Playing real money online poker is easy if the game is legal in your state. The first step is to download the poker software to your device. Some operators may also require that you download their software before you can play. Once you have the software, you are ready to play for real money online. Most online poker sites require download software.

The most popular type of online poker game is cash games. These games are best for casual players who don’t want to spend eight hours a day playing. The poker site will collect a small fee from each player, which is known as the “rake.” Rake is between three and 4.25% of the stakes.

Online poker is expected to become more popular in the future. Many states are now considering legislation to legalize the game. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already signed on to the Compact, and more states are expected to do so. This expansion of the gaming industry is likely to increase revenues within the member states. In addition to the new laws, online poker is being increasingly played on mobile devices.

A federal effort to regulate online poker has stalled due to concerns about the rights of states. Some states want to preempt the federal government from regulating the gaming industry, while others want to regulate the industry within their borders. For more information on online poker laws, visit the U.S. Poker Players’ Guide.

The US Senate took notice of the growth of online poker and the money flow that fuels the industry. The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was introduced but did not pass. Meanwhile, new sites began to appear around the world. Eventually, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that sports betting is illegal under the Federal Wire Act. The Department of Justice disagreed with the Fifth Circuit’s ruling and said online poker was illegal.

Delaware was one of the first states to legalize online poker, second only to Nevada. There are no national providers operating in Delaware, but local casinos are offering the game. The state is part of the Multi-State Gaming Compact, which creates a big player pool. Soon after, West Virginia followed suit and legalized online poker.

Online poker in the US is regulated by state and federal laws. States have to approve poker sites to start operations in their state. PokerStars went live in Pennsylvania on Nov. 4, and BetMGM will follow. However, the biggest market for online poker in the United States is New Jersey. WSOP/888 US is the only site that shares players with both states. It is the largest US online poker site by traffic.

For a beginner at Ignition Poker, the best strategy is to start with the lowest stakes you can find. This will give you a better chance to get a good table and learn the ins and outs of the game. You can also download the Ignition Poker client to play poker from your desktop or on your mobile device.