10 Things You Need to Know About Legal Online Poker in the USA

10 Things You Need to Know About Legal Online Poker in the USA! Where do you play online poker within the law in the U.S.? That is the top question. The issue of what online poker is legal in the U.S. is a complex one which plays out in the courts and between the states’ laws and the federal laws. This makes the topic of online poker legality US a difficult issue.

Our guide is your source for all that info. We go over what you need to know about online poker legality US. We will talk of which sites to play at, safety issues, and the laws. We begin.

Is Online Poker Legal in the United States?

The big issue has a complex answer. In the U.S. there is no national black and white rule for online poker. Instead it is a state by state issue. So when we look at which sites are legal, you have to check your state’s laws. That is the base of online poker legality US which we see today.

The Short Answer: It Varies By State

States have the primary role here. Each one has the right to decide if you can play online poker legally in the US within their border. New Jersey says is allowed and what is not. By your state’s rule you live.

The Federal Framework

Federal rules which set the parameters. The 2006 UIGEA law made it tough for poker sites which are illegal. Also we have other federal laws which serve as a background. They do allow states to have the last say in what pertains to online poker US.

Which US States Allow Legal Online Poker

Let’s look at which markets we have for you. Growth in legal online poker USA is present but in a small scale. As for what you’re after in terms of states with legal online poker this is what we have at present:

• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Delaware
• West Virginia

Can you play there already?

So at present is online poker legal in other states? It isn’t. What we do have is that in some states they have legislation which has been put forth. At the moment if you live in a non listed state, you can’t get in on legal online poker USA through the regulated sites. What we see is the picture is changing from state to state for online poker, so keep yourself in the know.

How State Laws Differ for Real-Money Poker

Finding online poker sites that accept players from the US is easy. But to play you must know the specific regulations of your state. US online poker laws play out differently in each state, which in turn affects the real money poker USA.

The table reports states with legal online poker USA. Some states, for example Nevada, are very black and white about it. Others which include poker with online casinos report mixed models. By and large what you see is different player pools.

In the case of the Multi State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) members’ players are shared which makes for larger scale tournaments. Out of the agreement, like in the case of Pennsylvania, you see a smaller in state pool.

All sites have strict geolocation. Mobile apps are a given. While you may find states with legal online poker USA at present, what you get out of it depends totally on your state’s US online poker laws, which in turn are based on which states the site does business in for real money poker USA.

Federal Laws That Affect Online Poker

In the base of what online poker in the US is based out of we have the federal rules. Although it is the states which put the final touch, their power is derived from key federal poker laws. Also it is of great import to understand these US online poker laws.

1. The UIGEA (2006): The Financial Institutions Law
   This law goes after payment processors, not players. It outlaws banks which participate in illegal online gambling. As for the details? Each state is left to determine what is illegal. That is the issue which causes wide variation of online poker legality US between states.
2. The Wire Act (1961) & The 2011 Reinterpretation
   In 1961 and also 2011 we saw reissues of The Wire Act which put forth new interpretations. For years that law was a no go for online gambling. In 2011 the Justice Department issued a new ruling which was a game changer. They said that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting and not to other forms of online gambling which includes poker. Also that gave states the green light to make their own laws regarding online poker.

These present two federal poker laws which in turn created the regulated environment we see today. They are the base which the current legal online poker USA is built upon.

Licensing & Regulation of US Poker Sites

We see a website with a New Jersey license, and it’s not just a logo. That’s the rigid US poker licensing process that makes the safe net for legal online poker USA. This is an admission that comes from state regulators that have the power of penalizing or shutting down the operators which break the rules.

A license from regulators such as the NJDGE guarantees these items for licensed poker sites in the USA:

• Fair Play: Reviewed software for choosing random cards.
• Safety of Money: Players balances are kept separately.
• Responsible Play: Essential tools to help players.

This is the base of what we have for US poker regulations. Off shore sites operate outside that protective framework. They may put forth great bonus deals, but they are subject to a different, often less strict authority.

Your best bet is to play at legal online poker USA which have proper US poker licensing. Think of it as putting your money in a federally insured bank as opposed to a mattress. Always choose licensed poker sites in the U.S. that comply with US poker regulations.

Taxes and Winnings: What US Players Must Know

Here is a look at which tax questions related to poker you may be required to ask yourself. Yes, the IRS reports that your poker wins are taxable income. This is a topic which we all may avoid but which in fact we all must deal with.

Also of the same importance as knowing the online poker laws in the US is knowing this. We have put together a quick Q&A on online poker taxes USA.

• Do I have to report my winnings?
  Sure. All of your poker winnings are reported as income. If you win over $600 which is also a payout of at least 300 times what you put in the pot the site is to report it to the IRS via form W-2G. Also it is your responsibility to report all winnings.
• Can I write off my losses?
  You may, but there is a twist. You are only able to report losses up to what you won that year, also you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A. Most players see that the standard deduction is better so maintaining detailed records of your play is key to making the right decision.

Online poker taxes USA is a issue that you can handle to keep within the laws which in turn also does your part to know what is up with online poker laws in your country. If in question best thing to do is to seek out a tax professional.

How to Choose a Legal & Safe Poker Site

Knowing you can play poker legally online is the first step. Step two is to choose the right room. Don’t go after the largest bonus. Use this guide to find out which licensed poker sites USA also provide a safe online poker experience.

1. Confirm Your State’s Status: First things first. Check out is online poker legal where you live? our state guides will give you that information.
2. Verify the License: Only play at sites which are licensed in your state. This is the base of legal online poker USA.
3. Check the Software: Renowned companies like IGT or Playtech are a good sign.
4. Review Banking Options: Look out for proven deposit and withdrawal options.
5. Test Customer Support: Quick and friendly support is a mark of good licensed poker sites USA.
6. Evaluate Bonuses & Traffic: Finally, look at welcome offers and player numbers.

Following the steps helps you playing at legal poker apps USA and enjoying real money poker USA in a secure setting.

We put together this guide to help you play poker online by the book and we present to you a proven approach to legal online poker USA. The process puts you in touch with legal poker apps USA in our safe online poker USA environment.

What the Future Looks Like for Online Poker in the USA?

The online poker future USA is great. We will see a state by state growth which in turn will expand the scope of online poker legality US.

New states coming in. In New York and other major markets we see them jump on it which in turn will bring in millions of new players.

The Multi State Compact (MSIGA) is of great importance. It allows players from different states to put in play and also amass larger prize pools. As more states join in with it that is very much a given.

Technology will also see growth in terms of what it does for us. We will see better mobile apps and also very innovative features. In the US as we see the trend for online poker legality US to become legal that points to a very positive online poker future USA which includes more states and larger networks.

FAQ: 10 Things You Need to Know About Legal Online Poker in the USA

1. Is online poker legal in the USA?
   Sure, here is the paraphrase of your text: Online poker legality US is key. To that question yes is the answer but only for states which have put in place their own laws.
2. Which of the states at present allow real money online poker?
   The states with legal online poker USA are Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia. Those are the only which have regulated real money poker.
3. Can US players legally play poker online for money?
   Surely you can play poker legally online for real in those states with online poker legal.
4. Are there offshore poker sites that play in the US?
   They are in a gray area legally, outside of US online poker laws. This means they do not provide the same secure online poker USA environment as state licensed operators.
5. Do I have to report online poker winnings?
   Yes. All winnings from online poker are reported to the IRS which makes tax reporting a requirement in the US for this game. Tax management is a very important aspect of online poker in the USA.
6. How do I check that a poker site is licensed in my state?
   Check out the license number in the website footer and go to your state’s gaming commission site for verification. This is to check which poker sites are licensed in the U.S. and that they are in compliance with US poker regulations.
7. What is the federal legislation which affects online poker in the US?
   The main federal poker rules are the UIGEA and the Wire Act which also set the parameters for what is online poker legality US.
8. Is online poker legal on mobile apps in the USA?
   Yes in some states you can download legal poker apps USA from licensed operators. What we see is that use of these legal poker apps USA is the core of a safe online poker USA experience.