The first hand of online poker was dealt in 1998. Over the next 23 years, millions of hands would be dealt in the industry. The growth of online poker has been volatile, particularly in the United States, where the UIGEA and Black Friday passed. Today, more states are legalizing online poker, and a few have already made great strides in legalizing the game. Read on for some of the benefits and drawbacks of online poker.
Many online poker websites cater to different skill levels. While full-fledged casinos such as PokerStars are more professional and offer more games, smaller stakes online idnplay rooms are a great way to start. Beginners can also benefit from a beginners-only table at most poker sites. These tables are free to join and are often reserved for new customers for the first thirty to ninety days after creating an account. Better players won’t clog the tables, ensuring that you’ll be able to learn the game.
Once you’ve chosen a poker room, you can fund your account by depositing money. Most online poker sites allow deposits ranging from $5 to $20. Some allow deposits of hundreds or thousands of dollars. The time it takes for your deposit to clear depends on the poker site, so make sure to check the timetables for your chosen site. If you’re not sure whether a poker site will accept your deposit, read the comments on the site.