How to Avoid Online Poker Scams

Unlike live poker, online poker offers a wide range of deposit methods. US players can deposit money through credit cards, e-checks, wire transfers, third-party eWallets, and via cheques in the mail. While the laws governing online poker in the US are very strict, many sites have loosened their requirements to be licensed. Here are a few tips for US players to avoid scams and maximize their chances of winning online.

Firstly, check the age requirements. In general, players must be at least eighteen years old, which is the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction. However, many sites require a more detailed age verification process before allowing players to play. The age restriction varies from one poker site to another, and is a good idea to double-check this before signing up. Otherwise, online poker sites can refuse you access to their services. If you do find an online poker site that does not require any age restrictions, be sure to look for it.

Secondly, look at the rules regarding withdrawals. Some poker sites are notorious for slow payment, which makes withdrawals difficult. However, if you see no such conditions, you may want to stay away from the poker site. Lastly, check the reviews and customer feedback to determine the softness of the site. If there are many comments from professional grinders, this is a major red flag. If the reviews are not positive, it’s best to steer clear.

Finally, check the software. While a good poker site is reliable, one that uses unstable software can lead to frustrating experiences, especially during bad runs of luck. Inexpensive and outdated online poker sites often had this problem. While advanced downloadable software is more likely to avoid such problems, instant play and mobile software have their own drawbacks. Therefore, it’s best to opt for the one with downloadable software. While no download poker is still available, they do not offer all of the features of the full download.

Learning about the game can also be a good idea. Like chess, poker is a game of skill. It takes years to become a good player, but you can learn all the basics by signing up for poker training sites, networking with successful pros, and brutally analysing your play after every session. If you do not have much experience, online poker may not be for you. The key is to find a room that ticks most of the boxes.

Managing your poker bankroll is an essential skill. If you play responsibly, you’ll be more likely to win and make more money in the long run. It’s essential to understand the differences between downloadable and instant poker clients, as these are two entirely different systems. While downloadable software works best on Windows-based PCs, instant poker is available on a wide variety of devices. Typically, an instant poker site uses Adobe Flash technology.