How to Get Started Playing Online Games

The easiest way to get into poker is to play online. There is no need to waste gas or time off from work trying to get to Las Vegas or Atlantic City just to play poker. There are many places you can play poker online for free including the most popular and trusted websites such as casino.netbet.co.uk. After picking a website, go to it with an Internet browser and install their software, which is a quick and easy process.

How to Start Playing Online Poker For Free

All online poker sites permit wagering with play money. This allows beginning players to practice and learn the software and the game in a relaxed environment without losing a penny. This is especially useful for those who want to learn less common poker games such as Omaha, which is not televised on TV very much.

After starting the online poker software, pick a table that has a free seat. With play money, it doesn’t matter which table is picked. Once seated, other poker players and a chat screen can be seen. Many players choose to use an avatar such as a picture of themselves or an object such as the US flag. Because real money isn’t involved, there is usually a lot of fun chatting between players as the game is progressing. It’s not unusual to watch players talk about their dinner, the weather, or even politics.

As each hand progresses, the online poker software prompt you to bet, call, raise, check, or fold. The computer keeps track of all the chips including minimum and maximum amount to bet. If a player busts out with no more play money, there is nothing to worry about. There is no need to declare bankruptcy. Simply go to the banker to get more play money from him.

Disadvantages of Playing Online Poker for Free

The disadvantage of learning the game with play money is that the poker is usually far too loose. In a Texas Hold’em game with real money, good players fold all the time before the flop. Poker TV broadcasts don’t show people folding without reaching the flop, because that would be quite boring to watch. But folding pre-flop is how the game is played. Nobody bets real money with 8-2 offsuit, the worst starting hand in the game, unless it’s a bluff. In a game with play money, very few people fold before the flop.

Freeroll Poker Tournaments

The exception to the loose environment is in freeroll tournaments, where players treat their bankroll as if it is real money because the prize for first place is either a lot of play money or an entry to a tournament with real money prizes. Even then, it’s usually necessary to fold the first several hands because a few players go all-in regardless of the hand they have.

Legal Status of Online Poker

Although it’s tempting to play with real money in order to improve poker skills, keep in mind that US residents are not legally allowed to play online poker with real cash. In 2006, Bush signed the Safe Port Act, which contained a provision that made Internet gambling illegal which is called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

US residents need to travel to a brick and mortar casino in Indian casinos, Nevada, or Atlantic City to legally play poker for cash. Online poker with real money is also illegal in many other countries around the world including Australia, China, and some countries in Europe. Players who want to play poker with real money need to check their local laws for limitations and outright bans.