If you are an avid poker player in California, you may be wondering about the legality of playing poker on Bovada. With the recent changes in online gambling regulations, it can be hard to know what is legal and what isn’t. In this article, we will explore whether or not Bovada Poker is legal in California.
Understanding Online Gambling Laws
Before we dive into whether or not Bovada Poker is legal in California, it’s important to understand the current online gambling laws. In 2011, the US Department of Justice issued a ruling that stated that only sports betting was illegal under the Federal Wire Act. This opened up the possibility for individual states to legalize online poker and casino games.
However, California has yet to legalize online poker. Despite several attempts to do so over the years, including bills that were passed by both houses of the state legislature but vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown, there is currently no legal way to play online poker in California.
Bovada Poker and California Players
So where does this leave Bovada Poker and its players in California While it is technically illegal to play online poker for real money in California, there are no specific laws that make it illegal for players to use offshore gambling sites like Bovada.
Bovada operates outside of US jurisdiction on servers located outside of the United States. While this may seem like a loophole that allows Californians to play online poker without fear of prosecution, it’s important to remember that playing on offshore sites does come with some risks.
The Risks of Playing on Offshore Sites
While playing on offshore sites like Bovada may not be illegal under California law, it does come with some potential risks. For one, there is no guarantee that the site is operating fairly or that your personal information and funds are secure.
Additionally, because these sites operate outside of US jurisdiction, there is little recourse for players if something goes wrong. If you have a dispute with the site or if your account is hacked, there may be little that you can do to get your money back.
The Bottom Line
So, is Bovada Poker legal in California The answer is complicated. While it’s technically illegal to play online poker for real money in California, there are no specific laws that make it illegal for players to use offshore gambling sites like Bovada.
However, playing on offshore sites does come with some potential risks. If you do choose to play on Bovada or other offshore sites, it’s important to do your research and take steps to protect yourself.
Tips for Playing Safely on Offshore Sites
- Research the site before you sign up and make sure it has a good reputation
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your account
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi when playing on these sites
- Only deposit what you can afford to lose
- Withdraw your funds regularly rather than keeping them on the site
In conclusion, while Bovada Poker may not be strictly legal in California, there are no specific laws that prohibit players from using offshore gambling sites. However, playing on these sites does come with some potential risks. If you do choose to play on Bovada or other offshore sites, be sure to do your research and take steps to protect yourself.
