of games such as Texas Hold’em and Seven-Card Stud, you will simply apply the same strategies to online poker. Strategic decisions regarding checking, betting, raising, folding your hand, and all the other nuances involved in playing the game of poker are the same as they are in the casino.
When you’re ready to take the next step and play poker for real money, the first step is to learn the best way to move money around. Most domestic banks stopped performing credit card transactions for online gambling, due to the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act; so getting your money into and out of these accounts can be quite tricky.
For one to successfully play online poker, he or she should inquire authorized websites to avoid losing money. Many of the available gambling websites are not set up to accept major credit cards. However, the ones that are explicitly recommended are fully authorized to legally provide this service. Simply go to the area within the website where you can begin playing for “real money.” Click on “cashier” and then on the icon “buy chips.” At that point, you will be prompted to enter your credit card number, expiration date, and the amount you’d like to buy in for. Then, just hit “submit” and your account is ready for you to begin playing for real money.
To collect your winnings go to the “cashier” area in that website and select the “cash-out” option to request your desired amount to cash out. After that, electronic funds transfer will be routed to your bank, though there may be some fees associated with the transaction. It may take a few days for this transaction to actually show up in your bank account; most sites even offer the option of mailing you a check, which you can then deposit into your bank account. This can take several weeks, but you have FedEx deliver it right to your home address.
Some poker sites have better cash-out procedures than others. I have heard all kinds of horror stories about certain websites, like those that intentionally delay your withdrawal hoping that you’ll change your mind. Some sites will impose a mandatory days-long waiting period before they will even begin processing your request. Why put up with all this nonsense? When you play for real money online, you would be wise to avoid the smaller sites that haven’t yet established a strong reputation. Try to stick with those that are recommended.
Despite these sites efforts to demonstrate that they deal a fair game, many people still are not convinced they operate in an ethical way. And, honestly, they have a point. There are many conspiracy theories associated with online gambling. Whether they are concerns related to rigging decks, cheating, or player collusion, these are valid issues one has to know about when playing for real money online.