If you’re a poker enthusiast residing in California, you might be wondering whether it’s legal to play online poker for money in the state. The answer is not straightforward and requires some explanation.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that online poker is not explicitly legal or illegal in California. The state does not have any specific laws that prohibit or regulate online poker. However, there are some federal laws that impact the legality of online poker in California.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 is a federal law that restricts the processing of payments related to online gambling activities. This law has made it challenging for online poker sites to operate legally in the United States. Many sites have withdrawn from the market, while others continue to offer their services to US players but operate in a legal gray area.
In 2011, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion stating that the Wire Act of 1961 only applies to sports betting and not other forms of online gambling such as poker. This opinion opened up possibilities for individual states to legalize and regulate online poker within their borders.
California has attempted several times to pass legislation that would allow for the regulation of online poker within the state. However, these attempts have been unsuccessful so far due to disagreements among stakeholders and competing interests. As it stands, there are no licensed and regulated online poker sites operating in California.
So, can you play online poker for money in California The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Since there are no state-regulated sites operating in California, players can only access offshore sites that accept US players. These sites operate outside of US jurisdiction and are therefore operating illegally under federal law. However, many players continue to use these sites without facing any legal consequences.
It’s worth noting that playing on offshore sites comes with some risks. These sites may not have the same level of security and player protection as state-regulated sites. Additionally, players may encounter difficulties when attempting to withdraw their winnings or may be subject to fees or restrictions on their deposits.
In conclusion, playing online poker for money in California is possible but comes with some legal and practical considerations. If you choose to play on offshore sites, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable site that prioritizes player safety and security. However, the best option would be to wait for California to legalize and regulate online poker within the state, which would provide players with more reliable and secure options for playing online poker for money.
