Online poker has been legal in several states for a few years now, offering players the opportunity to take part in exciting cash games and tournaments. There are loads of thrilling events to enjoy and generous bonuses to take advantage of, all while playing at a secure and trustworthy online gaming destination.
Where Is Real Money Poker Legal in America?
If you’d like to play real money poker online legally, there are a few states in which this is possible. When you are located in these areas, you’ll be able to log on to several sites that offer up various cash games and tournaments:
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
When playing poker from any of these states, there are a few important considerations to make. Firstly, you must be able to prove that you are of the legal gambling age in that state. All of the above areas have a legal gambling age of 21, and you have to submit identifying documents to verify that you can legally take part in online poker games.
There is also the issue of geolocation technology, which all legal American poker sites have to use in order to maintain their licenses. Even if you’re a resident of a legal poker state and are out of town, you cannot play poker games online. This technology is incredibly sophisticated, and it will know if you are located elsewhere.
Legal Online Poker Cash Games and Tournaments
When it comes to playing in cash games at legal online poker sites, you’ll be able to take part in No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha games. It might be a little disappointing that you can’t play more niche titles like Razz or Seven Card Stud, but it’s not the end of the world. NLHE and PLO are the most popular poker variants, and you’ll be able to find plenty of juicy games to join.
The prizes available in legal online poker tournaments are a bit smaller than those available at offshore websites, but there are still some pretty generous payouts available. In New Jersey, prize pools have reached heights of over $100,000, and as interstate online poker becomes more popular, payouts are sure to skyrocket as well.
There is also the opportunity for players in regulated poker markets to earn entry into prestigious in-person tournaments. The World Series of Poker’s online portal operates in several states, and there are plenty of chances for players to take part in satellites that earn them entry into the WSOP Main Event and other lucrative side events.
Claiming Bonuses at Legal Poker Rooms
One of the great things about playing at legal online poker rooms in America is that you’ll have access to just about all of the same promotions that you’d find at offshore sites. Operators are keen to reward their players using various incentives, such as tournament tickets, rakeback and bonus cash.
Each of these promotions offers you a unique way to boost your bankroll and provide a little bit extra enjoyment to your online poker experience. In OnlinePokerAmerica’s real money guide, you can find out about the best bonuses available to you at legal American poker sites.
Deposit bonuses are fantastic if you’re a regular player who funds their account weekly, and it helps to join a loyalty program so you can earn cashback and rakeback. If you’re more of a casual player, there are plenty of freeroll promotions on offer that allow you to enter into tournaments and vie for smaller prizes without having to buy in.
The Wire Act’s Potential Effect on Legal USA Poker Sites
While everything seems to be all well and good at legal online poker sites in America, the Wire Act could disrupt things. The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel has recently updated its interpretation of the Wire Act, which could mean that even legal online poker sites will be blocked from processing player deposits and withdrawals.
In preparation for this, it is recommended that players look into other banking options aside from credit cards, debit cards and bank transfers. E-wallets and prepaid cards are useful options, as there is no direct line from gaming operators to banking providers. PayPal is the most popular option but, since the service left the American poker market after Black Friday once already and only recently returned, it may not be a sure bet.
Neteller and Skrill are the most popular e-wallet providers for online poker players around the world. Both services operate in nearly the exact same way as PayPal, as they are linked to your bank account. When you want to make a transaction with an online poker site, you only have to enter your e-wallet details. The e-wallet then acts as a middle-man that pulls the money from your bank account or credit card and funds your online poker account.
Prepaid cards are another convenient option. These can be purchased online or at brick-and-mortar retailers. Each one has a specific cash value and, you can load the value of the card into your online poker account. All you have to do is enter the unique number that has been allocated to your card, along with the secret PIN that can be found by scratching off the back of the card.
Cryptocurrency may also see its time to shine. Offering anonymous and decentralized banking, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin offer online poker fans the ability to make deposits and withdrawals safely and security without scrutiny from banking authorities. With changes to the Wire Act looming, now would be a good time to invest if you’re a poker player.
