Summary:
Can I legally play online poker in the United States? There is no clear answer. This 840-word article explores the legislation, how poker sites and payment processors have reacted, and alternatives to depositing money online to play poker.

Details or Sample:
FIRST EXCERPT:

In the last year or so, many U.S. citizens have been asking if it’s legal to play poker on the Internet. This is a valid question because, not very long ago, many online card rooms pulled out of the U.S. market. U.S.-based players logged in to these sites to find that they could not play for real money anymore. They could cash out their accounts, but they weren’t welcome to keep playing – and they definitely could not deposit more cash.

But a few sites, like Full Tilt Poker and Ultimate Bet, are still around – and they’re still taking U.S. players. Is this legal? What are the consequences, if any? Is playing online a good idea, regardless of the legality?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act is a newer piece of legislation that focuses mostly on the card rooms and the financial institutions that transfer your money to and from the accounts. This Act is the reason why so many poker sites withdrew from the U.S. market. The administrators and owners were not entirely sure of what would happen when this legislation passed, so they went ahead and got out of the way. They expected the very worst, so they removed themselves from this market before the government began enforcing the new Act.

SECOND EXCERPT:

If you’re still nervous or unsure about trying to deposit money in an online poker account, you can always go with play money. The U.S. government could not care less about this type of poker because there is no actual cash involved. You’re playing for an account balance that you cannot redeem for anything.

Many poker players roll their eyes and ask, “What’s the point? It’s pretend money. Big deal.” If that’s how you feel about play money, you can enter freeroll tournaments. These do not require any entry fees or buy-ins (not even play money), but usually award cash to top-placing players. (Some award other prizes, like site-branded gear or DVDs.) That cash goes into your account when you win. You can withdraw it, use part of it to buy in to a real-money tournament, or leave that money in your account for the rest of your life. Whatever you want to do with your “free cash” is fine.

None of this, however, makes a valid argument for online poker if you live in a state with anti-poker legislation. If your home state has laws on the books that make it illegal for you to play, then you should not play. It’s your responsibility to research your state’s laws before you try to deposit money in an online account.

You should also read and understand each poker site’s rules and guidelines before you play. These sites forbid minors, so don’t even try to make a deposit in your father’s name if you aren’t old enough to have your own account. And cheating, in whatever form it takes, is not acceptable behavior.

Purchase this content for your website...

Pricing:
Usage:	$70	[Add to Cart]
Unique:	$85	[Add to Cart]
Full Rights:	$100	[Add to Cart]

Downloads: 0
Written by: Sarah81
Available File Types:Text
Words: 820