The 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) targets operators and payment processors handling illegal online gambling, so unlicensed offshore sites and the banks serving them can face federal action. Whether you want the best legal online poker rooms or a clear picture of US poker laws, the answers below cover state rules, regulated versus unregulated sites and more.
Key Insights:
- Legality is decided state by state. Licensed rooms offering real money online poker are limited to states that have passed enabling laws.
- Regulated sites offer protection. State-licensed poker sites answer to a state gaming authority; unregulated sites offer no recourse if something goes wrong.
- UIGEA focuses on operators and payments. It targets the businesses and banks involved in illegal online gambling.
Questions & Answers for Poker Over the Internet
Is playing online poker legal in the United States?
Playing online poker is legal in the United States when your state has legalized and regulates it. States such as New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Michigan have laws in place, and more states are expected to follow in the future.
What is the difference between regulated and unregulated online poker markets?
The difference between regulated and unregulated online poker markets is player protection. Regulated sites are licensed by a state gaming authority, use geolocation to confirm you are playing inside state lines, and verify your age and identity. If a regulated site treats you badly, you can contact the state to take action. Unregulated markets have no such protection, so should a site take you for a ride, there’s not much you can do.
What are my deposit options at an online poker site in a regulated market?
There are roughly four deposit options at regulated sites that can be used. These include Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin and Wire Transfers. These banking options operate in the US, so they will be offered because of the speed and security.
What are my withdrawal choices at an online poker site in a regulated market?
Usually, free spins are tied to specific slot games, as designated in the offer’s details. This restriction is put in place by the casino to guide players toward particular games.
Why do some sites not allow players from specific states?
Some sites block certain states because online poker is regulated state by state, not federally. Each state decides whether to legalize and license online poker, so your state might not have provisions yet, and that’s why you can’t play poker online there. For more legal answers, our gambling FAQ covers other casino games as well.
What are some of the pros and cons of unregulated vs. regulated websites?
The pros and cons of regulated and unregulated poker websites come down to protection versus perks.
| Regulated sites | Unregulated sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Legality | 100% legal for Americans in states that license online poker | Operate outside state regulation |
| Player protection | Protection from fraud | No fraud protection |
| Bonuses | Smaller deposit bonuses | Bigger bonuses |
| Player pool | Fewer players | More players |
| Game selection | Smaller game selection | More games |
| State tax revenue | Tax dollars stay in the state | Tax dollars taken away from the state |
What are the most popular poker variants being played online?
Our top picks, and the most popular, games are No Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, Limit Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi Lo. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with other games like Seven Card Stud or Caribbean Stud Poker. It’s up to you to choose the game you enjoy.
Is the unregulated poker market still worthwhile for professional poker players?
Speaking from a legal poker standpoint, no. Mostly because current laws can send professional poker players to jail for an extended time. So, that’s why we prefer to recommend lawfully protected poker sites instead.
Is online blackjack or slots gambling legal too? (new)
Legality for other casino games also follows state law rather than a single federal rule. Players often ask whether online blackjack is legal, and the answer depends on whether your state has licensed online casino games. The same applies to slots, so check whether you can play real money slots online in your state before you deposit.
Play Responsibly
Playing at licensed poker sites is only part of staying safe. Set a deposit limit before you play, take regular breaks, and treat poker as entertainment rather than income. If gambling stops being fun, use the self-exclusion and time-limit tools available at regulated sites.
More Guides on Legal Online Poker
These guides cover more of legal online poker, from rules to strategy.
