Before you can begin playing online poker, you must download and install software. Generally, the poker software is free of viruses. You should also register an account with the poker site to participate. It is important to remember that you can only have one poker account, since multi-accounting is illegal and can lead to a permanent ban from the site. If you have any doubts about the legality of online poker, you should contact the site’s customer support to find out more.
The best way to choose a legal online poker site is to look for a licensed gambling site. Poker sites are licensed by various jurisdictions and must adhere to the highest operating standards. Popular jurisdictions include Curacao, the Isle of Man, Malta, and Kahnawake in Canada. You can deposit and withdraw using your credit card or prepaid credit cards. Alternatively, you can use a cryptocurrency, which works without a problem and requires one-time setup.
Whether you want to play poker for free or for real money, a good site is always regulated and legal in your country. US players should also choose a regulated site. If you can’t find a regulated site, then choose one that is offshore. These poker sites are fully licensed and safe to use. The good news is that there are several regulated offshore sites that accept US players. You can find one of these offshore sites in the links below.
The laws for online poker are quite different from those of brick-and-mortar poker. In the United States, online poker is illegal under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), but many states still allow players to play. These poker sites are not subject to the same restrictions as brick-and-mortar poker sites, and they are legal in their home countries. The US government’s new administration is expected to repeal the UIGEA and make online poker legal in the United States.