Legal Online Poker By State - U.S. State Poker Guide
There is no question that online poker is popular in the United States, even though there are laws at the federal level which prohibit the operation of such sites in the country for the most part. The legal precedents set relating to online poker are very hotly debated with stark contrasts of opinions on both sides of the issue. But with laws against it, there are still legal ways that USA poker players can get utilize poker sites that accept them.
The answer to this question is the primary makeup of this page. The fact of the matter is that why online poker laws exist, there are still legal and legitimate ways for players living in the United States to create accounts at poker rooms to play. Learn why this is, plus get the answers to many of the most popular questions asked, and where the future of online poker is the United States might be heading.
Is Online Poker Legal In My State?
It is likely that a state regulated online poker site is not legal in your state. New Jersey has moved on recent action to legalize the playing of online poker, and has been successful. That program has not yet been set up, though is expected to be in full swing at the end of 2013.
However, this does not mean there are no legal outlets for American poker players to pursue. In fact there are many, and it's easy. There are many online poker rooms that operate outside of the U.S. These offshore poker sites encourage the sign ups of American players of legal age.
In fact, as long as a player in the U.S. is of legal age to gamble in their state, they can go for one of these great offshore poker rooms. Gambling ages are decided at the state level, so players will need to make sure they meet the minimum age in their state, as well as at the site.
More About Online Poker In The U.S.
There is plenty of information to be gathered about playing legal online poker in the United States. Because of the fact that there is some ambiguity surrounding gambling law in the United States, it's important to clear up some things. We want current and prospective American poker players to understand the options that they have if and when they choose to check out one of these poker sites. We want to make sure that they know the proper procedure to take, and what sites are legal for them.
Are There Any States That Have Legalized Online Poker?
We mentioned this at the onset of the page briefly, but there are some states that have taken steps to do so, or already have some legal forms of online poker. New Jersey is the most recent state to discuss, because they have set up a 10-year trial run under the direction of Governor Chris Christie. Online poker is expected to be the most popular game played under this new legislation, which is a testament to the demand for it in the U.S.
But in addition to New Jersey, there are other states with some legal online poker. This includes Nevada, and Delaware. Delaware might be a surprise compared to Nevada obviously because of Las Vegas. But Delaware is actually one of the strongest moving states towards the legalization of online poker in the country.
Are Online Poker Sites Accepting U.S.A. Players Regulated?
The sites that are accepting of USA players are regulated, but not by the states. However, as states like New Jersey continue to pursue the legalization of online poker, they will have control of it. New Jersey will have complete regulation over the 10-year trial period in which online poker will be legal, as well as other online casino games. However, with that being said, it's important to note that the offshore poker sites currently legal for U.S. players are regulated by independent third parties. This helps ensure legitimacy among the account holders, legitimizes the industry on the whole. There is a reason that these sites remain very popular among U.S. players.
Will I Get Into Trouble For Using Non-State Regulated Poker Sites?
Under the federal laws in place, specifically the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act, you will not get into trouble for using these offshore sites. In fact, the language in the law specifically states that. As a result, individual gamblers are able to play at these sites without having to worry about breaking the law. This is of course provided that the player who signs up and creates the account is of legal age to do so. The age requirements both in the eyes of the state and at the poker room must be met.
What Are The Benefits Of Having State Regular Online Poker?
Legitimizes The Online Poker Industry In The U.S. - No longer will online poker be perceived as shady under the eyes of the law. It's moving in that direction with states like New Jersey.
Opens Up Deposit Methods - American players will have wide variety of depositing options to take advantage of. While there are some at the offshore sites, they will open up even more if state regulated.
Tax Revenue For States - From the perspective of the state, the relationship between the online poker player and the state can be mutually beneficial with the taxation of gambling winnings.
Is It Legal To Play Poker At Sites That Accept Players From My State?
If it's not legal to play, the poker room will not allow you to sign up. At offshore poker rooms most of them accept players from just about all 50 states. The sites that we have reviewed and which can be found on this site are very safe, and highly regulated. There are some sites that do not accept some states, for which you will not have that option to create a new account. But there are at least some sites where every state is accepted.
What To Do Until All 50 States Have Regulated Online Poker
Fortunately for you poker players interested in playing legally, there are some options until all 50 states make the practice legal. If and when that happens is up in the air. But at the sites we talked about operating offshore, they provide you with your best options to keep playing. And the good news is that the majority of these sites are very well run. So until that time comes, know that there are plenty of legal options before you to take advantage of.