The Legality of Online Poker in the US
The Legality of Online Poker in the US
While playing online poker, you should make sure that you are of legal age. This is the minimum age for gambling on a casino website in the United States. Many poker sites are only available to players in the U.S., but you can find sites that are open to non-U.S. residents. You should also be familiar with the different types of online poker and how to find the best one for you. However, some states have passed legislation to permit online poker.
The FBI blocked access to the largest U.S.-facing poker sites in April 2011, preventing players from accessing the websites. This forced companies to cease operation in the country, while players struggled to get their money back. In 2013, legal regulated online poker finally came to the U.S. and reopened for US players. In 2014, the federal government passed a law that allows online poker sites to operate within the boundaries of the individual states.
The legality of online poker in the U.S. has been a hot topic for years. While the first online poker websites popped up in the late 1990s, the industry soon became unregulated and grew. After Chris Moneymaker’s win in the 2003 World Series of Poker, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act forced many of these sites out of the U.S. market. The unregulated online poker market continued to thrive, and the first legal U.S.-facing online gambling sites were launched in 2004.
Since the US Department of Justice overturned its 2011 opinion, the legal status of online poker in the US has continued to rise. The US District Court in New Hampshire recently ruled in favor of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission in a lawsuit. The lawsuit now moves to the US Supreme Court, which could take years to reach a decision. There is no guarantee that the US will ever allow online poker to expand its market in the United States.
Despite the ambiguous legal status of online poker in the US, the situation is largely positive for the industry. While a majority of players are unable to play live poker, the situation is not entirely clear. On the contrary, the legality of online poker in the US is a major concern, as it is a complex and diverse world. While it is possible to play online poker in the US, it is still best to avoid a casino in the USA.
Online poker is legal in most jurisdictions, but some places are still on the fence. If you’re not sure whether or not the rules for online poker in your state are legitimate, consult your local government’s consumer protection agency to learn more about your local laws and regulations. Some sites even allow players to play side games with real money. If you’re not sure about the legality of online poker in your jurisdiction, contact a licensed casino.