Poker in the USA
Poker in the USA
Poker is a popular pursuit in the USA and in many places around the world. Poker in the USA may be enjoyed in various forms including poker tournaments.
Poker Culture in the USA
Some may say that poker is rather like a way of life. A glance at poker in the USA seems to imply that this game is a part of the culture in the country.
Poker in the USA is played in different ways. This popular form of entertainment may be enjoyed at land based casino locations, as an online form of amusement and also poker tournaments have become a common attraction.
The introduction of online poker seemed to change the whole face of the game as poker suddenly became a much more accessible and convenient form of entertainment. This of course added to its appeal which was intensified by the initiation of online tournaments.
The part that poker in the USA has played in the country's culture may be demonstrated by poker terms that are used quite commonly in other contexts. For example, expressions such as 'poker face' and 'up one's sleeve' have come from the poker game and have become a part of everyday language – even for those who do not play poker in the USA or in other parts of the world.
Legalities of Playing Poker in the USA
In the mid 1990s the first of the best online casinos were introduced to the Internet. Such casino sites offered top gaming pursuits and a few years later poker was offered as an online form of entertainment. This seemed to take off like a storm in many places in the world and playing poker in the USA at online locations became an attractive form of amusement.
However, late in the year 2006 saw the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) which has had an effect on Americans wishing to play poker in the US. Although the UIGEA does not specifically prohibit playing online poker in the US, it has laid down restrictions and limitation on banks from the transferal of funds to online locations that accept bets. However, there are methods to make the transfer of money and players may still find ways to play poker in the USA.
Poker in the USA – Tournaments
Live poker tournaments have become a part of poker culture around the world. The big names in poker tours are the World Series of Poker (SOP) and the World Poker Tour (WPT). The WSOP is generally considered to be a significant and prominent name in poker tournaments and focuses on Texas Holdem. Poker legends such as Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan ('Orient Express') have created a part of poker history at the WSOP tables.
The WSOP schedule includes a range of poker games with different buy in amounts and various pot limit and limit events. The WSOP is a great way for players to enjoy poker in the USA. In addition, it should be noted that the introduction of satellite TV connections to the WSOP has contributed to the increase of interest and popularity of poker in the USA.