The Legality of Online Poker
The legality of online poker has come under more scrutiny in recent years, especially in the United States. Some states are now considering online poker legislation, while others are still undecided. The following are some of the factors to keep in mind. As you play online poker, remember that the games are entirely based on skill. For example, a person can win a large sum by playing a small hand, while a large one could win a player over a million dollars.
While online poker has been available in the United States for many decades, it has experienced a turbulent history. In the late 1990s, the first online poker sites appeared. After the 2003 World Series of Poker victory by Chris Moneymaker, the unregulated market thrived. However, after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed in 2006, a number of these sites were forced to leave the U.S. market. But some sites, such as PokerStars, remained open to U.S. players for several years.
While online poker is legal in most countries, not all of them have legalized it. Regulation varies greatly from country to country, and top sites may even be banned in some states. If you are unsure of the legality of an online poker site, check its regulation first. It’s also important to understand that different jurisdictions regulate the game differently. In the United States, the poker site PokerStars reported revenue of $877 million in 2017, up from $800 million in the previous year. Therefore, it’s a safe bet that the site is legitimate.