Most online poker sites require that you register with your personal information before you can begin playing. This information can range from your date of birth to your social security number. It may also include your full name and address. Creating more than one account is against the rules of online poker and can result in a permanent ban from the site. However, there are some sites that cater to all levels of online poker players, including Bovada and Bet365. Bovada offers beginner tables for new players and has lower stakes, making it ideal for recreational players.
Regulatory frameworks for online poker vary by state, although some states have taken steps to restrict their use. In the US, the Poker Alliance is the primary lobbying group for the industry. Founded in response to threats to ban online poker, the organization has grown to more than a million members. The organization has adapted its strategy over the years to fit the needs of the industry. The alliance has worked to regulate online poker, as well as to protect American players.
In the United States, online poker is governed by different laws than brick-and-mortar poker. While it is still debated in the US, online poker is legal and regulated in other countries. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into law by President Bush in 2006. Many online poker players are hoping that the new administration will change the law, or at least make it easier for them to play poker online. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Caribbean, have legal online poker, but the UIGEA remains in place.
Legality of online poker in the US has been an ongoing concern for online poker players. Since its onset, online poker has been available to US residents, albeit with mixed results. Several major operators were banned from the US in 2011 after failing to comply with ambiguous laws. But, in 2013, the first legal online poker sites began operating in New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. Today, legal online poker sites can be found in many US states.