Online Poker in the US
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Currently, there are few legal poker sites in the US. Until recently, players were forced to use offshore sites. However, this situation has changed. States are regulating their online poker markets more frequently. Despite the numerous benefits of playing poker in the United States, there are some legal hurdles you should be aware of. Listed below are some of the major challenges you may face when playing online poker. Listed below are some ways to overcome these obstacles and play legal poker in the US.
First, you’ll need to download poker software. This software only requires a little memory space, and shouldn’t take long to download even on a slow connection. While most poker websites offer downloadable poker games, you should also consider playing a no-download version. This version won’t have all of the advanced features and benefits of a full download version, but it’s a great way to test out poker games before you spend your hard-earned money.
While a number of states have legalized online poker, Pennsylvania acted first. The legislature approved a gambling expansion package in October 2017, and Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill into law the first week of November. It took longer than expected for the state’s Gaming Control Board to finalize regulations, so several online casino sites launched in the mid-2019. The wait for poker operators in West Virginia may take until 2021. However, a new wave of legal online poker in West Virginia may be closer than we think.
The US government’s legal online poker scene continues to grow. While the Federal Government has banned online poker from US soil until 2011, a number of states are considering similar legislation. The US Senate has even weighed in on the issue. The passage of the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act may help online poker gain widespread acceptance in the US. However, the US Supreme Court is still weighing these issues. With each passing year, the odds of a federal ban are diminishing.
While the US has yet to approve online idnpoker, some states have legalized it. New Jersey, for example, became the first US state to approve it. In 2011, a bill passed the legislature, but Governor Christie vetoed it. A second bill passed in 2013 authorized online poker. The new bill authorized the industry to operate for 10 years, but there will be an ongoing review of the industry. For now, the legality of online poker in New Jersey may be on the verge of being upheld in the Supreme Court.
Michigan has been accepted into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which will allow US online poker players to play with others from any state. Once this agreement is finalized, online poker in Michigan may launch in 2022. It is possible that it may launch before the other states. The Michigan Gaming Control Board gave an update on the matter on April 12, noting that there are still some things to do before interstate poker can officially begin. After all, a major milestone is reached, Michigan’s legal online poker scene will flourish.