The laws are simple, to play online poker in Pennsylvania you must be located within the borders of the state. In order to verify that all players are within the physical border, online poker sites use Geolocation technology. Geolocation uses a player’s digital footprint to pinpoint their location.
Geolocation Basics
You might be wondering how the geolocation software can pinpoint your location. There are actually several factors depending on what type of platform you are playing on. When playing on a WiFi connection, geolocation technology looks at your computer IP address, the WiFi network you are connected to, and up to three other available networks on your computer to triangulate your location. If you are playing on a mobile device not connected to WiFi, the software simply uses your mobile device’s location software.
Troubleshooting Basics
There could be several reasons that you may be having trouble be located. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:
Having Trouble on WiFi
- Be sure that you installed the sites location software.
- Be sure that there are at least three available networks. If you live in a more rural area, you may need to purchase a WiFi extender to pick up or create extra networks.
- Be sure to not be connected through a VPN. Geolocation software will block service if you are connected through a VPN.
Having Trouble on Mobile
- Be sure that your location software is turned on.
- Be sure that you have service.
- Be sure that you are allowing the app to use your location.
While the technology had its hiccups at first, we can thank our neighbors to the east in New Jersey for perfecting the software. Geolocation is one of the most important factors in ensuring the integrity of the Pennsylvania online poker market.
