Legal Poker Rooms For USA Players
As an American, we are supposed to be free in our choices. Apparently this does not apply when it comes to online poker. While some may to take our rights, others stand up for them and continue to allow us to play the game of poker when we want to.
This page is dedicated to explaining the actuality of the laws for online poker as well as to show readers where they can pursue their online career. The goal is to make you feel comfortable enough to go ahead and make the leap into the game but we always suggest paid legal counsel if you are unsure about the situation in the state that you live within.
Is It Illegal To Play Online Poker?
Many of those who are not familiar with online poker feel that sites still offering their services to Americans are doing so illegally. The truth is; every site could be offering legal online poker for real money if they wanted to. Many choose not to for hope they will be allowed in the American market one day. While these are simply trying to see potential future profits, some still feel that Americans deserve a place to play online poker.
It can’t be stressed enough that online poker is not illegal. It has never been stated anywhere, on any document that online poker is a crime and should be considered illegal. In fact, the Department of Justice has declared poker a game of skill, therefore taking it out of the debate of whether online gambling is illegal. What this basically means is; online poker is a game ok skill and not gambling which makes it perfectly legal.
Sites Where You Can Play Legal Poker For Real Money In The U.S.
Of the remaining poker rooms that allow American players to play for real money legally, two come to mind specifically. The first is a site called Bovada. Bovada took a hard stance on Americans rights to play poker and started the site specifically for US players.
- Accepts New Players From 47 U.S. States... No NY, MD or WA Players
Bovada Poker - Besides Being Legal, Probably Safest For Players In U.S.
Bovada was started in 2011 with the mentality that Americans have the right to play online poker. Since this time, they have become one of the better options to play real money poker for Americans. They have plenty of games to choose from with all the popular forms of poker on tap. The tournament selection and Sit-n-Go games run 24/7 with lots of guaranteed cash prizes up for grabs each month.
The software is smooth, crisp and super simple to use. It has all the features of an online poker room you could want. You can take player notes, multi table, quick game search functions and many more tools to make playing a breeze.
Perhaps the best part about Bovada is their cashier. They have poker deposit options that will almost always work. You can use Visa gift or credit cards, the reliable wire transfers or the easy to use, Rapid Transfer. All methods of deposit are easy and safe to use and getting money online to play poker should take no time at all.
If you’re a new player at Bovada, you can get up to $1,000 free. Create an account and make real money deposit and Bovada will match it up to $1,000. Other promotions include the Cash Pursuit where you can win cash and an iPad mini.
It’s important to note that some Bovada does not accept players from; New York, Maryland and Washington.
- Everyone is welcome to join regardless of where they are located
BetOnline Poker - Use American Express, VISA & More To Make Deposits
Another up and coming legal poker room for Americans is called BetOnline. They offer plenty of real money poker games, tournaments and Sit-n-Go’s 24/7. You will find the software easy to use and has a wealth of tools to make your playing experience a good one.
As a thank you for playing at BetOnline, they give new players a 100% match deposit bonus for online poker good for up to $900. Once you’re a player at BetOnline, you can start to earn more rewards by playing real money poker games. Players are awarded “POP” points which can be used to buy into $500 free rolls tournaments every week.
The cashier at BetOnline is one of the best. Americans will have plenty of choices to get their money online to play poker. Visa and American Express credit cards are accepted, as well as Visa gift cards. You can also use person to person, Money Orders, and cashier’s checks. Checks takes up to 4 days to hit your account since they need to be mailed in.
We recommend playing at either of these two sites. They have been tested by us and we have found that they have the most to offer for Americans looking to play legal online poker for real money.
Online Poker Laws
These are the biggest factor in determining whether online poker is legal or not. As we've explained, any time that you are unsure, you need to consult someone who is a professional in the state that you live. They can explain the laws much better than anything we could tell you because we are always only going to be poker players... not your attorney.
