Online poker is a multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on its reputation as an honest and fair game. That’s why players are always on the lookout for sites that are known to treat their customers fairly and not cheat them out of money. This is an especially important consideration for seasoned pros who know what to look for in a good site.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of options for players seeking fair and trustworthy sites. The best poker websites are regulated and offer an easy-to-use interface that doesn’t distract players from their game. They also offer competitive bonuses, regular promotions, and a range of banking options.
One of the most important aspects of a good poker website is its database software. This enables players to analyze their opponents’ play and discover leaks in their own strategies. In addition, it gives players a heads-up display of their own statistical information as they play. This data is invaluable in helping players make the right decisions at the right time in a hand.
Another great feature of database software is its ability to filter and analyze data for specific circumstances. For example, you can filter your results by the number of hands you play in a certain position or how often you 3-bet. Then you can compare that information to your opponent’s to see if there are any patterns.
These features of database software are essential for any serious poker player. However, they can be difficult to use without the help of a skilled programmer. That’s why it’s important to choose a poker site with a knowledgeable customer service team. These teams can answer questions quickly and easily on multiple platforms, including email, Facebook, and Twitter. This way, you can get your answers whenever it’s convenient for you.
In the United States, regulated online poker became available again in 2013. This was part of a wave that saw New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware join the MSIGA (Multistate Internet Gaming Association). However, the flurry did not last long and it was not until 2018 that New Jersey joined an inter-state partnership with Delaware and Nevada to allow for shared player pools.
The UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) put a damper on the growth of the online poker industry. It went after the financial infrastructure that supported online gambling, making it illegal for banks to process payments associated with a regulated gambling site. This drove many companies out of the business and made it much more difficult for US players to fund their accounts.
In the meantime, online poker grew to be a huge industry in other countries. In particular, it is legal and regulated in the United Kingdom and several other Caribbean Sea countries. In the US, the UIGEA continues to limit the growth of regulated online poker, but there are signs that the Trump Administration may change this. This is a topic we’ll continue to monitor closely.