Is Online Poker Legal?

Poker has been considered as one of the greatest casino games of all time. Since the beginning of poker, no one has ever known that this game’s popularity would grow to big proportions. Today, you can enjoy the game of poker online. There are many different forms of poker and all of them are fun.

However, online gambling is quite an interesting topic that definitely requires a comprehensive discussion. But enough with online gambling, let’s consider this certain game we call online poker. The main question is “Is online poker legal?” Let’s find out!

The History of Online Poker

The popularity of gambling and casinos has been blossoming all throughout these years. States like Nevada, New Jersey and the Atlantic City allow gambling, and people who want to spend their time in casinos can visit these places. However, not all of us can visit these land-based casinos anytime we want and play our favorite casino games.

Playing casino games in these casinos entails your time and money. This is definitely a big issue for busy people, so to meet their demands, online casinos were conceptualized. Today, you can enjoy your favorite casino games, especially your poker games, in the comforts of your own home.

With the availability of poker and other casino games online, you will never have to worry about traveling expenses. You can enjoy a game of poker anytime, anywhere where you get the chance to play any poker variant you wish and win big prizes; plus, online poker games will open doors to exciting poker tournaments in the future.

The Laws Governing the Legality of Online Poker

Although online poker is not legal in the United States, many players are still very much engrossed with the game. After the passing of the Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, large companies like Party Poker have no other option but to stop their operation.

However, private companies like Absolute Poker, Poker Stars and Full Tilt continued their operation despite the implementation of the law. This situation is quite unlawful, but these private companies stand their grounds. As a result, many poker players ventured to these companies and business grew larger and stronger.

In this case, would we still consider the playing online poker even if it’s unlawful? Online casinos offering poker games have devised a plan to meet the demands of players. If the casino is based outside the US, the US Wire Wagers Act will solve the problem, but we cannot escape the fact that the internet is open to everyone.

This notion has lead to a stiff decision. Today, most online casinos are now banning US players from all their casino games. Only Nevada, Atlantic City and New Jersey are open to these online games. Progress is being made as a bill to allow online gambling has already advanced in the US congress. However, don’t hold your breath as congress is notoriously slow with the online gambling issue, partially due to conservative views about online gambling being bad for American families and partially because the government is a little more concerned about health care and the economy.