Several states have legal rights to set up online poker sites, including Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware. Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering joining the discussions. If Connecticut does join the talks, it may be the first state to offer online poker. It is possible that the state will eventually enter into an interstate agreement, allowing players in several states to play on a single site.
The state of Connecticut has a population of just over 3.5 million. Although it has a legal right to offer online poker, it is unlikely that operators will set up a site in Connecticut. If an operator did decide to do so, the site would likely be a shared liquidity site, meaning it would share players with other states. This could boost interest in Connecticut and increase its potential for success in online poker.
There is no indication that the DoJ is considering appealing the recent Wire Act opinion. The Department of Justice has said it will take a “wait-and-see approach” until the final ruling is made. In the meantime, states like Nevada and New Jersey have expanded their interstate agreements to include more states. In addition, a multi-state agreement was reached between Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, which created a combined player pool. These agreements could serve as models for future interstate agreements.
Connecticut is a small market. Having two sites launch at the same time would be interesting. It is possible that a single operator could run both. It is also possible that a shared liquidity agreement could be negotiated. While Connecticut lawmakers have said they are willing to enter into such an agreement, they do not indicate whether or not the state would benefit from such a collaboration. It may be better to wait and see if there are other states that want to enter into such a deal.
Having more players will give online poker sites an advantage. The WSOP and 888 networks draw from a larger pool of overall players. The larger player base will allow them to draw from a greater pool of players at tournaments, while still allowing smaller sites to compete at cash game levels.
In addition to cash games, many online poker sites offer no-deposit bonuses. These bonuses are generally in the form of buy-ins to tournaments or cash games. These bonuses can range from $500 to $1,000. In addition, the site may have a loyalty program, allowing players to earn extra entries. This can be in the form of future deposits, or may be based on a player’s performance in a particular game. The bonus money will be released in increments as the player plays.
In addition to offering no-deposit bonuses, some sites also offer matched welcome bonuses. This can range from a percentage of the first deposit to a percentage of the first ten deposits. This allows players to receive a hefty bonus without having to put up much cash upfront. However, it is important to remember that many sites will charge fees. In addition, the amount of variance in the game can translate to larger short-term losses.