Online poker has been around for decades. First appearing in the United States in the late 1990s, the game became a major industry after Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 World Series of Poker win and subsequent “poker boom.” While the industry thrived, setbacks were bound to happen. Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, which targeted the money flow that powered online poker by making it illegal to process payments related to online gambling. This drove a number of sites out of the market, although several large operators opted to roll the dice and remain operational in the U.S.
After a few years of doldrums, the industry began to see some major growth. Several states legalized online poker in 2013, including Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Michigan and West Virginia followed suit in 2019, allowing players to play on sites that are licensed and regulated by the state.
The future of online poker remains bright in most of the country, with other states considering legislation that would allow for the game to be regulated within their borders. While some states, such as Massachusetts and New York, have a long way to go before they can offer legal online poker, the momentum is shifting in their favor.
Is Online Poker Legal In Alaska?
There is no reason to believe that Alaska lawmakers will pass a bill that would make online poker and live poker legal anytime soon. However, stranger things have happened in this state. Currently, residents of Alaska can only play online poker on non-regulated sites.
Is Online Poker Legal In North Dakota?
The state of North Dakota has a reputation for being anti-gambling. However, there has been a lot of movement to legalize poker in 2021. In fact, the state approved retail sports betting in 2022 and is now looking at expanding their offerings to include online and live poker.
Is Online Poker Legal In Minnesota?
The state’s laws on online gambling are vague and confusing, but they appear to ban the game unless it is offered through a regulated casino. This means that you could face a fine or jail time if you were to play online poker in Minnesota.
As of spring 2023, online poker is legal in the following states: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Other states have passed legislation to license and regulate online poker, but they have yet to launch sites. This is likely due to concerns about the federal Wire Act and other factors. However, if the industry can come up with a solution to these issues, it is expected that more states will legalize and regulate online poker in the near future. Stay tuned to this page for updates on the legality of online poker in different states!