Poker was long played exclusively in bars and casinos, until an accountant from Tennessee revolutionized it by creating the first online poker site in 2001. Now anyone with access to an internet connection and any device of their choosing – from desktop computers to smartphones – can participate in this fascinating game of skill – from free play through micro stakes tournaments all the way up to satellite entries into major live tournaments!
Regular online poker requires two to 10 players at a table, one player holding the button while their left-handed opponents place small and big blind bets respectively. Once these mandatory bets have been made, all players receive two hole cards face down before beginning a round of betting where players may call, raise, or fold as soon as their hand comes up.
An effective online poker player must take into account what their opponent may hold when making moves, something which separates beginner from pro poker players. To become one, spend just as much time learning as playing this game.
Playing poker online involves high stakes and the need to deal with losing money, something which can be hard for many newcomers. If you are serious about becoming a profitable poker player you need to put in some work: join training sites, make friends with successful professionals, and rigorously analyze every session afterward.
On top of being enjoyable and thrilling, online poker offers a lucrative way to earn real cash – the ideal method being step tournaments whereby small cash games win eventually lead to bigger ones; ultimately leading up to full tour package opportunities to major live tournaments!
Credit and debit cards are usually the easiest and fastest ways to deposit and withdraw funds when playing poker online, although it is advisable to check with the card issuer first as some restrict its usage for gambling transactions.
There are five legal online poker markets in the US – Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Global Poker also operates under a sweepstakes model using virtual currency as legal justification and is widely available across many US states. Yet many players still opt for unregulated sites outside the US due to being more cost-effective; offering higher rakeback, bonuses and promotions than regulated sites as well as being open to accepting players from all around the globe.