Many states have legalized online poker, but not all states have the same regulations. The first thing you should know about these states is that there are many gray areas in online poker laws, and international poker sites operate in countries where business regulations are less strict. These international poker sites may not report to an effective regulatory body, and they may not have the power to act on issues. These gray areas also apply to the legality of poker websites in US states.
Most online poker sites have lobbys categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments, Sit & Go’s, and special formats. New players should start out on the beginner’s tables, where they’ll get a feel for the game. Once they’re more comfortable with the game, they can move on to the higher-level games. There are also several “high roller” tables on these online poker sites, but these are typically only open to a select few people.
Many online poker sites also offer player loyalty programs that are automatic from the moment you register. These programs classify players according to their wagering habits and reward them for their frequent play. Players earn points, which can be redeemed for prizes, such as free money bonuses, tournament tickets, or branded merchandise from the site’s store. However, the most coveted reward is unrestricted cash. While this may seem tempting, online poker sites rarely award players with withdrawable funds.