Online poker has gotten a lot of attention lately. The game has been around for a while, but it was a real boost in popularity in recent years thanks to advances in technology. Today, you can play a variety of different varieties online, including cash games, tournaments, and sit and go’s. And, most sites will offer you the chance to play free in the beginning, before requiring you to deposit money.

The most interesting aspect of the game is the fact that you can play it from your laptop or smart phone. This means you can play whenever you want, instead of having to make time for a trip to a casino. It’s also much faster, so you’ll likely be able to finish your hand in less time than you would if you were playing in a live room.

However, it’s not just the technology that makes the game possible. It’s also the state laws that allow the game to be played legally. To play for real money, you’ll need to download the appropriate software. These can be found at a number of operators’ websites. Most don’t require a lot of processing power, and will work on any modern computer.

The best part of all is that online poker is not a federal crime. Even though the Department of Justice has been taking action against online poker players, the law doesn’t apply to the game itself. In fact, the first laws that allowed online gambling were in Nevada and Delaware.

The UIGEA was passed by Congress in 2006. The act went after the money flow that fueled the game, and it made it illegal for companies to process payments that were connected to online gambling. That’s why many operators chose to go out of business, but not all.

As more states begin to legalize the game, more players will have a chance to take advantage of it. Although it’s not yet widespread, the number of licensed online poker sites is rising. Some of the top companies, including PokerStars, have even begun to expand their presence into the US. If you’re looking for an easy way to start playing the game, you can download a real money app for your tablet or smartphone.

Considering the proliferation of mobile devices, it’s not surprising that this game has become more accessible than ever. There are even apps for Android and iPhone users. You can even watch live streams on a platform called Twitch. While it’s not the fastest or most accurate system, it’s an excellent way to get a glimpse of the game.

Fortunately, there’s a good chance that online poker will become a mainstream pastime. As more states pass laws regulating online gambling, we may soon see a new era of poker in the United States. Regardless, we should all be glad that we have access to this wonderful game.

For now, it’s best to play the game on a site that you trust. Just be sure to check that your state has a license, and to use the most secure banking methods available. Many sites offer a wide range of deposit options, from bank transfers and e-checks to third party eWallets.