Online Poker Laws In The U.S.

As an online poker player, especially one living in the U.S., the legislation at both the state and federal level is important to know and become familiar with. This is for a couple of reasons. First, the laws tell players what they can and cannot do. But second, the laws in the U.S. relating to online gambling have the ability to change, and in some cases they already have. That's why it's important to stay current on the situation. This is certainly true in the case of poker because it is the area of online gambling perceived to be the most legitimate in the eyes of many.

The evidence of changing laws in some states coupled with new legislation that is being brought forth to Washington, dictates that players should seek out sources to find out the latest information available. You have come to the right page on LegalPokerOnline.com for the developments. Discussed here are the federal and state laws that govern the status of online poker in the United States today.

Federal Online Poker Laws In The United States Of America

There is one online poker law at the federal level that needs to be discussed, because there can be some misconceptions about what it does. Simply from the title, people might get the wrong idea. It's called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It's a scary title for those who enjoy online poker and online gambling. And while it does do some things to prevent online poker in the U.S., it does not completely eradicate it. In fact, what the UIGEA only does is ban gambling sites in the U.S. from being able to accept and payout players. It does not ban online gambling. Because of this, American players have the chance to go abroad via the Internet for legal online poker.

Online Poker Laws On A State Level

States can have their own online poker and gambling laws, which is highlighted by the gambling age. The legal age to play online poker is established by your local state government. Outside of that, there are states that have the option to further ban online gambling or in some cases, make a legislative move to advocate for regulation of it within their state. States are within their rights to do so. In fact, there are some lawmakers on Capitol Hill that argue against the UIGEA for this very reason, stating that it completely takes away from state's rights.

Are There Any State-Regulated Poker Sites In The U.S.?

This is actually a great question, because as a matter of fact there are some, in spite of the UIGEA. These developments are very recent, coming about in 2013. It started with Nevada passing legislation that will allow for legalized and regulated poker sites to be conducted within the state's border only for those residents of the state or visiting. There is however an interstate clause which would permit other state residents to use these sites if similar legislation was passed in their state.

Other states on schedule to have legalized Internet include New Jersey and Delaware. New Jersey is about to have 12 Atlantic City casinos with online sites up and running, of which online poker is predicted to be the most popular game played.

The New Jersey and Nevada laws for online gambling went through around the same time, with Nevada slightly ahead of New Jersey. Of course, New Jersey doesn't stop at online poker, albeit that it will be the most important element in the potential success of the project. Nevada's focus for now is online on legalizing online poker within the state and sites are already up and running as of summer 2013.

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