Online poker has been around for decades. But it was only recently that the market was regulated. And that’s exactly what happened in 2013. In 2013, Nevada and Delaware rolled out the first regulated online poker markets in the U.S. Since then, the market has grown significantly and several lawmakers have taken notice of the new potential.
As for the laws themselves, a number of states passed legislation that made the internet more relevant. For example, Delaware and Nevada both signed a multi-state poker agreement. This gave the two states access to one another’s player pools. It also allowed them to collect 15% in tax revenue.
The other notable example of a regulated online poker market in the US is New Jersey. That state joined the MSIGA in 2014. However, while it was a major step forward, the actual legalization of online poker in the Garden State didn’t happen. Although the legislation was passed, it never reached the floor of the New Jersey Assembly. Eventually, it was reintroduced by Sen. Joseph Addabbo in 2020.
While there are several sites available, some sites only accept U.S. dollars, while others are capable of accepting payments in a variety of currencies. Some even convert funds at a lower premium than banks. Aside from the usual credit card and bank transfer methods, players can choose to make a deposit using PayPal.
The best way to start playing online poker is to sign up for a site and download the software. The site will ask for your social security number, date of birth, full name and address. You may be required to provide more documentation to verify your identity. Typically, the process is straightforward. Once the site has all the information it needs, it will walk you through the deposit procedure.
While the process may seem like a hassle, the benefits are worth it. First and foremost, you’ll no longer have to wait weeks for your money to clear. Also, you’ll have the added benefit of having more cash game action than you would at a live casino. Not only that, but you’ll have a larger overall pool of players to play against. All of this translates to better odds, bigger guarantees and better tournaments.
In the end, though, the decision is up to the individual states. Currently, only Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey offer multi-state poker options. If you live in one of those three states, you’re in luck. On the other hand, Alaska is a state that is traditionally anti-gambling. So, if you want to get involved in online poker in Alaska, you’ll need to follow the proper legislative procedures.
While the process to start playing online poker in Alaska is relatively simple, the actual legalization of the game may be more difficult than you’d like. Regardless, the fact of the matter is that there’s a market for online poker in the icy tundra. To help grow it, the state of Alaska would need to create a licensing body and ensure the laws are in place.