The Legality of Online Poker and the Online Lottery in the US
Poker is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the United States. The game can be played in a land based casino, a tribal casino, or online. Each state has different laws and regulations concerning the game. However, the most common is that players must be at least 18 years old to participate. Other states also require reasonable accommodations for handicapped individuals.
Online poker is a relatively new development in the US. It is played on a desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone. Most sites offer special promotions for new players. Reload bonuses can range from 20 percent to 100 percent. There is no limit to how much money a player can win. Some websites also require a certain age to sign up.
In the past, the only legal options for live poker in the US were in tribal casinos. Today, there are plenty of land based casinos in most states. One of the most popular destinations for players is Miami. Many of the top hotels in the city, such as the Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel, attract thousands of players each year.
While there are many other forms of gambling available in the US, slots and blackjack are two of the most popular. Another popular game is craps. This is a game where a person bets against the dealer, and wins or loses if their opponent doesn’t have a higher hand.
Although the US has a long history of gaming, it hasn’t always been legal. During the early 1900s, Ohio was a hotbed for illicit gambling. In 2006, the SAFE Port Act was passed. Although it didn’t outlaw online poker, it did put the brakes on the industry.
The first state to launch a legal online poker site was Delaware. They started allowing real money games in 1998. Since then, they have been joined by three other states. As of now, there are at least six states that have legalized online poker. Of those, only Nevada and Delaware have officially launched their websites.
Alabama does not allow online poker. However, residents of Georgia are able to play the game in Mississippi or Louisiana. Those in Tennessee are not allowed to play online, but must travel to another state to do so. No legislation is in the works for online poker in Alabama.
Indiana has a storied history of poker, with the World Series of Poker Circuit series having made its way to the Hoosier State. Players can choose to play for free or to pay for their spot in a tournament. If they don’t win, they can collect a prize.
Michigan and Pennsylvania are expected to join the party in the near future. New York is also in the mix. Hopefully, in the next few years, online poker will be legal in these states.
Currently, Illinois and Wyoming are the only states that do not have a license for an online poker site. Several politicians have been introducing bills to support the concept.