If you’re a poker enthusiast living in New York, you might be wondering whether or not you can legally play online poker in the state. The answer to this question is a bit complicated, as the laws surrounding online gambling are constantly evolving.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that New York legalized online sports betting in 2019. However, this legislation did not address online poker specifically. In fact, online poker remains illegal in New York under current laws.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In 2014, the state of New York passed a law allowing for the operation of up to four commercial casinos within its borders. These casinos are located in Schenectady, Tioga Downs, Monticello and Verona.
While these casinos do not currently offer online poker games, they have expressed interest in doing so in the future. Additionally, some of these casinos have partnered with existing online gambling companies to offer other types of online gaming options.
Another potential avenue for playing online poker in New York is through offshore gambling websites. While technically illegal under federal law, many offshore sites continue to operate and accept players from the United States.
It’s important to note that playing on these sites comes with some risks. Offshore sites are not regulated by any U.S. governing bodies and may be operating illegally themselves. Additionally, funds deposited into offshore gambling accounts may not be protected by U. banking regulations and could potentially be lost or stolen.
In conclusion, while it is technically illegal to play online poker in New York at this time, there are some potential workarounds for those interested in doing so. However, it’s important to weigh the risks associated with these workarounds before deciding whether or not to take part.
If you do decide to pursue playing online poker through an offshore site or another means outside of state-sanctioned options, be sure to do your research and proceed with caution. As always, it’s best to play it safe and stick to legal options whenever possible.
Here are some key takeaways:
- New York has not legalized online poker specifically
- Some commercial casinos in the state have expressed interest in offering online poker games in the future
- Offshore gambling sites may be an option for playing online poker, but come with risks and potential legal issues
- It’s important to weigh these risks before deciding whether or not to pursue playing online poker outside of state-sanctioned options
