Although online poker is legal, it is subject to different laws than brick-and-mortar poker. In the United States, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is a key concern. It was signed into law by President Bush in October 2006, and online poker players are hoping that a new administration will change this. Online poker is legal and regulated in many other countries, including the United Kingdom. These legal differences are often a source of frustration for many online poker players.

To get started playing online poker, first download the software from the poker website you’ve selected. Most poker sites are virus-free, and once you’ve downloaded the software, you need to register an account. Remember, you can only have one poker account; multiple accounts are prohibited and can lead to permanent bans from the site. You should also check to see what type of bonus or promotion a poker site offers before you sign up. You don’t want to lose your money playing online!

In addition to regulating online poker, regulated poker sites provide players with many benefits. US players can benefit from a loyalty program. Players can collect loyalty points based on the amount of money they spend and rake they pay. These points can be converted into bonuses, cash, or real rewards. Be sure to understand the rules of the loyalty program before committing funds to it. A good loyalty program can be a huge difference in your bottom line!