Online casinos have been booming in recent years, and the industry is expected to reach a market size of $145 billion by 2028. Part of this growth has been driven by the popularity of online poker, which has provided players with a convenient way to enjoy their favorite card games on the go. The increasing number of online poker players has prompted states to revisit their regulations and reassess the game’s merits. As of 2021, seven states have passed laws to legalize online poker including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Connecticut. However, only five states have licensed sites in operation, as no operators have applied for licenses in West Virginia and Connecticut.
This rapid legalization of online poker indeed contributes to the growth of the entire online casino industry, but what does this mean for players?
More options for local playing platforms
When online poker is prohibited or even criminalized, players would have to access offshore sites that are outside the purview of American regulation. The growing legalization of online poker is good news for players, who no longer have to rely on offshore sites to get their game fix.
If you live in a state where online poker is legal, you get access to a broader array of local sites. You’ll be able to play on American-based platforms specializing in your favorite games, like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, so you don’t have to compromise between game availability and playability. These local sites will also be able to offer new features that weren’t previously possible because of regulatory hurdles. For example, sites could offer innovative features like bonus games or tournaments with no buy-in, which would have been impossible before because it would have been considered illegal by regulators.
Increased protections
In the past, poker players were at the mercy of shady sites that didn’t have to follow any regulations. There was a proliferation of scams, and players had no real way to protect themselves from bad actors and fraud. Now, however, all licensed sites must follow stringent guidelines set by the government to operate legally. This means that players are much safer now than they were before legalization took place.
As more states legalize online poker, they will have regulatory structures around it that protect players from fraud and abuse. You’ll be able to find games that suit your interests and play styles—casual, professional, or anything in between—without worrying that you might lose money or have a tough time cashing out.
Better gaming experiences
As more states legalize online poker, we will see increased competition and innovation among gaming platforms. Online poker operators will have to compete with each other to attract players and keep their business. Legalization will incentivize poker businesses to create applications or refine their existing ones, improve their processing speeds and upgrade their graphics. Players can benefit from technology innovations, such as virtual reality or integration with popular messaging or chat platforms.
Ultimately, legalizing online poker is excellent news for players because it means companies would have to offer better services and more value than their competitors if they want to stay afloat. This could mean lower fees, faster cashouts, or even more bonuses and promotions.
The legalization of online poker has been a long time coming. The online poker industry has grown tremendously over the last few years, and legalization will play a role in how it will evolve in the coming years.