If you’re a fan of online poker and you reside in the state of Kentucky, you may be wondering if it’s legal to play. The answer is not entirely straightforward, but we’ll break it down for you in this article.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Kentucky has historically taken a hard stance against gambling. In fact, the state has some of the strictest laws on gambling in the US. However, these laws are focused primarily on land-based gambling and don’t necessarily apply to online gambling.
So, is online poker considered gambling in Kentucky According to state law, any activity that involves “betting or wagering” is considered gambling.
However, there is no specific mention of online poker or other forms of online gaming in the state’s statutes. This leaves room for interpretation and has led many residents to believe that playing online poker is legal as long as they are playing on sites that are based outside of Kentucky.
In recent years, there have been attempts by lawmakers to clarify the legality of online poker in Kentucky. In 2019, a bill was introduced that would have legalized sports betting and online poker in the state. However, this bill did not gain enough support to pass.
Despite the lack of clear laws regarding online poker in Kentucky, it’s worth noting that some major online poker sites do not allow residents from certain states (including Kentucky) to play on their sites due to legal concerns. This means that even if it may be technically legal for residents to play on these sites under Kentucky law, they may still be prevented from doing so by the site owners themselves.
So what does all this mean for those who want to play online poker in Kentucky It ultimately comes down to personal risk tolerance.
While there may not be clear laws prohibiting online poker specifically, there also isn’t a clear green light either. Those who choose to play on offshore sites should do so at their own risk and be aware that they may not have the same legal protections as they would if they were playing on a site based in the US.
In conclusion, while it’s not entirely clear whether or not playing online poker is legal in Kentucky, there are no known cases of residents being prosecuted for doing so. However, it’s important to do your own research and make an informed decision before deciding to play online poker in Kentucky.
