Jul 29, 2017 Currently online poker is not legal in the state of New York, but this rundown of its history helps you understand why it could become legal in 2018. It now appears that Illinois may soon take the next step to legalizing Internet poker and other online monetary-based games within its borders. Yesterday, a bill was introduced and approved by an Illinois Senate Committee which, if fully enacted, would authorize online gambling in many forms and double the number of brick and mortar casinos within the State. Is Online Sports Betting Legal In The USA? The legal issues surrounding online sports betting have been debated even more than those surrounding online poker, as there are additional gambling laws pertaining to sports gambling outside of any other sport. Is online poker legal in the United States? Believe it or not, there is no federal law prohibiting it. In addition, no one has ever been charged with playing poker online. After online poker was legalized by the Pennsylvania legislature and governor in October 2017, there was a 60-day waiting period before regulations could be announced or implemented. After the holidays passed and the new year began, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board began to make announcements in February and March of 2018.
- Is Online Poker Going To Be Legalized Today
- Is Online Poker Going To Be Legalized Free
- Is Online Poker Illegal
This is a guide for online poker players in the America who want to know where they can play online poker and when they might be able to play in their home states. For states where online poker is legal, this is a guide for US online poker room reviews, poker sites available in your area, deposit bonuses, and online poker announcements.
US online poker laws seem to be changing monthly since government attorneys announced that the Wire Act cannot be used to prohibit states from allowing online poker. Online poker rooms and online gambling sites are clamoring for state licenses, and the US online gambling landscape is going through a major change.
For a select few Americans, online poker is here already. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware are leading the United States into the billion-dollar-a-year industry, and many more states are looking to get into the game in the very near future.
By the end of 2015, as many as a dozen states could allow their residents to play on legal online poker sites. That number may be higher if a federal bill, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, is approved in 2014. But since the odds of that happening are less than hitting a one-outer on the river, all the online poker news concerning legislation is coming from individual states.
American online poker laws are about to go through drastic revision, and US online poker sites will pop up as the laws change. Laws are changing fast, and this guide promises to remain up to date on all possible movements concerning online poker legislation.
A brief overview of each state’s stance on online poker is below, but click through for a full update on the state’s online poker laws, and gambling laws in the state in general.
Alabama
Alabama doesn’t even have a state lottery. It’s home to some of the most morally strict policymakers in the country, so poker is not coming anytime soon. Read more ..
Alaska
Online poker legislation remains frigid in the great white north, but the game has a few fans who are elected officials, and although lawmakers resisted expanding almost any type of gambling in here, online poker has a chance. Read more ..
Arizona
Despite a thriving Indian casino industry — or more like because of it — lawmakers are being cautious with online poker. Also, the governor is a tough opponent of any type of gambling expansion, poker included. Read more ..
Arkansas
Online poker legislation may be far off, but unlike some of its neighboring states, online poker may come to Arkansas with a federal push. Read more ..
California
Online poker will come to California maybe as soon as 2014. A crowded industry split into three factions may delay action on online poker bills already submitted. Read more ..
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Colorado
With a steady and strong push from its significant casino industry, online poker legislation is most likely forthcoming in Colorado sometime in 2015. The state is already studying the effects online poker would have. Read more ..
Connecticut
As its neighboring states start to allow their residents access to online poker sites, look for Connecticut to follow suit. As such a small state, it’s a prime candidate to contract with other states for shared player pools. Read more ..
Delaware
As of October 2013, online poker is completely legal, regulated, and live in Delaware. Read more ..
Florida
Two powerful casino forces — the racinos and Indian tribes — face off against a conservative state government intent on preventing gambling expansion. The governor has won the first round. Read more ..
Georgia
The official view toward poker here is as rigid as a Georgia pine. Poker is gambling, and gambling is bad in Georgia. Read more ..
Hawaii
Although one of the few states without any form of legalized gambling, Hawaii is rumored to be looking to get into the online-poker game. Read more ..
Idaho
Completely in the middle ground, there is no pending online poker legislation in Idaho. A grassroots effort would help here. Read more ..
Illinois
Online poker is being talked about by state officials. look for an online poker bill sometime in 2015. Read more ..
Indiana
With a conservative governor and minor casino industry, it’s going to take a political campaign by its online poker players to move online poker forward. Read more ..
Iowa
Since 2011, certain lawmakers have pushed for online poker legalization. Now with states going live, watch for Iowa to join the game in 2014 or 2015. Read more ..
Kansas
A significant political shift is necessary for online poker to even be considered in the Sunflower State. Read more ..
Kentucky
Now that the powerful horseracing industry has wedged itself into the multi-state casino industry, watch for online poker legislation to move fast once more states go live. Read more ..
Louisiana
An online poker debate should come to Louisiana in 2014, with significant movement in 2015. Online poker does face some opposition here. Read more ..
Maine
Brand new to the casino game, and with such a pretty face, Maine would make a lovely interstate online poker partner. However, it remains a wallflower. Read more ..
Maryland
With a healthy paranoia that it is missing out on the online poker industry, lawmakers began to push for it in 2013. Look for another push in 2014 and beyond. Read more ..
Massachusetts
Cautiously optimistic is how online poker players in Beantown should feel. Online poker won’t come there as quickly as it should, but it’s likely coming at some point. Read more ..
Michigan
A large casino industry will fuel the push toward online poker. State lawmakers seem to be wary, though. Read more ..
Minnesota
With a strong casino industry, it would seem Minnesota would be further along with online poker legalization than it is. It may catch up soon. Read more ..
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Mississippi
An online-gambling bill failed to make it out of committee in 2013, but a multi-billion dollar casino industry will have a say. Read more ..
Missouri
Another state with a significant casino industry, but with no real movement toward online poker or gambling legalization. It will join the game sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Montana
Poker is considered gambling here, and online gambling was outlawed in the state in 2005. With no pending legislation, it may be awhile. Read more ..
Nebraska
Poker-playing multi-billionaire hedge-fund manager Warren Buffett lives here and he hates the thought of online gambling. Poker is sadly included in his categorization. Read more ..
Nevada
Online poker is legal in Nevada, and several rooms are live for real-money play. Read more ..
New Hampshire
For such a small state, New Hampshire has more online poker players per capita than anyone else. Still, there’s no pending legislation. Read more ..
New Jersey
Online poker and gambling is legal in New Jersey. Online poker will be available in November 2013. Read more ..
New Mexico
New Mexico's 20 Indian casinos will have a say in the legislation of online poker here. Tribes have threatened to stop payments to the state if it legalizes online gambling. Read more ..
New York
New York may very well be the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2014. It has the support of the governor, as well as many lawmakers. Read more ..
North Carolina
No real online poker push is coming from North Carolina. Check back once other states start to go live. Read more ..
North Dakota
This was once the first state to try to legalize online poker in 2005; the feds put an end to that. Online poker legalization is on the backburner. Read more ..
Ohio
A state late to the casino game, online poker legalization has a real chance in 2015 or 2016, particularly if Pennsylvania beats Ohio to the market. Read more ..
Oklahoma
This state allows tribes to operate online poker rooms, with one major caveat: They can only do business with people living in other countries. What a rub. Oklahomans will have online poker sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Oregon
Once California begins to offer online poker, watch for Oregon’s Indian casinos to begin applying pressure to lawmakers. They have shown to be a savvy lobbying group. Read more ..
Pennsylvania
With one scrapped bill that would have legalized online poker and gambling, be sure another will come in 2014. Although facing resistance in committee, online poker should be here by 2016. Read more ..
Rhode Island
A prime candidate to partner with Delaware. Industry insiders say a contract is in the works. Read more ..
South Carolina
The online-poker industry faces major resistance here. Any talks of gambling expansion are immediately quashed. Read more ..
South Dakota
Online poker isn’t on the lips of any lawmakers here. But with a strong Indian casino industry, look for that to change in 2014. Read more ..
Tennessee
A strong religious base makes it difficult to move online poker legislation anywhere. Like, harder than shoving a mule through keyhole. Read more ..
Texas
Home of the congressman behind the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, several bills that affect poker, online and otherwise, currently reside in committees. Texas looks like it wants to finally acknowledge the game. Read more ..
Utah
Online poker players in Utah at least have Nevada just over the border. Other than that, Utah is a desert for online poker players. Read more ..
Vermont
The tiny state may be game to contract with Delaware, New Jersey, and/or Nevada and allow its residents access to online poker sites. Once more states allow online poker, watch for Vermont to follow. Read more ..
Virginia
Online poker players must hope for political change statewide in order to eventually access online poker sites. It has a law on the books that outlaws Internet gambling. Read more ..
Washington, D.C.
Online poker was set to come to its citizens in 2013, but politics played its part and it was delayed. Online poker will definitely come to D.C. eventually. Read more ..
Washington
The only state that criminalizes the online poker player, a grassroots movement stemming from that law is growing. Plus, Indian casinos are now in favor of legalization. Read more ..
West Virginia
State officials are most likely looking to contract with other states, probably Delaware. It may happen as soon as 2014. Read more ..
Wisconsin
The Indian casinos have yet to show their hand as to where they stand on online poker. There is no legislative chatter concerning online poker rooms. Read more ..
Wyoming
Lawmakers here are resistant to any form or gambling expansion, including online poker. If recent history is correct, online poker has a tough fight here. Read more ..
Recent Action
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Recent Reviews
Are we missing something?
There are several common reactions to learning that a person is a professional poker player:
“Oh wow! That’s interesting!”
“Have I seen you on TV?”
“Isn’t online poker illegal?”
This is the place to help address that last question.
When the United States Department of Justice issued a ruling on the Wire Act in 2011, it made clear that the law’s prohibitions did not apply to online gaming and lotteries. The reading of the decision clarified that each state in America could legalize and regulate online poker, casino games, lotteries, and other forms of online gambling as they deemed appropriate.
That opened the doors for Nevada and Delaware to legalize online poker, and New Jersey,Pennsylvania and Michigan followed in subsequent years. Other states have debated this as well and considered bills, with several states likely to legalize online poker in the coming year.
Online Poker Still Booming in America
There is no doubt that states can legally offer real-money online poker. The federal government has yet to take a stand on the issue because some people still consider poker a form of gambling rather than a game favored by skill. As legislators on the state and federal levels begin to learn more about the true skill-involved nature of poker, organizations are helping to inform them and push for bills that officially legalize the game.
One poker site, www.Betonline.com, has accepted player deposits for over 15 years because they are licensed to accept players in the all 50 states. Their stance is that poker is legal on the internet, and they are licensed for global jurisdiction. This is not a criminal matter, rather one of freedom and individual rights. So is BetOnline legal? Yes.
BetOnline isn’t the only site that operates in the USA either with Bovada.lv, Ignition and America’s Cardroom all accepting deposits from US players.
The Poker Alliance, former Poker Players Alliance (PPA), is the strongest lobbying force in the poker industry. The organization promotes legal live and online poker, ensuring that any lawmakers around the country who discuss any type of online gaming or sports betting also consider that online poker offers a bigger skill component and should be legal in the United States.
Poker Alliance is working closely with many states. Illinois, and Massachusetts are the states with pending legislation that could still pass in the near future. While those are the three states currently giving online poker the most serious consideration, others like New York, Connecticut, California, and Washington have advanced bills in the past and could easily do so again.
Is it Legal to Play Real Money Online Poker?
The answer to this a definite “yes,” as it is perfectly legal to deposit for online poker in USA, for all different types of poker games. Players in the United States are not in any legal jeopardy for playing poker online, and there have been no instances of the US government – or even state governments – trying to penalize players.
To the best of our knowledge, there are no federal laws that make it illegal to deposit or play online poker from the US. There are some states that have inserted somewhat harsh language about the operations of online gaming aimed at their residents, with Utah being the most anti-gambling state in America, but most laws are either convoluted or ambiguous at best.
Of course, we’re not attorneys, nor do we come from a legal background. Licensed and legal professionals should always be consulted when an actual situation arises in which someone may be (or feel they are) in legal jeopardy.
Specific State-by-State Laws
Alabama – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Georgia – Idaho – Iowa – Kansas – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Montana – Nebraska – New Hampshire – New Mexico – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – Tennessee – Vermont – West Virginia – Wyoming
Didn’t the US Ban Online Poker in 2006?
No. The US government did pass the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006 (UIGEA for short), which made it illegal for banks and financial institutions to aid in the processing of “illegal” online gambling transactions.
Is Online Poker Going To Be Legalized Today
Experts on this law have asserted that the bill itself did not create any new laws, and most believe it only complicated internet laws. The 2011 Department of Justice decision regarding the Wire Act ‘clarified’ it enough on the legal level, though, to say that the law does not apply to online poker and other forms of online gambling when the state allows those activities.
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Later in 2011 the US Department of Justice indicted several sites that still operating incorrectly in the USA in a misguided move that is referred to as Black Friday by online poker players in the USA. Even Black Friday wasn’t enough to slow the steady growth of online poker in the USA and there are still plenty of options for poker players and organizations like the Poker Players Alliance are fighting to legalize poker in more states.
What About the Wire Act?
As noted above, the interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act was clarified by the 2011 DOJ decision, noting the law only pertained to sports betting, not other forms of online lotteries and gambling.
On top of that, the US Supreme Court ruled on a case that pitted the state of New Jersey against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other professional US sports teams. The law in question was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, better known as PASPA, and the Supreme Court overturned that law to allow all states in America – not just Nevada – to legalize and regulate sports betting. This, in effect, renders the last part of the standing Wire Act irrelevant and unenforceable in the arena of states’ rights.
However, there is a danger to the Wire Act decision in its entirety. Casino mogul and billionaire Sheldon Adelson has made it his life’s mission to ban online gambling of all sorts in the United States. He has spent millions (at least) of dollars in supporting political candidates and lawmakers who are likely to overturn the 2011 Wire Act decision or simply pass a prohibition-style law to ban all online gaming. Of course Adelson has a lot to gain by restricting players so that they can only play in brick & mortar casinos.
The law that Adelson’s friends have tried to pass is RAWA, the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, but those politicians have had no success. Not only is online poker and gaming popular and the wave of the future, it is legal in four states already and more to come. To pass a law like RAWA or to overturn the Wire Act now would create a legal nightmare, as states would challenge the law in court and likely win.
The bottom line in the US is simple: States can legalize online poker, and several have done so. There are no laws specifically outlawing online poker.
Some, like Adelson, have challenged this and will continue to do so, but they are fighting a losing battle in a war of their own creation. You’ll probably see poker and sports betting legalized on a federal level in the next decade.
New State Laws Regarding Online Poker
Nevada took the first step to legalize online poker and paved the way for others to do the same. Delaware followed, legalizing online poker, along with lottery and casino games. New Jersey did all of this on an even larger scale. The latest to join the group was Pennsylvania, which passed its law in 2017 and finally launched regulated online poker in late 2019.
Michigan has passed online poker legislation but won’t launch until late 2020 at the earliest. Other states are seriously considering doing the same. Lawmakers in Illinois and Massachusetts are in the process of seeking final votes to pass gambling expansion bills that will allow casinos and racinos to partner with online poker and gaming sites to expand their businesses and produce additional revenue for themselves and the states. New York and California have been considering the same types of bills, with Connecticut, Louisiana, Washington, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and others starting to explore the issue as well.
These laws, as passed by individual states offer licenses to poker sites online to partner with land-based casinos and racetracks. Licensed poker sites may then offer games to players who are physically located within that state’s borders when playing, and there are many protections to ensure that the players are of legal age and aware of all responsible gambling resources.
The benefit to more states legalizing online poker is also that the states can sign contracts to join their online poker sites. A multi-state network has already begun, starting with Nevada and Delaware offering shared online poker liquidity and joint player pools, with New Jersey joining the network in the spring of 2018. It is very likely that Pennsylvania will do the same at some point in the near future.
What About Online Sportsbooks?
Sportsbooks actually have a lot in common with online poker in the way that they are perceived by legislators. Both games feature elements of luck and skill and both are incredibly popular.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that there’s been a lot more movement on the sports betting side of things with many states quickly moving to legalize and regulate sportsbooks in an attempt to cash in on the rampant betting on US-based leagues such as the NBA, NFL and NBA.
So, is it Legal to Deposit for Online Poker in the USA?
Is Online Poker Going To Be Legalized Free
The answer is an emphatic yes. The laws may be confusing, but we tried to break down the individual components of those laws to make it easier to understand. And as things change, we will update these pages with the most current online poker information.
Even so, we recommend talking to a gaming attorney with any specific questions for your particular jurisdiction. In our eyes people are always going to want to play poker and no matter what restrictions lawmakers put in place there will always be a game running for people who truly want it. You can check our poker reviews to learn about potential places to play.
Is Online Poker Illegal
If you’re ready to play online poker, let’s get to it. We’ll see you at the tables!