Online Poker and the Recent Boom in the USA

The US online poker scene continues to shape up in favor of online gamblers. So, more states that were against locally regulated online gaming sites are starting to create the necessary legislation for their residents. That’s, in part, thanks to the recent global pandemic.

How the Pandemic Affected US Online Poker

To help minimize infection rates, venues open to the public had to close down indefinitely when global lockdowns became mandatory. Casinos and betting halls were some of the establishments that were most affected. But during that time, it was observed that people chose to go online for their gambling. And considering government revenues were at an all-time low with so many businesses shutting down, legislators saw the need to look for ways to bring the money back.

There were different states which already offered online poker rooms to their residents. These offered a look into the future for other North American regions willing to adopt online gambling. After all, poker fans still found a way to play even when state-recognized options weren’t available.

Fast forward to today, and you can find several of the best online poker rooms to play at in 2022. These included locally regulated options and also those run by offshore operators. Although the latter is an option people tend to avoid, it’s what’s currently available for residents in states that haven’t legalized online poker games.

Offshore Vs Locally Regulated Poker Sites

At the moment, states that have legalized online poker include:

1. Nevada (legal since February 2013)
2. Delaware (legal since February 2013)
3. New Jersey (legal since October 2013)
4. Pennsylvania (legal since November 2017)
5. West Virginia (legal since March 2019)
6. Michigan (legal since December 2019)

Poker fans in other US regions are hopeful that more states will make this online offering legal for them. That way, they won’t have to travel to other states or rely on offshore operators. That’s especially considering the positivity towards online casino and sports betting options so far.

Locally licensed sites are always better since they have laws that protect US gamblers in case of any disputes. That’s something you don’t get with overseas sites. Although they accept US residents to sign up, dispute resolution rarely covers them. On the other hand, overseas sites come with perks like:

• Access to numerous games from recognized software developers in the industry. So you can find virtual and live dealer variants in plenty.
• Generous promotional offers for new and existing members. These help you increase your gambling balance so you can play more.
• Loyalty programs with tailored benefits that are open to all members regardless of your location.
• Safe and globally recognized payment processing options. These enable you to transact in various currencies, including cryptos, which are borderless.
• 24/7 access to games and services through desktop and mobile-friendly options. So you can play wherever you are so long as you have a compatible smartphone or tablet with internet access.

So even if you reside in a state that accepts online poker, offshore sites can offer you a different experience whenever you need something new.

Top Poker Sites for US Players

There are now several legit poker sites serving players from the US. But as you search for the right ones for you, always check:

• The Licenses: Your chosen casino should have a valid license from a recognized regulator. If you reside in North American states that accept gambling, look for sites with licenses from local regulators like the New Jersey DGE. For players on offshore sites, regulators like the MGA, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the UK Gambling Commission are trusted entities.
• The Poker Variety: Take your time to browse the poker options available. Are you a fan of virtual or live dealer versions? Whatever your preference, ensure they’re available in abundance from leading software developers. That guarantees you the games are fair.
• The Security Features: To become an online casino member, your registration and verification need personal details. So the site you choose must have safety features to keep that information safe. That includes the use of firewalls and SSL encryption, among other measures.
• The Customer Support Options: For whatever queries or issues you’d like assistance with, the site you choose must offer prompt help. That way, you can continue your gaming without too much delay. So always look for platforms with 24/7 support channels. Although every site has email support, it’s better to get live chat and phone support options that offer prompt responses.
• Payment Methods: Most poker players desire to play with real money so that they can earn real rewards. But to do that, the casino has to offer legit payment options for transactions. Only choose sites with transaction methods you’re familiar with. Also, check whether USD is accepted, plus how much transactions cost.

Here are a few top-rated casinos where you can get started.

America’s Cardroom

This platform has been around for several years. It offers daily tournaments with guaranteed prizes. These range between $50,000 and $150,000 on most days. As a member, you can join the VIP program and also enjoy fast payouts of between 1 and 3 days. The site is licensed by the MGA.

Ignition Poker

This is the ideal site for poker fans that like using cryptos since you’ll find a crypto welcome offer. Free play games are also available whenever you’d like to play for fun. As a plus, the site also has a VIP loyalty scheme and anonymous tables.

Bovada Poker

This is one of the more popular options on our list. It offers several poker tournaments and cash games with guaranteed prizes worth over a million dollars every week. You can transact with cash or cryptos, with payouts getting processed within at least 3 days. The games offered are also numerous, including live dealer releases in the poker room.

Black Chip Poker

This platform is part of the Winning Poker network and accepts members from the US. Bonuses are in plenty, with new members getting to choose between crypto and cash matches with their first deposit. As a plus, deposit limits are as high as $10,000 for a single transaction.