In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed by Congress. This law targeted the money that fueled online poker. This act made it illegal to process any payment related to online gambling, which drove many online poker websites out of business. However, several large companies managed to remain in business and continue to offer poker games to players. As a result, the Department of Justice began taking legal action against online poker operators.

Before playing online poker, it is important to understand the game’s rules and regulations. Different states have different laws about internet gambling, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with them and make an informed decision. To be on the safe side, online poker sites should have links to their privacy and terms and conditions. They should also have information about copyright issues and anti-money laundering measures. Lastly, they should have a random number generator that ensures the fairness of poker games. Additionally, you should also check with poker forums or the Better Business Bureau to see if the site is legitimate.

While online poker is largely governed by state laws, the federal government has taken steps to restrict online poker sites from operating within the general United States. New Jersey became the third state to legalize online poker, and it has become the largest online poker market in the United States.