The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented surge in online poker traffic. The virus has caused the closure of most live gaming venues across the globe. In particular, unlicensed gambling venues have closed down, leaving the country with few options for live entertainment. As a result, many casual players have turned to online poker to fill the void. Several operators have reported double-digit increases in traffic since the pandemic began, and the demand for online poker is on the rise.
Despite the many benefits, online poker is still not completely legal in all jurisdictions. In the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 made it illegal for U.S. banks to do business with such websites. Fortunately, some of these sites eventually left the country. In 2011, the Department of Justice seized several major poker sites, citing allegations of money laundering and bank fraud. The major sites disappeared from the country, but not until 2012. In February 2012, a federal judge ruled that the game is a combination of skill and luck. In addition, Nevada opened the first state-regulated poker site, the World Series of JENIUSPOKER.
The legality of online poker in the U.S. has not been an issue for decades. The first sites opened in the late 1990s, and Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 victory spurred an unregulated market. Despite this, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act forced many of these sites out of the U.S. market. However, some, including PokerStars, remained open to U.S. players for several years.
The main benefit of online poker is its convenience. It can be played for free, or you can even win satellite entries to live poker tournaments. Another advantage is that you can play on any device – desktop, laptop, phone, tablet – without worrying about second-hand smoke or crowds. No matter where you are, you can access the internet to play poker. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of games, regardless of your location.
Another benefit of online poker is the freedom to play the game anytime you want. No long waits at the casino. The software is mobile-friendly, and the games are fun and entertaining to play. Whether you want to play a single game or a tournament, you can find an online poker site that suits your needs. If you’re playing for money, you can set your own rules. And you can even win cash prizes if you’re the top player!
The United States has legalized online poker, though the practice has been illegal in the country since the late nineteen-nineties. The first online poker sites appeared, and the industry grew rapidly. In 2003, Chris Moneymaker’s success brought new attention to the growing unregulated market. While the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act forced many sites from the U.S. market, some of them remained open for players in the country.