The world of online poker has come a long way since its early days in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With the rise of the internet, online poker platforms have become more accessible and popular than ever before. In recent years, several states in the United States have legalized online poker, offering players a chance to play their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes.
The Legal Landscape
As of Spring 2023, online poker is legal in six states: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. These states have passed legislation that allows for regulated online gaming, including online poker.
Nevada was one of the first states to legalize online poker, with the passage of Assembly Bill 114 in 2011. The law allowed for the licensing of online poker rooms by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Delaware followed suit, legalizing online poker in 2013. New Jersey legalized online gaming, including poker, in 2013.
Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2017, when Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 271 into law. West Virginia and Michigan also passed laws allowing for regulated online gaming in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
What's Legal and What's Not
While online poker is legal in these six states, there are still some limitations. For example:
- Players must be physically located within the state to play online poker.
- Online poker sites must obtain a license from the relevant gaming regulatory agency in each state.
- Players must be at least 21 years old to participate.
Popular Online Poker Sites
Several popular online poker platforms operate in these legal states, including:
- 888 Poker (available in New Jersey)
- America's Cardroom (available in Michigan and other states)
What's Next?
While there are still some limitations on online poker, the trend is clear: more states will likely legalize online gaming in the coming years. As legislation evolves, we can expect to see more online poker platforms emerge, offering players even more options for playing their favorite games.
In the meantime, if you're looking to play online poker legally, your best bet is to check out the licensed sites available in one of the six states where online poker is currently legal.
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