Online poker is something that has been around for as long as the internet itself. The concept behind it is to play poker in its most basic form via computer or mobile device, with no human involvement. You play against other players, who act as the dealer. A single game can last several hours, with some top games attracting thousands of players. In theory, you can play at any time and from anywhere, which makes it ideal for those who want to get involved but don’t necessarily have the time to play in person.
With the rise of eSports, or professional gaming, the concept of playing online poker for money has become more accessible to those who want to make a career out of it. However, just because there is money to be made, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically make it. There are things that you need to consider before you set up shop on the internet and begin playing for cash.
Is Online Poker Legal?
While many have turned a blind eye to online poker due to its illegality in some areas of the country, the tides are slowly starting to change. In 2014, the U.S. federal government passed legislation that effectively legalized online poker, making it available to players in all 50 states. However, the bill did have some limitations. For example, you cannot advertise the fact that you are playing for money, and you must maintain at least bank account and social security numbers, among other things, to play. The fact remains that poker is still illegal in some parts of the country, which means that you must stay within the law, even if you want to make a living playing online poker.
Which Gaming Device Do I Need To Play Online Poker?
One of the main things that you need to consider when playing online poker is the device that you will use. There are several different options, ranging from traditional desktop PCs, to laptops, to tablets, and even phones, all of which can be used to play. The type of device will largely depend on how you plan on playing. If you have a specific one in mind, then search for it online and see if it can be legally used to play poker. You also need to make sure that it is compatible with the various poker software providers that you will use, which is another thing that you need to check before you buy it.
How Do I Sign Up For An Online Poker Account?
The first step to playing online poker is to sign up for one. There are several different websites that you can use to do this, all of which are available for free. The most popular one is certainly PokerStars, followed by PokerRoom and Full Tilt. Once you have a poker account, you can proceed to the next step.
How Are Games Calculated?
Another thing that you need to consider when playing online poker is how the games are going to be calculated. There are three types of poker games that you will encounter, depending on whether you are playing for money or experience. For those who are playing for money, the games will be shown as “cash games,” with the highest paying player winning. For those who are playing for experience, the games will be shown as “ring games,” with the person holding the better hand at the end of the game winning. The third type of game, which can also be played for money, is known as a “pool game,” with everyone contributing to a common pot, and the winner being determined by how many points you have.
You will also need to make sure that you are aware of the stakes that are being used for the different games. For example, in the U.S. PokerStars is generally the only site that offers games with no maximum buy-in, meaning that any amount of money can be wagered. In other parts of the world, only certain games are available with no maximum buy-in, so before you start playing make sure that you check to see what types of games are being offered where you are. The more you play, the more you will learn about these things, which will make your gaming experience all the more enjoyable.
Where Can I Play Online Poker?
The first place that you should consider playing is the online poker room that you choose. It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research before making your pick, just to make sure that the site is going to be reputable and that you are choosing a secure environment. If you want to be certain that your personal information isn’t being passed around by hackers, then don’t choose a site that is located in another country, because in most cases, your information won’t be stored there. Look for a site that was designed with security in mind, and make sure that you are aware of the type of encryption that is being used so that your personal information is kept secure while you are at the casino.
What Software Do I Need To Play?
Once you have your gaming device and a poker account, all that is left is to find the right software. Luckily for you, we are here to help with that. Below we will tell you about three different programs that you can use to play online poker, namely, Perfect Poker, Cardroom, and Merge Gaming, along with how to download and install them on various devices.
Perfect Poker is one of the most popular, and most reputable, applications in the industry. It is designed for use both on your desktop and mobile device, and is compatible with all types of poker sites, including those that are run by the major poker companies. Its main advantage over other similar programs is that it is extremely easy to use. Simply click on the link that is provided, download the software, and then install it on your device. You will then need to open an account with PokerStars, using either the promo code HOTTSTAFF or HOTTSTAFF10, and create a password so that you can access your account. From there, you can begin playing.
Cardroom is another great application, available for both PC and mobile devices. Similar to Perfect Poker, Cardroom is also highly efficient and user-friendly. Furthermore, it is compatible with plenty of online poker sites, including those operated by the major poker companies, which makes it a great choice for those who want to play on the go. Just like with Perfect Poker, all that you need to do is download Cardroom, open an account with the PokerStars app or site, and then enter your email address and a password to create your account.
Merge Gaming is yet another great choice, with an abundance of features, making it the Rolls Royce of poker applications. For those who love to play in large groups, this is the app for you, as it supports up to eight opponents simultaneously. It is also possible to create private games, which can be accessed by invite only.
All of these programs are extremely easy to use, making it simple for anyone to get involved in online poker. Even those who are complete beginners will have no trouble finding the information that they need to get started.
How Do I Keep Track Of My Wins And Losses?
Although it is great to play for money, it is even better when you win, which is why it is important to keep track of your wins and losses. There are several different ways that you can do this. One of the simplest ways is to use a software program, like the ones mentioned above, which come with a built-in poker tracker. These types of programs can usually be found in the “finance” section of your app store, along with the other trading and investment apps. Just remember, if you are using a third party poker tracking program, then you will need to log in to your account with PokerStars so that they can update it whenever you make a deposit or win.
A slightly more advanced way of keeping track of your wins and losses is to use a spreadsheet, like Excel. You can input the data manually or use an automated system that will input the data for you, based on what you have won and lost. The choice is completely up to you. You just need to make sure that you enter the data manually, since any automated system will create an opportunity for human error, which could result in you losing your winnings. Manually entering the data is time consuming, but it is the only way to ensure that the information is accurate.
If you are someone who likes to keep track of everything, then using a pen and paper is still the best way to do it. Simply write down every game that you play, the date, the time, and the players. Make sure to keep track of both your winnings and losses, as well as any bonuses that you receive. You can also enter the data manually, if you prefer, but it is much easier to do it on paper, if you are going to be reviewing your gameplay at a later date anyway.