Several states in the US have legalized online poker. However, the legality of online poker is still in a state of uncertainty. The federal government hasn’t yet taken a position on whether the 1961 Wire Act or the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 should be applied to online poker. It’s possible that the new administration will take a different approach.
Currently, there are four states in the US that operate online poker: Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. There are hundreds of online poker sites, but only a few networks draw the most traffic. Generally, these networks have a few million active users. Depending on which network you choose, you may be able to play at low stakes or high stakes. Many online poker rooms allow you to play multiple tables at once. This is an excellent way to increase your odds of winning.
Many online poker players have turned to foreign-based platforms for their poker needs. These platforms are not owned by the United States government, which means that players from the US can deposit and play without being punished for it. Also, some online poker rooms accept payments in a variety of currencies. This is a great option for US poker players who can’t find a site that accepts their local currency.
While online poker is legal in many other countries, it is regulated by different laws than brick and mortar poker. The laws in the US are complex. The 1961 Wire Act, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1988, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 are all in place to prevent illegal activity. These laws have a wide range of interpretations. Currently, the White House is relying on the opinion of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) to determine whether the 1961 Wire Act applies to online poker.
The OLC opinion is a limiting factor, as it will restrict the growth of the online poker industry in all states. The DOJ will review the OLC’s opinion and decide whether to enforce it. Currently, most states have access to poker, but many have not yet started to develop their own online poker sites.
As for the future, the DOJ hasn’t made any plans to appeal the ruling. The next few months will be important for online poker in Connecticut. The state’s legislature is considering whether to enter into shared liquidity agreements with other states. The potential of these agreements is great, as they could increase the state’s liquidity and interest. But before these agreements, online poker in Connecticut is likely to be virtually non-existent.
Connecticut has a population of 3.5 million people, but it is not likely that there are many regulated online poker sites in the state. In the future, however, online poker in Connecticut could be competitive. If the state enters into shared liquidity agreements with other states, there’s a good chance that the state will develop its own regulated online poker site.
