US online poker sites have a lot of advantages. First, they pay significant taxes on the revenue generated from their games. This money is then funneled to various good causes, such as improving schools and social programs. Secondly, US online poker sites typically offer some of the highest bonus amounts in the world. They also compete with each other to attract traffic, so they can offer valuable promotions, such as reload bonuses, to attract more players.

There are several factors to consider when choosing an online poker site. Among these factors is the amount of money you can spend, the number of players in the game, and the quality of the software. However, if you have no money to spend, then playing at a low stakes game is your best bet. Secondly, many of these sites have beginner-only tables, which are free for new customers for the first thirty or ninety days of registration. Beginner-only tables are ideal for learning poker strategy.

The history of US online poker is as long as that of the sport worldwide. Several of the early operators started in the US when the game was first gaining popularity. As early as the 1990s, partypoker and Planet Poker were the first sites to allow US players to play real money poker games. The original partypoker site operated without a license, making it difficult for US players to sign up. However, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to pass legislation to allow legal online poker.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in traffic for online poker. It has forced the closing of most live gaming venues across the world, as well as many unlicensed establishments. This resulted in a sudden lack of entertainment options, and many casual players turned to online poker as an alternative. Many operators reported doubling or more traffic during the period following the pandemic. That means an increase in online poker traffic and revenues.

To play online poker, you need to register for an account with the poker room. Many states have legalized online poker, so you’ll be able to find a few operators. Make sure to choose one based on your criteria before signing up. To register, you’ll need to enter your personal details and choose a username and password. You’ll then receive a confirmation email. Once you’ve set up an account, the next step is to fund it with real money.

Many major online poker sites offer various features to attract new players. One such feature is satellite tournaments, where winners gain entry to real-life poker tournaments. This is what made Chris Moneymaker a sensation in the poker world when he won the 2003 World Series of Poker main event, causing a ripple effect in the poker industry. In 2004, there were three times as many players competing for a WSOP championship as in 2003. In 2004, four players in the final table won their WSOP entry through online cardrooms. Among them was eventual winner Greg Raymer.