Most American poker players want to be able to enjoy a friendly online poker game from the comfort of their own home without having to worry about any legal ramifications for doing so. The legalities surrounding online poker for United States residents is nothing short of confusing. And the fact that the legal landscape continues to change all the time doesn't make it any easier for players to make heads or tails out of the current laws that affect the gambling climate.

1. When Is Online Poker Going To Be Legal In The Usa
2. When Is Online Poker Going To Be Legal In The Us States

The good news is this is the exact reason why we've created www.legalbettingonline.com. We understand the challenges players face and have worked very hard to come up with an easy to follow and useful guide that can help players understand the current situation for legal online poker in the US.

The current legal status for playing real money online poker in the United States continues to evolve every year. So far, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania have launched state-regulated online poker gambling options to their residents and visitors. And we expect more states to come on board in the coming years. The four US states with legal online poker sites – New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and Pennsylvania – reported record revenues in March. Many avid poker players unable to go to casinos may.

While we are not lawyers and strongly recommend each player to seek out the advice of a professional attorney, for specific questions regarding gambling laws, we can offer some insight as to what is currently going on with legal online poker in America and how it affects USA players.

To sum it up, there are no gambling laws on the books that make playing online poker for real money illegal in the United States. The only exception to this is in Washington and Connecticut, which explicitly makes all online gambling of any kind unlawful in those states.

Current Legal Status Of Playing Online Poker In The United States

The current legal status for playing real money online poker in the United States continues to evolve every year. So far, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania have launched state-regulated online poker gambling options to their residents and visitors. And we expect more states to come on board in the coming years. The only problem is you need to be physically present in one of those states in order to play at one of the state-regulated poker sites.

So what about all the other states who haven't yet legalized online poker? The good news is if you live in a region where state-run poker has not been legalized, (which is the vast majority of Americans) you still have viable options by playing at a legitimate online poker room that is operating legally offshore. There are no federal gambling laws prohibiting Americans from playing poker online through a legitimate poke site based outside of the United States.

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We have listed the most reputable online poker rooms which support US players and international gamblers on this page, and only those sites operating legally within their respective jurisdictions are included here. The following online poker sites are each legally licensed and regulated (or are operating under the licensing of their parent company) and offer other legal online gambling options such as online casino action, sports betting, horse racing and more.

As for state-licensed online poker, legal options are available in the following states:

• Delaware
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania

However, you have to be physically present within one of those states to participate. Licensed and regulated offshore poker rooms (such as the ones you see on this page) are available to players in any US state. Keep in mind that the states of WA and CT do attempt to curtail online gambling, however, they have yet to enforce these laws in any way.

How Do I Know If Playing Poker Is Legal In My State?

Poker gambling laws vary from state to state. Some states offer state-regulated online and/or offline poker Multiple other gambling states offer licensed and regulated brick and mortar poker rooms but have not established a state-based online poker platform yet.

Currently, several states are having discussions about the legalization of online poker on a state level. It is up to you to verify whether or not the state in which you live regulates any type of poker gambling opportunities.

If you don't have access to state-regulated poker games, no worries – you can legally access one of the licensed and regulated offshore poker sites that accept US players recommended on this page. The only states that make it iffy to engage in licensed offshore poker gambling are Washington and Connecticut, both of which prohibit all forms of online gambling regardless of the source.

Are There Any US Federal Laws That I Need To Worry About When Seeking Internet Poker Gambling Opportunities?

It is always best to be aware of any federal statutes that govern poker gambling in the US. One example would be the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). This law regulates how online gambling transactions can be processed. It caused a few problems initially, however, the dust has settled and most reputable online poker sites have learned to work within the confines of this law while still providing online poker access to US players.

Those sites that chose not to comply simply do not welcome US players as customers to their business. The law does not prohibit US poker players from enjoying legally licensed and regulated online poker that is based outside of the United States. The law is directed at online gambling operations and payment processors and does not affect players directly.

The Federal Wire Act prohibits state-regulated gambling businesses from accepting bets across state lines and does not prohibit players from playing real money poker games at online poker sites operating offshore.

Those are the primary federal gambling laws in the USA. The RAWA (Restoration of America’s Wire Act) may attempt to expand the reach of the Federal Wire Act to include casino and poker gambling. Currently, only sports betting is specifically prohibited by that law.

Common Misconception About The UIGEA Law And How It Affects Playing Online Poker In The US

Despite popular belief, this law does not make it illegal for US residents to engage in online poker. In fact, it doesn't target or address players at all. This law is designed to provide regulatory oversight regarding how online gambling transactions can be processed and is directed only to gambling site operators and payment processors.

While the UIGEA did cause quite a stir initially upon enactment, it did end up resulting in a safer and more legitimate online banking environment for the online gambling industry. You do not have to worry about violating this law unless you are the owner of an online gambling business or you are a gambling-related payment processor.

We do encourage extreme due diligence in selecting your preferred payment and withdrawal method when gambling online as well as an online poker room that employs the highest quality security profile according to licensing requirements and industry standards.

When Will Online Poker Be Legal On The Federal Level In The US?

Several different states are currently exploring the possibility of legalizing online poker for their residents. Simultaneously, Sheldon Adelson is running a hefty campaign to oppose such measures and has successfully delayed the progress of poker legalization in several states, including California.

It is impossible to say how fast or slow additional regions in the US are going to allow state-licensed online poker. However, in the meantime, the sites listed on this page are US friendly and legally sanctioned to provide their services to American poker players.

How Do I Know If A Poker Site Is Legitimate And Reputable?

That’s where we come in. We have carefully reviewed and vetted each poker site you see listed on this page, which includes verifying that they are legitimately licensed and subject to genuine regulatory oversight by a respected governing jurisdiction. We can assure you that any site you see featured on this page is indeed legally sanctioned.

We cannot say the same for any site not listed on this site. While we wish all gambling websites were completely transparent, gaining access to licensing and certification compliance information can sometimes be tricky. The key to keeping your poker activities lawful is to restrict your participation to only those destinations that are guaranteed to be operating legally within the industry as licensed and regulated businesses. All of the brands we recommend fall into this category.

What Types Of Games Will I Find At These Online Poker Rooms?

The sites recommended in this guide all offer a nice menu of games to choose from. While the specific lineup varies by site, you will find games such as Omaha, Texas Hold’em, and 7 Card Stud on just about every reputable poker site. Some also offer specialty games such as RAZ, HORSE, Caribbean poker, and others.

In addition, tournaments are offered around the clock, multi-table and multi-hand options are available, and you can play through a hand of poker much faster online than you could in a brick and mortar environment.

In most cases, your bonus money is earned based on your deposit but is then incrementally released as you play games. The more you play, the more of your free bonus money you release into your account. They handle bonus offers this way to keep players engaged enough so that they stick around.

Mobile poker apps are becoming the new norm for online poker players looking to lay down some cash on their game skills. Online poker has several perks over domestic poker tables, and when you add the convenience and multi-tabling options offered by online poker sites, there is no question on who has the advantage.

Mobile poker options often include downloadable web-apps that make it easier for players to sign in and get to the tables. Online players can choose between several different poker games, their seat at the table, and bet minimums.

Bonus options also apply to mobile players who frequent the virtual tables; however, welcome bonus funds can not be used for live dealer games. Bonus funds often include rollover requirements, so only serious players should accept an online poker bonus.

The Internet has also facilitated other popular forms of legalized online gambling, such as USA online sports betting, legal USA online casinos, and even legal USA bingo has moved to the world wide web.

This is a guide for online poker players in the America who want to know where they can play online poker and when they might be able to play in their home states. For states where online poker is legal, this is a guide for US online poker room reviews, poker sites available in your area, deposit bonuses, and online poker announcements.

US online poker laws seem to be changing monthly since government attorneys announced that the Wire Act cannot be used to prohibit states from allowing online poker. Online poker rooms and online gambling sites are clamoring for state licenses, and the US online gambling landscape is going through a major change.

For a select few Americans, online poker is here already. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware are leading the United States into the billion-dollar-a-year industry, and many more states are looking to get into the game in the very near future.

By the end of 2015, as many as a dozen states could allow their residents to play on legal online poker sites. That number may be higher if a federal bill, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, is approved in 2014. But since the odds of that happening are less than hitting a one-outer on the river, all the online poker news concerning legislation is coming from individual states.

American online poker laws are about to go through drastic revision, and US online poker sites will pop up as the laws change. Laws are changing fast, and this guide promises to remain up to date on all possible movements concerning online poker legislation.

A brief overview of each state’s stance on online poker is below, but click through for a full update on the state’s online poker laws, and gambling laws in the state in general.

Alabama

Alabama doesn’t even have a state lottery. It’s home to some of the most morally strict policymakers in the country, so poker is not coming anytime soon. Read more ...

Alaska

Online poker legislation remains frigid in the great white north, but the game has a few fans who are elected officials, and although lawmakers resisted expanding almost any type of gambling in here, online poker has a chance. Read more ...

Arizona

Despite a thriving Indian casino industry — or more like because of it — lawmakers are being cautious with online poker. Also, the governor is a tough opponent of any type of gambling expansion, poker included. Read more ...

Arkansas

Online poker legislation may be far off, but unlike some of its neighboring states, online poker may come to Arkansas with a federal push. Read more ...

California

Online poker will come to California maybe as soon as 2014. A crowded industry split into three factions may delay action on online poker bills already submitted. Read more ...

Colorado

With a steady and strong push from its significant casino industry, online poker legislation is most likely forthcoming in Colorado sometime in 2015. The state is already studying the effects online poker would have. Read more ...

Connecticut

As its neighboring states start to allow their residents access to online poker sites, look for Connecticut to follow suit. As such a small state, it’s a prime candidate to contract with other states for shared player pools. Read more ...

Delaware

As of October 2013, online poker is completely legal, regulated, and live in Delaware. Read more ...

Florida

Two powerful casino forces — the racinos and Indian tribes — face off against a conservative state government intent on preventing gambling expansion. The governor has won the first round. Read more ...

Georgia

The official view toward poker here is as rigid as a Georgia pine. Poker is gambling, and gambling is bad in Georgia. Read more ...

Hawaii

Although one of the few states without any form of legalized gambling, Hawaii is rumored to be looking to get into the online-poker game. Read more ...

Idaho

Completely in the middle ground, there is no pending online poker legislation in Idaho. A grassroots effort would help here. Read more ...

Illinois

Online poker is being talked about by state officials. look for an online poker bill sometime in 2015. Read more ...

Indiana

With a conservative governor and minor casino industry, it’s going to take a political campaign by its online poker players to move online poker forward. Read more ...

Iowa

Since 2011, certain lawmakers have pushed for online poker legalization. Now with states going live, watch for Iowa to join the game in 2014 or 2015. Read more ...

Kansas

A significant political shift is necessary for online poker to even be considered in the Sunflower State. Read more ...

Kentucky

Now that the powerful horseracing industry has wedged itself into the multi-state casino industry, watch for online poker legislation to move fast once more states go live. Read more ...

Louisiana

An online poker debate should come to Louisiana in 2014, with significant movement in 2015. Online poker does face some opposition here. Read more ...

Maine

Brand new to the casino game, and with such a pretty face, Maine would make a lovely interstate online poker partner. However, it remains a wallflower. Read more ...

Maryland

With a healthy paranoia that it is missing out on the online poker industry, lawmakers began to push for it in 2013. Look for another push in 2014 and beyond. Read more ...

Massachusetts

Cautiously optimistic is how online poker players in Beantown should feel. Online poker won’t come there as quickly as it should, but it’s likely coming at some point. Read more ...

Michigan

A large casino industry will fuel the push toward online poker. State lawmakers seem to be wary, though. Read more ...

Minnesota

With a strong casino industry, it would seem Minnesota would be further along with online poker legalization than it is. It may catch up soon. Read more ...

Mississippi

An online-gambling bill failed to make it out of committee in 2013, but a multi-billion dollar casino industry will have a say. Read more ...

Missouri

Another state with a significant casino industry, but with no real movement toward online poker or gambling legalization. It will join the game sooner rather than later. Read more ...

When Is Online Poker Going To Be Legal In The Usa

Montana

Poker is considered gambling here, and online gambling was outlawed in the state in 2005. With no pending legislation, it may be awhile. Read more ...

Nebraska

Poker-playing multi-billionaire hedge-fund manager Warren Buffett lives here and he hates the thought of online gambling. Poker is sadly included in his categorization. Read more ...

Nevada

Online poker is legal in Nevada, and several rooms are live for real-money play. Read more ...

New Hampshire

For such a small state, New Hampshire has more online poker players per capita than anyone else. Still, there’s no pending legislation. Read more ...

New Jersey

Online poker and gambling is legal in New Jersey. Online poker will be available in November 2013. Read more ...

New Mexico

New Mexico's 20 Indian casinos will have a say in the legislation of online poker here. Tribes have threatened to stop payments to the state if it legalizes online gambling. Read more ...

New York

New York may very well be the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2014. It has the support of the governor, as well as many lawmakers. Read more ...

North Carolina

No real online poker push is coming from North Carolina. Check back once other states start to go live. Read more ...

North Dakota

This was once the first state to try to legalize online poker in 2005; the feds put an end to that. Online poker legalization is on the backburner. Read more ...

Ohio

A state late to the casino game, online poker legalization has a real chance in 2015 or 2016, particularly if Pennsylvania beats Ohio to the market. Read more ...

Oklahoma

This state allows tribes to operate online poker rooms, with one major caveat: They can only do business with people living in other countries. What a rub. Oklahomans will have online poker sooner rather than later. Read more ...

Oregon

Once California begins to offer online poker, watch for Oregon’s Indian casinos to begin applying pressure to lawmakers. They have shown to be a savvy lobbying group. Read more ...

Pennsylvania

With one scrapped bill that would have legalized online poker and gambling, be sure another will come in 2014. Although facing resistance in committee, online poker should be here by 2016. Read more ...

Rhode Island

A prime candidate to partner with Delaware. Industry insiders say a contract is in the works. Read more ...

South Carolina

The online-poker industry faces major resistance here. Any talks of gambling expansion are immediately quashed. Read more ...

South Dakota

Online poker isn’t on the lips of any lawmakers here. But with a strong Indian casino industry, look for that to change in 2014. Read more ...

Tennessee

A strong religious base makes it difficult to move online poker legislation anywhere. Like, harder than shoving a mule through keyhole. Read more ...

Texas

Home of the congressman behind the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, several bills that affect poker, online and otherwise, currently reside in committees. Texas looks like it wants to finally acknowledge the game. Read more ...

Utah

Online poker players in Utah at least have Nevada just over the border. Other than that, Utah is a desert for online poker players. Read more ...

Vermont

When Is Online Poker Going To Be Legal In The Us States

The tiny state may be game to contract with Delaware, New Jersey, and/or Nevada and allow its residents access to online poker sites. Once more states allow online poker, watch for Vermont to follow. Read more ...

Virginia

Online poker players must hope for political change statewide in order to eventually access online poker sites. It has a law on the books that outlaws Internet gambling. Read more ...

Washington, D.C.

Online poker was set to come to its citizens in 2013, but politics played its part and it was delayed. Online poker will definitely come to D.C. eventually. Read more ...

Washington

The only state that criminalizes the online poker player, a grassroots movement stemming from that law is growing. Plus, Indian casinos are now in favor of legalization. Read more ...

West Virginia

State officials are most likely looking to contract with other states, probably Delaware. It may happen as soon as 2014. Read more ...

Wisconsin

The Indian casinos have yet to show their hand as to where they stand on online poker. There is no legislative chatter concerning online poker rooms. Read more ...

Wyoming

Lawmakers here are resistant to any form or gambling expansion, including online poker. If recent history is correct, online poker has a tough fight here. Read more ...

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