Online Poker in the USA

online poker

Depending on the state you live in, you can play online poker legally. Only a few states currently license online poker websites, but this number is rapidly growing. Licensed online poker websites must follow the strictest operating standards and legislation. Many jurisdictions, including Curacao, the Isle of Man, and Malta, provide an opportunity for Americans to play poker legally. Most US sites accept credit cards, but prepaid credit cards can be blocked by banks and convenience stores. If you don’t want to deal with such issues, cryptocurrency is an excellent alternative. The only downside is the one-time setup time.

Delaware was the first state to legalize online poker, and the first legal sites operated by Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway, and Delaware Park utilize 888poker software. West Virginia legalized online poker in 2019, and has started issuing gaming licenses to online poker operators. The first WV poker sites are expected to launch soon. There are many states that have legalized online poker, but the US state with the most legislation allows the most states to license the game.

Online poker in the USA was widely available until the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was signed into law. The UIGEA makes it illegal to engage in online gambling in most states, although seven states have legalised some forms of online poker. Online poker in the USA has been a popular pastime for many years. But despite the legal risks, US players can still play legally. This is where the US has an edge. So, how does online poker legality affect US players?