Some countries have regulated online poker and gambling. Some have separated markets by requiring licensing fees and taxes and others have banned international operators. France was the first to regulate the market, followed by Italy, Spain and Portugal. Other countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have yet to regulate the industry. South American countries are in various stages of similar regulatory processes. It’s important to know the legal status of an online poker site before signing up. In this article, we’ll discuss some factors to look for when choosing a site.
Shared liquidity
The concept of shared liquidity in online poker is gaining ground as more states legalize online poker. Combined pool of players equals more potential prize money, and more money means bigger fish. However, shared liquidity is only viable when the pool of players is large enough. Local pools of players limit prize money and available opponents. This is the primary problem with multistate poker. If you are in a multistate state, you may not be able to take advantage of shared liquidity in an online poker tournament.
Sign-up bonuses
The benefits of signing up for a poker sign-up bonus are numerous. These free cash can be used to increase your bankroll, help you overcome variance, and move up the stakes faster. It is advisable to read the terms and conditions of the bonus before you sign up. You will want to maximize the amount you receive, while avoiding any conditions that may restrict your game. Some bonuses have milestones you have to meet, and other special tournaments are available only to members who have won a particular amount of money.
Offshore sites
Offshore poker sites are legal and secure to play at. They are also popular because they offer anonymity and protection from being hacked. But they’re not 100% safe. In fact, some offshore poker sites are actually dubious because they have headquarters in countries that are considered untrustworthy. Nevertheless, players from Switzerland are still able to play online poker without any problems. Listed below are a few reasons to play poker offshore in Switzerland.
Legality
The legality of online poker is a hot topic. New York, for instance, has not legalized online poker. New York has been trying for years, but so far it’s been unsuccessful. In fact, the entire US has not legalised online gambling. This is because lawmakers don’t have the time to handle gambling issues. But the fact is that, despite the controversy, no one has ever been prosecuted for online poker.
Regulation
Despite the recent defeat of New York lawmakers who were pushing for online poker regulation, the bill is still alive. Senators Bonacic and Pretlow have both reintroduced their 2015 bills, S5302 and A09049. The Senate version of the bill, which passed unanimously, went to the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on February 2, and was voted on unanimously. It is included in the state’s March budget plan.
