There are many benefits to playing online poker for real money. It is convenient to play games from anywhere, and you can play at multiple tables – some sites offer up to 40! Unlike offline poker, you can play in a variety of poker games, including cash games, tournaments, holdem, and omaha. No matter what your level of poker skills are, you can always find a game to join. You don’t have to worry about attracting attention if you’re a beginner or have years of experience.
However, there are also some risks when playing online poker. If you live in a state that hasn’t legalized online poker, you’re not likely to be able to play. States like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia are among the states that have made it difficult for online poker sites to operate. Despite these risks, online poker is now legal in more states than ever before, and that means more players than ever. So how do you avoid falling victim to fraud or theft?
The first state to legalize online poker was Delaware, where players can play at sites operated by the Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. These sites run on 888poker software. In 2018, West Virginia became the fourth state to legalize online poker, and the first online poker site launched in the state in January. The Pennsylvania legislature approved a comprehensive gambling expansion bill in October 2017.
West Virginia legalized online poker in 2019, but it wasn’t expected to go live until 2021. The state is small, and an online poker room may be difficult to launch without a shared liquidity pool, which could potentially create legal issues. If legal, the state may also settle litigation related to the federal Wire Act. Global Poker is another option for US players. It offers a sweepstakes-style format and is available in all 50 states.