There are a number of online poker sites that offer loyalty programs for players. These programs can be automatic and are based on how much you’ve wagered and how often you play. After making a deposit, you’ll receive points that you can then redeem for prizes. These prizes can be anything from free money bonuses to tournament tickets, or even branded merchandise from the site’s store. The rarest rewards, however, are cash. Online poker sites rarely offer withdrawable funds to players.
The United States has long embraced online poker, with the first sites appearing in the late 1990s. After Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 World Series of Poker, the unregulated market exploded. The passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) forced many of these sites to close the US market, but sites like PokerStars continued to serve U.S. players for several years. However, since the UIGEA, these poker sites have had to pay licensing fees and other taxes.
While there are only six states that have legalized online poker, more are expected to follow suit. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have seen great revenue increases from online poker. As these states continue to legalize the game, a multi-state network is being formed that will connect online poker players from across the country. And as the revenue results continue to mount, it’s likely that even more states will follow suit. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy playing poker online. The benefits of the new system are numerous and worth the hassle.
Although some states have passed legislation regulating online poker, only a few are still waiting for their State Assembly to do so. The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee passed a bill to legalize online poker in New Jersey, and the Assembly has yet to take action. However, more states are considering regulating the online poker industry, and the latest legislation could make the process easier. In the meantime, it will be crucial to monitor the progress of this legislation to ensure that the industry is legal.
International sites are another option for players. Since they operate in countries with less stringent business rules, they often fall under gray areas of the law. Because of this, they’re unlikely to report any problems to an effective regulatory body. However, these sites are usually part of the same organization as those that are based in the United States. So, you’ll have to decide for yourself if you’d like to play poker in a different state.
The first legal online poker site in the US was Ultimate Poker, operated by a company associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Delaware and New Jersey followed suit, and later that year, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online poker. While these states have legalized online poker, many offshore sites aren’t accepting US players. If you’re a player looking for a legal place to play poker, consider registering in one of these states.