Playing poker online has been a popular pastime for many people around the world. However, the legality of playing poker online for real money in the US has been a hotly debated topic. In this article, we will explore the current status of online poker in the US and whether or not you can legally play poker online for real money.
History of Online Poker in the US
The history of online poker in the US is quite complex. In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed, which effectively made it illegal for financial institutions to process transactions related to online gambling. This led to many major online poker sites pulling out of the US market.
In 2011, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion stating that only sports betting was covered by the Federal Wire Act, which opened up possibilities for states to legalize and regulate online poker. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that three states – Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware – legalized and regulated online poker.
Since then, only a handful of other states – Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia – have followed suit and legalized online poker.
Current Status of Online Poker in the US
Currently, only a few states have legalized online poker within their borders. This means that if you are not located within one of these states, you cannot legally play poker online for real money.
However, there are still a few offshore sites that accept players from all over the US. These sites operate outside of US jurisdiction and offer real-money games to American players.
It’s important to note that playing on these offshore sites is not technically legal according to federal law. However, many people still choose to play on these sites because they are able to access more games and have more options than they would if they were restricted to playing on state-regulated sites.
The Risks of Playing on Offshore Sites
While playing on offshore poker sites is technically illegal, the risks of doing so are relatively low. The DOJ has only gone after a handful of offshore sites over the years, and most players have never had any issues with getting their winnings or running into legal trouble.
However, there are still a few risks associated with playing on offshore sites. First and foremost, these sites are not regulated by any US governing body, which means that there is no oversight when it comes to fairness or security.
Additionally, players may find it difficult to cash out their winnings from offshore sites due to banking restrictions. Since these sites operate outside of US jurisdiction, they may not have access to the same payment processors as state-regulated sites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while only a handful of states have legalized online poker within their borders, there are still offshore sites that accept American players. While playing on these sites is technically illegal according to federal law, the risks associated with doing so are relatively low.
That being said, if you want to play online poker for real money in the US and stay completely above board, your best bet is to wait for your state to legalize and regulate online poker.
