Hi, I'm new here. At least, I'm new to posting here, I've been lurking in the shadows for a few months, secretly sharing your torments and laughs... and learning about poker in ways I never imagined. TY all so much already.

I've been playing in friendly home game SNG's and also play-money 100/200 FR on Pokerstars for years. Did I mention I'm in the US and practically just found out that online poker isn't completely illegal? Lots of gray area, I need a real perspective on this issue.

Recently, I've come to terms with a relentless winning rate in both live (cash) and online (play chips) and a series of job applications that do not lead to interviews. I am thinking of getting into the poker world. I have looked into the scene and it looks like, as of 2012, there are 3 choices of online play available to Missouri players... and the MO law is pretty intimidating, albeit overlooked so far. The 3 choices are Bovada, Cake Network and America's Card Room, as far as I can tell... Is anyone here using any of these sites and can you offer any reviews? Particularly in regards to cash outs? Are there other sites that are better / worth mention? I've read the threads for each site, but they range over a period of years; it's hard to tell what's current.

Is there anyone playing online poker in the St Louis area (specifically MO players) who can talk straight with me about my options?

Moving on...

I managed to scrape together $300 and made a night of it at Lumiere (the local casino) a couple of Fridays ago. I played very well, but, after a couple of hours, I got busted when I 3-bet pre w/ KK and got 4-bet all-in against AA which held up. All in all, I consider the evening a win, in that I played well, folded when I needed to, picked up a few pots, and, ultimately, didn't make a huge mistake when I got busted out.

I truly understood the word "sick" (as pertains to poker) as I made my way home that night. By the time I got home, though, I had it all in perspective. After all, I KNEW I was going to lose that buy-in (1st time in a casino EVER) and I played my hands well, even beautifully (lucky on 2 of 'em, though). I know as a player that I can learn and adapt.

My thoughts now are: There is clearly a learning curve from beating your friends on a Saturday night and pwning the play chip donks to holding your own at a casino table... How can I make an intelligent approach to this? It seems that starting online at 0.01/0.02 tables is the least risk way to start... then build up in the stakes as judicious BR management allows (amazing posts in the "How high can you get" thread, btw). Ultimately, cash out and take it to the casino tables. All that is for nothing, though, if I can't actually cash out when I manage to build up a few $$$$.

Anyone playing online here in Missouri? Can you offer any advice to a beginner as far as site selection, affiliate choice, payment methods, rakeback/bonuses, etc.

I'm all ears.