During the boom years of 2003 and 2006, the online poker industry exploded. Start-ups were able to open new poker rooms with little money and millions of players were able to play for real money. Soon, pro poker players like Chris Moneymaker became household names. And, even without any regulation from Congress, they were earning billions of dollars.
Software is essential for a good online poker experience. If the software is unstable, the games can be frustrating, particularly during bad luck runs. Some early online poker sites suffered from this issue, but today, the problem is rare. Downloadable poker software is usually stable, though instant play and mobile software may still have problems with this.
The UIGEA has had a dramatic effect on the online poker industry. While there are more than 600 doorways into these networks, fewer than forty networks have detectable traffic levels. Those few networks account for the majority of online poker traffic. As a result, most online poker players play on these networks.
Online poker players should adjust their strategy depending on the stakes they play. If they’re playing for a small stake, they’ll be more likely to experience a bad beat than if they were playing at a higher stake. Because of the smaller stakes, players are more likely to call with subpar hands. These types of hands can outdraw better hands.
Online poker is legal in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In some states, like New Jersey, online poker is regulated. If you’re a New York Hold’em player, a simple drive across the border to New Jersey or Pennsylvania will allow you to play online poker. There, you can create an account, log in, and play sweepstakes tournaments for real money.
Planet Poker was the first online poker site to offer real money games. After testing their software in 1997, the site gained popularity and became endorsed by high-profile players like Mike Caro. However, there were many problems with the site’s software in the early years of operation. Nevertheless, it quickly became the game of choice.
The online poker industry remains relatively calm despite the recent scandals and government intervention. In the US, most players are playing at small, private poker sites while waiting for state legislatures to decide on the best licensed games. This situation will change soon as more states decide to regulate online poker. If you’re a US player, it’s still advisable to use an account in a non-gaming site.
Compared to live poker, online poker is a more convenient option. The time required to sit around and wait for hands to be dealt is much lower. You can also deal with more hands per hour. In a short-handed game, online poker tables can deal with up to sixty hands per hour. You can also play several tables at a time.