Although there are still a few US-accepted online poker sites available, the offshore market has grown in popularity. Only a few states have regulated the industry, with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada all offering legal poker. Michigan and West Virginia are expected to follow. But what are the legal hurdles to online poker? In order to understand the best options for US players, it is important to know how these jurisdictions regulate online poker.
First of all, you must be 18 or older to play poker. However, if you are under the legal age in your jurisdiction, you may play for free or for small stakes. Some poker websites will even verify your age. To play, all you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a credit card. You can also choose a table based on your budget and the number of players in your home country.
However, while Nevada was the first state to legalize online poker, other states will likely follow. For instance, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will soon be able to play online poker. Meanwhile, Nevada is the only state to reject PokerStars’ license application after 2006. But the DOJ has said that it will not accept applications from these sites after 2006.
Despite this setback, Kentucky has been a likely candidate for legalizing online poker in the near future. This state has been one of the least likely to legalize the game, but an ongoing lawsuit between the state and PokerStars has put the matter in the spotlight. After the 2006 UIGEA passed, Beshear actively fought against online gaming and aggressively sued PokerStars for offering online poker to Kentuckians. While the lawsuit is ongoing, Kentucky is one of the states most likely to make the decision on online poker within the next few years.
The primary lobbying group for poker in the US is the Poker Alliance. This nonprofit group was founded in response to the threat of online poker in the US. Its members number in the millions. The organization’s efforts have changed over time as it adapts to the needs of the industry. Its goal is to ensure that online poker remains legal in the US. If you’re unsure whether the game is legal in your jurisdiction, contact your local poker association.
The World Series of Poker has also become popular. In fact, the World Series of Poker Tournament is held in Las Vegas every year. The event fuels online poker action in Nevada. With so many online casinos offering free poker, Nevada has gotten into the action. In addition, freerolls are offered by various casino groups, clubs, and regions. The benefits of playing free online poker are significant. To maximize your chances of winning a free tournament, do your research.
Another concern is whether the online poker room you choose is regulated. Although many sites accept players from California, it is important to remember that not all online poker rooms are legitimate. Check their licence and reputation before deciding to play. If the site is licensed, you can be confident that it is safe. You can also play games from California if you have a gaming license. That’s a good option, but remember: if the site has no license, you should avoid playing.
