Once you’ve decided to join an online poker site, it’s time to set up an account. Most states that have legalized online poker offer a few different poker operators, but you’ll want to select one that meets your criteria before beginning to play. To set up an account, players must initiate the registration process, which includes providing personal information and creating a username and password. Once this has been completed, players can begin playing poker online for real money.

Kentucky was considered one of the most unlikely states to legalize online poker – until recently. The state has been involved in a legal battle with PokerStars, since its seizure of 140 online gaming domains in 2008. In fact, the Kentucky Attorney General, Steve Beshear, led the fight against online gambling, and has aggressively sued PokerStars for offering online poker to Kentuckians. While some states have legalized online poker, others are considering legislation that will prevent the game from being played in their state.

One of the most common tips for playing poker online is to understand the rankings of starting hands. Several hands have straight flush possibilities, but a better online poker strategy will depend on how your starting hand is ranked. For example, an A-8 is a pair of eights, but is beat by an ace kicker and a set of 2s or 8s. In this situation, you might want to fold, but don’t worry.

The UIGEA has also led to a dramatic increase in online poker traffic, thanks in large part to the closure of many live gaming venues worldwide. Most unlicensed gaming venues have also been affected by the outbreak, which has resulted in a shortage of live entertainment options. Casual players have taken to online poker to fill the void. The numbers of new accounts have increased dramatically as a result, with many operators reporting double digit growth in traffic.

The US online poker market remains largely unregulated. In fact, many US states are considering regulations, although not yet. Despite its growing popularity, US players will be unable to enjoy playing poker for real money in most states. There are only a few US-regulated sites. Other states, like Michigan and West Virginia, are in various stages of regulating their online poker markets. You should always check with your local government regarding online poker regulation to avoid problems.

While only six states have legalized online poker, many others are close behind. States such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already seen significant revenue gains through legalizing online poker. As more states legalize online poker, there will be even more opportunities for players across the country. This trend is only likely to continue as more states join the multi-state online poker network. You’ll soon see more sites offering real money online in the US. Once these sites become popular, more players will be able to participate in poker tournaments.

In addition to registering with online poker sites, players must download their software before they can begin playing. These downloads are usually free of virus problems, and after installing the software, players should create an account. They should be aware that registering more than one account is strictly forbidden in online poker, and will get them permanently banned from the site. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an online poker site. When you find one that ticks all the boxes, you’re ready to start playing!

As you can see, online poker is a very simple game, and is also fast-paced. The website will automatically tell you when it’s your turn to act, making it much more convenient than a live game where players might yell at you for holding up the game. So, if you’re a newcomer to online poker, don’t let the social aspect of the game hold you back. Instead, focus on winning games and avoid the pitfalls.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make online poker a truly mobile experience. Ignition Poker offers a convenient Quick Seat feature, which enables players to choose a poker game, stakes, and the game. Once they’re ready, the software will automatically take them to the table. A great thing about Ignition Poker is that it’s compatible with mobile devices, so players can enjoy playing poker on the go.

Online poker software is a crucial component of a poker site. The software can make or break your experience, and many seasoned online poker players will tell you that the quality of the software is the most important factor for a smooth experience. Even if you don’t care about the inner workings of an online poker site, a quality software can make the difference between a good experience and a poor one. And if you can’t afford to spend a fortune on downloadable software, you can always use instant play poker.