The first online poker sites appeared in the late 1990s. Despite their success, no regulation was in place. This was not a good sign for the future of the industry. In 2013, however, regulated online poker returned to the US. With the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), many sites were forced out of the country.
However, the market eventually began to take shape. Those lucky enough to live in states with legalized gambling such as Nevada and Delaware were able to start playing online poker. They were also able to take advantage of rakeback. This is essentially free money, and it can make a difference if you’re break even or in the black.
Several of the top sites offer mobile apps and games. It’s important to find a site with easy-to-use software that will allow you to play on the go. If possible, you should opt for a site that uses SSL encryption, so you don’t have to worry about your personal information being exposed to unauthorized parties.
There are plenty of other factors to consider before signing up. Some of the best sites are those that have large playing pools, as well as a high number of promotions and tournaments. You should also look for the best bonuses and jackpots.
The best way to go about choosing a site is to do a little research. Find out about their licensing, their promotions, and their privacy policies. Make sure you check out the BBB and other independent review sites to get a feel for their reputation.
For example, you can get up to $1500 in casino bonus credit at Ignition, and they’ll also give you 150% in crypto deposits up to $3,000. Also, they have a huge range of deposit options, including cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. These features may be hard to come by at smaller, less well known sites.
To determine if a poker site has the features you’re looking for, you should check the fine print. Most sites will require you to meet certain wagering requirements or play a certain amount of hands to be eligible for a promotion. Other bonuses will require you to earn a particular amount of points.
There’s one other thing to keep in mind, however. Although you can’t really cheat at online poker, you can’t always trust your opponents. That’s especially true at lower stakes. When you’re first starting out, it’s best to get acquainted with the game by playing at lower limits. By the time you’re ready to play at higher stakes, you’ll know what to expect.
Finally, the best sites have the requisite security features, including a third-party security firm that ensures your personal information is protected. Having your poker information in the hands of a hacker is a terrible idea. Check for a site’s encryption measures before making a deposit.
Before you begin playing, make sure you have read the site’s privacy policies and terms and conditions. You don’t want to risk your money and your reputation with an unregulated site.