If you’re wondering whether you can play poker online in NY, the answer is both yes and no. Confused? Let’s dive into the details.
First of all, it’s important to understand that online gambling laws in the United States are murky at best. Each state has its own set of regulations, and federal laws often conflict with state laws. This makes it difficult to give a straightforward answer to whether online poker is legal or not.
In 2011, the Department of Justice issued an opinion that clarified the Wire Act of 1961 only applied to sports betting, not other forms of online gambling. This opened the door for states to legalize online poker and casino games within their borders if they chose to do so.
Fast forward a few years later, in 2013, New York State Senator John Bonacic introduced a bill that would legalize and regulate online poker in New York. The bill passed the Senate by a wide margin but ultimately failed to gain traction in the Assembly.
Since then, there have been no major efforts to legalize online poker in New York. However, there is nothing stopping residents from playing on offshore sites that accept players from NY.
It’s worth noting that playing on offshore sites comes with its own set of risks. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and may not have proper security measures in place to protect your personal information or funds.
Additionally, some banks may block transactions to offshore gambling sites due to federal regulations like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
In summary, while there is currently no legal way to play online poker in New York through state-regulated platforms, residents can still access offshore sites if they choose to do so at their own risk. As always, be sure to do your research and proceed with caution when playing any form of online gambling.
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