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| | | Online Poker allows people to play in web-based rooms with players from all over the world. Playing online can be less intimidating than playing at an actual casino and some online poker sites even award winning players entry to real-life poker tournaments such as the World Series of Poker. Although the legality of online poker in the U.S. has come into question due to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was signed into law in October 2006, many U.S. players still participate in online poker. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Although many online poker sites have stopped accepting U.S. players, Absolute Poker, Full Tilt, Bodog.com and Poker Stars are still open to users in the U.S. Players can use real money to play or "play money". Most sites offer poker room chat, hand histories, player search, player notes and multiple simultaneous games.
- Full Tilt lets players learn alongside pros including Howard Lederer, Phil Ivey, and Jennifer Harman. Poker Stars lets you customize your poker room by theme. Poker Stars and Bodog let you upload an image to represent you while Full Tilt lets you create a cartoon avatar. While most online poker sites are PC and Mac-friendly, Bodog.com and Poker Stars work only with PCs.
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| What should be included: | - Most online poker sites offer "play money" chips so you can start right away without any risk. Review the site for more details about playing with real money.
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| Additional costs: | - Real-money online poker games have limits and minimum buy-ins, so be sure to check the game listing before jumping in. Tournaments usually have entry fees in addition to buy-ins.
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| Shopping for online poker: | - Once you install the game you can observe ongoing poker games and tournaments without participating or registering. This is a good way to see whether you like the feel of the poker room.
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Article updated June 2007 |
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