Online poker sites can earn a lot of revenue by investing the money of their players. While the amount of risk a site is allowed to take with client money is limited, it can be a large source of revenue. These sites are regulated to make sure that players’ money is kept secure. In addition, they do not have to pay interest on their players’ bankrolls.

While the US has only a few licensed online poker sites, the number is growing. With the advent of new technology, sites are introducing more sophisticated software and new online poker sites are springing up in many parts of the world. However, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) disagreed, claiming that online gambling was illegal.

To start playing online poker, you must download poker software. Most sites take just a few minutes to download and are virus-free. Once downloaded, you should create an account. However, remember to create only one account because multiple accounts are not allowed. Multi-accounting can lead to permanent ban from a poker site.

If you are unsure about the integrity of an online poker site, you can always consult the best independent players. Their data has been collected through millions of hands of poker. This data is disseminated and analyzed over time. It is important to note that independent players are not unaware of rigged sites. They have incorporated broad spectrum data analysis and scientific research to identify which sites are rigged. In addition, bad beat tests have been conducted in the industry to make sure that all games are fair.

While online poker is legal, it is important to check the legitimacy of an online poker room before joining it. There are a number of rogue employees who will take advantage of the situation to steal money. One famous scandal occurred last year in which hundreds of thousands of dollars were lost. It was ultimately discovered that a single user used a computer program to obtain information about the hands of other players. As a result, multiple lawsuits were filed against him and he eventually filed for bankruptcy.

The law is not against online poker, but it has been difficult for online poker to gain legal status in the United States. Offshore sites have found creative ways around the UIGEA to avoid prosecution. Currently, four states have passed legislation that allows online poker for fenced markets. Global Poker is one such site that started accepting US players in December of 2016. The online poker site operates using a sweepstakes-style virtual currency model, which is not considered online gambling.

A good poker site will also offer mobile versions of their software. Downloadable software provides players with a more seamless online poker experience.