Legal Cash Poker Sites
Real Money Poker Online The USA Legal Casino Websites. The next thing you want to do is to keep tabs on professional American players and look at where they play online. If they play poker on certain sites while they are in the US, you can be quite sure that this is a safe online poker real money site that you can play. WSOP/888 US is currently the only poker site that shares online poker players between all three legal online poker states (NJ, Nevada & Delaware). It’s currently the #1 US online poker site by traffic. Poker Stars – New Jersey and Pennsylvania Party Poker – New Jersey only. On recommended poker sites, you’ll find an overwhelming variety of poker games, stretching from the ever-popular Texas Hold’em to Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Draw Poker. You’ll come across an equally impressive diversity in terms of the number of tournaments and cash games on offer.
- When you join one of the top USA real money online poker sites listed on CardsChat.com, you will find lots of easy-to-beat players. You can use simple and secure banking options such as credit &.
- Yes, it is legal to play at real money poker sites from the United States with a strong emphasis in DE, NJ, NV, and PA. There are no consistent federal laws banishing play at offshore sites (play legit ones we mention only).
Oklahoma’s legal real money poker and gambling stance can best be described as dichotomous. The Sooner State houses more casinos than almost any other state in the US, yet only two of OK’s casinos are permitted to offer table games and real cash poker games like Texas Hold’em. And while most forms of gambling and betting are regulated in Oklahoma, the state’s gambling statues are among the strictest we’ve encountered when it comes to Internet poker as well as land based real money lawful poker. Compounding matters further, it appears that Oklahoma’s gambling laws are vigorously enforced by the state’s law authorities – a true rarity.
So where does that leave online poker and Internet poker websites? Surprisingly, the issue of real money gambling on poker websites has already been addressed by one of OK state’s numerous tribal factions. Furthermore, other forms of online gambling besides real cash Internet poker already exist within the state of Oklahoma. That said, there hasn’t been a single word spoken by government officials regarding an authorized piece of iGaming legal Internet poker legislature. And it’s hard to say if they’re ever will be.
For those of you in Native America looking to make a wager on the virtual green we have found what you may be looking for. Oklahoma gamblers: discover real money US poker sites that you can easily access a free account.
Oklahoma Tribe Sues Feds Over Online Poker Rights
Quick Jump
- 5 The Facts
In September, the real money Internet betting agreement was amended in favor of the Cheyenne Arapahos and now it mentioned legal Internet poker in OK in it.
Under the new conditions, the tribe would pay the state 10 percent on all real cash betting revenue generated from non-house banked games (including real money poker), and less on electronic gaming revenues.
It was promptly rejected again. This time the Department of the Interior stated that Oklahoma couldn’t offer a service like Internet gambling to a market of real money poker playing patrons located exclusively outside of the United States. In response, the tribe, which operates two Lucky Star Casinos and real money poker rooms in Oklahoma, filed a lawsuit asking that the feds stop interfering with its affairs [2].
Should the Cheyenne Arapaho become iGaming Internet poker operators, it would mark an unprecedented victory for the tribe and iGaming poker websites in general.
Latest Oklahoma Poker News
Oklahoma's Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes have apparently decided not to continue pursuing legal action in order to operate PokerTribes.com.…
Two Oklahoma tribes have signed a pact to operate online gambling sites within state borders, but players in the U.S. would be excluded from participating.…
Can Players From Oklahoma Play Online Poker?
Not all legit online poker websites accept players from Oklahoma, as the state’s stringent anti-gambling laws likely scared some gaming and Internet poker operators away. Thankfully, we’ve managed to put together a comprehensive list of reputable real money poker websites willing to take a chance on players from Oklahoma. Our recommended real-money poker sites are currently offering some of the best first-time real cash poker deposit bonuses on the planet, and are well-known for their exemplary customer service and prompt payment schedules. Most importantly, they allow residents with few iGaming Internet poker options the opportunity for poker gambling fun from the comfort of their own homes.
Is Online Poker Legal In Oklahoma?
Online poker is not specifically addressed by Oklahoma’s gambling and betting statues. However, there are laws in place that explicitly prohibit all forms of unlicensed gambling and the transmission of gambling information, that could very well apply to online poker websites. Compounding matters, the penalties for violating Oklahoma’s sweeping gambling and poker betting statues, especially as a real money poker operator, are quite severe.
We unfortunately cannot provide you with an accurate answer regarding the legality of online poker at real cash Internet poker gambling websites in Oklahoma. What we can do is prepare you so that by the time you do speak to a legal professional, you’ll be equipped with an arsenal of useful poker websites information.
Key facets of Oklahoma’s gambling law listed below:
- The statues do not provide a spelled-out designation of gambling, although one can be inferred from the definition of bet, which is a bargain in which the parties agree that, dependent upon chance, or in which one of the parties to the transaction has valid reason to believe that it is dependent upon chance, one stands to lose something of value, including real money specified in the agreement. Purses and prizes associated with public events and charitable games are not classified as gambling bets. Section 21-981(1)
Notice that if the parties do not recognize the chance element of a game, the act of wagering or gambling is not considered a bet in OK. This caveat may be of some use to professional real cash poker players, who largely see real money poker as a game of skill.
Unfortunately, the term “poker” does show up in the section detailing penalties for gambling and poker betting operators:
- Section 21-941 reads:
Except as provided in the Oklahoma Charity Games Act, every person who opens, or causes to be opened, or who conducts, whether for hire or not, or carries on either poker, roulette, craps or any banking or percentage, or any gambling game played with dice, cards or any device, for real money, checks, credits, or any representatives of value, or who either as owner or employee, whether for hire or not, deals for those engaged in any such game, shall be guilty of a felony.
If convicted, illicit gambling operators face fines ranging from $500 – $2,000 and a jail sentence in an OK prison of one to ten years. - Yet, the term
poker
is noticeably absent from Section 21-942 – Gambling Playing-Penalty. However, cards do make an appearance. The penalties for participating in any real-money game involving cards, dice or any other device which may be adapted to or used in playing any game of chance is subject to a misdemeanour in Oklahoma, potentially resulting in a fine between $25 and $100 and up to 30 days behind bars. - The section
Dissemination of Gambling Information
(Section 21-987(A)) is the closest the statues come to addressing the issue of iGaming and Internet poker. It reads:Dissemination of gambling information is the transmitting or receiving, by means of any communications facilities, information to be used in making or settling bets.
Violating the law is a felony.
Although the legality of online poker websites has yet to be debated in an Oklahoma court of law, the Dissemination of Gambling Information clause could easily include Internet wagering and real money poker websites in OK under its broad scope.
The gambling and betting law also states that social gambling like a home game of real money Texas Hold’em poker, regardless of whether a rake is taken or not, is also illegal. It also appears that real cash poker cannot be played at a regulated charitable gaming venue.
To view the entirety of Oklahoma’s statues [3], please visit the “References” section.
- U. S. Poker Site
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The Facts
The History Of Gambling In Oklahoma
As early as the mid 1800s, makeshift horse racing gambling facilities littered the Indian held territories of Oklahoma. It was commonplace for the tribes to cross into Texas to compete with their southern neighbors, sometimes in the name of friendly rivalry, often times not. Around the same time, roulette and other games of chance and real cash poker were played in frontier saloons in OK.
Legal poker gambling and lawful real money betting continued to run rampant in Oklahoma throughout the latter part of the 19th century and into the 20th. It wasn’t until after the oil boom of the 1920s that the state of Oklahoma began cracking down on illicit gambling activities. Regulations on betting games like real money poker were slowly put into place, and by the middle part of the 20th century, legit gambling and betting venues were virtually nowhere to be found.
In 1982, the state took its first step towards gambling freedom when OK voters approved pari-mutuel real cash betting on horse races. Today, the state of OK boasts three racinos and the Fair Meadows Race Track – which offers gambling for real money on simulcast racing
[4].
Then in the early 1990s, Oklahoma’s gambling and legit poker betting industry boomed. It was around that time that Indian tribes were permitted to open casinos and real money poker gambling facilities, something the state’s many tribal factions took full advantage of. Within years, bingo halls littered the state, some of which would go on to offer table games and legal real cash poker in Oklahoma. The WinStar World casino, in particular, is noteworthy for its 46-table real money poker room and varied lawful poker tournament offerings [5]. Today, Oklahomans can pick their poison from one of nearly 60 – yes, 60 – casinos and legal real cash poker rooms spread across the land.
Next came charitable gambling and a statewide lottery, which later expanded into a multi-state lottery, further increasing tourism from gambling fans and state revenue from the real money betting profits. To date, real money poker has not been approved at charitable gaming venues.
Most recently, the state introduced a form of legal real cash online bingo to its residents.
Regulated Gambling Options In Oklahoma
Most major forms of gambling and betting with the exception of commercial casinos and real money poker rooms, are legal in Oklahoma. But who needs commercial gambling when there are literally dozens of tribal casinos offering games like Texas Hold’em poker sprinkled throughout the state of OK?
Poker players in Oklahoma are playing online, but it may take quite some time before there’s a move to legalize online poker rooms.
The Future Of Regulated Online Gambling In Oklahoma
Oklahoma is one of only a handful of states that addresses the legality of online poker and Internet poker real money gambling, albeit indirectly. And despite its influx of casinos very few of them offer real cash poker betting.
Oklahoma State’s conservative voters are vehemently opposed to gambling and Internet poker expansion, and OK state officials are in no hurry to address the issue of legal poker websites for OK residents. All told, the aforementioned variables lead many industry experts to believe that Oklahoma is not likely to ever regulate online gambling or real cash Internet poker.
That said, Oklahoma’s two largest casinos do offer real money poker, and they are among the most profitable gambling facilities in the entire state of OK. This is no coincidence. Online bingo betting has also proven quite popular among locals. Given this, it’s at least possible that Oklahoma may one day permit online poker websites, but we’d still assess its chances of Oklahoma launching lawful poker websites as below average.
Fun Fact
The Oklahoma State Championship of Poker takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa. The Main Event features a $1,090 real cash poker buy-in and a $50k guaranteed poker gambling jackpot [6].
The Bottom Line
It’s entirely possible that if Oklahoma’s overwhelming tribal populace begins pushing hard for online poker and lawful Internet poker, the state will buckle under its demands. Even if that doesn’t happen, if enough nearby states hop onto the iGaming poker websites bandwagon, Oklahoma’s gambling and poker betting industry will undoubtedly falter, forcing OK state officials to at least examine a new strategy which could include giving the go ahead to legal real money Internet poker websites.
However, Oklahoma’s small population of 3.8 million residents may limit its ability to operate a thriving iGaming Internet poker market in OK without an interstate Internet poker compact in place. Thus, don’t expect Oklahoma to be a part of the next wave of states that pass iGaming real money poker websites legislation.
References
[1] ↑Oklahoma Directs Tribes to Cease Online Gaming Activity
[2] ↑Tribe in Oklahoma Sues Feds Over Online Poker Site
[3] ↑Oklahoma Statues
[4] ↑Expo Square
[5] ↑WinStar World Casino and Resort – Poker
[6] ↑Hard Rock – Oklahoma State Championship of Poker
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As more states legalize online gambling, more sites offering the opportunity to play online poker for real money are opening to Americans. That leaves more Americans with a question or two about how online poker works, where to play, and, most importantly, if it’s legal in their state.
We’ll be covering all the above and more right here on TechNightOwl. Let’s start with the basics.
What States in the US Offer Online Poker for Real Money?
At present, there are only six states in the US where online poker platforms are legal: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Let’s run through how that came to be.
US Online Poker Laws
The Wire Act is a US Federal Law established in 1961 prohibiting wire communications in betting transactions. The main objective of this law was to reduce the possibility of gambling and poker games becoming a part of organized crime.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) took effect in 2006 when it became illegal for banks to transact with unlicensed online gambling platforms. The banks — not the players — became liable for any violation cited or observed.
These regulations shut down online poker platforms in the United States. However, both the Wire Act and UIGEA created gray areas in the law and were subject to misinterpretation. In 2012, it was one of those grey areas that led a New York federal judge to rule that the Wire Act of 1961 didn’t apply to poker because it was a game of skill rather than chance.
New Jersey Online Poker Platforms
New Jersey was one of the first states in the United States to legalize online poker for real money. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the legislation in 2013, less than a year after the 2012 ruling.
The requirements for any individual to play on a licensed online poker platform include:
- Age: Players must be 21 years or older
- Location: New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada entered into a compact that went live in 2018 that allows interstate gambling. You must be physically present in one of these states to play online poker for real money in New Jersey.
- Verification: Players who sign up for online poker platforms in New Jersey must undergo a thorough verification process to determine if they are qualified to play.
Because New Jersey is one of the earliest states to legalize online gambling platforms, this state offers more poker rooms than most other states, including:
- 888poker
- Borgata
- Pala Poker
- PartyPoker
- PokerStars
- playMGM Poker
Players in New Jersey can also play on the Nevada-based poker site, WSOP.com, the primary interstate poker provider.
Delaware Online Poker Platforms
Shortly after New Jersey, Delaware also legalized online poker sites in 2013. Like NJ, players must be 21 years of age or older. Delaware also requires geo-tracking software to confirm your location.
The state currently has three online poker sites where you can play for real money:
- Dover Downs
- Delaware Park
- Harrington Raceway
All the above run on 888Poker software. Like in New Jersey, players in Delaware can also play on WSOP.com.
Nevada Online Poker Platforms
Nevada legalized online poker for real money right around the same time as Delaware and soon became a hub for interstate games, being the home-state of WSOP.com.
Currently, the only other poker platform in the state is Real Gaming. Ultimate Poker was previously also available in Nevada, but the platform failed in 2014.
State player requirements are similar to those in other states, with the minimum player age being 21 and geolocation mandatory, but they also add a few additional provisions:
- Player fund transfer is not permitted.
- You may only have one account on each poker platform.
Legal Real Money Poker Sites Usa
Pennsylvania Online Poker Platforms
Pennsylvania was the fourth state in the United States to legalize online poker for real money with legislation taking effect in 2017.
Since Pennsylvania has one of the largest populations in the United States of over 13 million residents, online poker for real money established a massive player base. PokerStars is currently the only active online poker gambling platform in the state.
Pennsylvania has yet to join the interstate gambling compact, and so WSOP.com is not available, but efforts are in the works to change that. Numerous other land-based casinos have also been granted licenses to operate and may open platforms soon, including:
- Harrahs Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
Beyond restricting players to in-state games, the player requirements in Pennsylvania are the same as other states. You must be over 21 and allow geo-tracking software.
Michigan and West Virginia Online Poker Platforms
Michigan and West Virginia both legalized online poker for real money in 2019. However, neither state has any licensed operating poker platforms as of June 2020.
The Stars Group, operator of PokerStars, has already taken steps to obtain a license in Michigan and is a strong contender to be the first option open in the state. West Virginia has yet to finalize its licensing regulations.
What Other States in the US Have Plans to Offer Online Poker for Real Money?
The following states have plans to legalize online gambling platforms. Some even have ongoing legislative reviews about the pros and cons of legalizing online gambling platforms.
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
The Best Online Poker Platforms for Real Money
Now that you know which states you can play in and all the poker platforms available in those states, your next question is likely which should you play on—assuming you have more than one option. The best online poker platforms in the US include:
- WSOP.com
- 888Poker
- PokerStars
Let’s take a quick look at each.
WSOP.com
As mentioned, WSOP.com is an interstate provider serving New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada. They are operated by Caesars Interactive Entertainment, a name you likely recognize if you’re familiar with the hotel gaming and gambling industry.
WSOP.com is the largest real-money online poker platform in the United States and is backed by the World Series of Poker. They offer fixed- and pot-limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, all with Hi/Lo options. There are roughly 50 tournaments daily, some with cash prizes as high as $50,000.
The site regularly offers bonus promotions and also has a generous loyalty point program. You’ll earn points online towards the Action Club Rewards Program for every game you play—win or lose. Points can be redeemed for cash.
Legal Cash Poker Sites For Us Players
888Poker
The second-largest online real-money poker platform, 888Poker is only available in New Jersey and Delaware. Delaware’s platform is accessed via three racinos (listed above) rather than the 888Poker site directly. Nevada’s WSOP.com also runs on 888Poker software, but the two aren’t interconnected.
888Poker only offers Texas Hold’em and Omaha, but they do have a range of tournament and match offers, including SNAP, Blast, and Classic poker options. They have a mobile app but are also well-known for their instant-match, no-download games.
The site has many generous bonus promotions and is among the only online casinos left with a true no-deposit bonus. You’ll get $1 to spend anywhere on the site, 14 free 50-cent entries, and a pending $80 bonus. You unlocked the $80 by earning points for the platform’s rewards program (a cash-back offering similar to WSOP.com’s rewards). For every 100 points you earn, you unlock $10. You can earn those points using the initial free credits granted to you.
PokerStars
PokerStars is Pennsylvania’s only real-money online poker platform. They also operate in New Jersey and are likely to be available in Michigan soon. The site offers Limit Hold ’em, Omaha, and Seven-card stud, as well as 2-7 Triple Draw, HORSE, and Razz, though as these games are less popular, it may be harder to find a table.
There are multiple daily tournament options, including big-ticket hourly Sunday games with massive cash prizes. For instance, the Sunday Special held at 6 pm EST has a $200 buy-in and a $45,000 guaranteed pot.
Like WSOP.com and 888Poker, the site does have a rewards program. You can earn Star Coins, which can be used to purchase merchandise or free play tickets. They also match your first deposit 100% up to $600.
How to Choose the Best Online Poker Game for Real Money
With so many online poker games on the internet, it is wise, especially when the stakes involve real money, to choose the right gambling platform. Here are some factors we considered when choosing the best real-money online poker sites in the US.
Player Experience: An online gambling website or app’s aesthetic, functionality, and ease of navigation should all be excellent. Ideally, you want to choose a site that doesn’t make you jump through hoops to get to your desired page.
Game Selection: While not all players prefer to play multiple poker game types, we prefer sites that give you the option to do so.
Safety: Safety should be the utmost priority for any gambling, betting, or poker site. All the platforms we recommend are credible, have all the necessary licenses to operate in the US, and comply with all the regulations imposed by the states they operate in.
Bonuses: Some online poker sites provide attractive promotional and sign-up bonuses that can benefit players and give them a competitive advantage over their opponents.
What Is Global Poker?
For those who can’t visit states where it is legal to play poker online for real money, Global Poker is an option. Global Poker functions similarly to any online gambling platform. The catch is instead of dealing directly with real money, there are sweepstakes, and players get a virtual currency which they can “cash in” via PayPal. Thanks to this unique twist, it does not fall into the category of illicit activity, and anyone with an internet connection can access it anywhere within the United States.
How Much Does It Cost to Play Online Poker for Real Money?
The buy-in cost for online poker games ranges dramatically, but the average is relatively affordable. Around 50% of online poker games have an entry fee of $8 to $10. Players can even join online poker tables with buy-ins starting at $0.01 to $0.02 and $1 to $2. There are high-stakes games as well, with buy-ins closer to $100 to $200.
What Are the Payment Options for Online Poker?
There are a variety of ways to deposit money to play poker online for real money. Here is a breakdown of online banks that online gambling platforms you can trust:
Essential factors to consider when making online money transactions, especially on online gambling platforms, include:
Privacy and Security: All licensed online gambling sites are required to encrypt your information and are held to strict privacy and security regulations. Dealing with an unlicensed poker site can put you at risk for identity theft and loss of funds. Never enter your financial information on a site that asks for banking details such as pin or password.
Support: Credible online gambling platforms have 24/7 live chat support to address any questions, concerns, or issues about your financial transactions. If a site doesn’t have readily accessible contact information, that’s a red flag. Avoid making deposits on these sites.
Play Poker Online for Real Money
There are many advantages to playing online poker for real money. Because online games generally have significantly lower buy-ins, you have more control over your bets. Wait times are also shorter because there are endless virtual tables.
The periodic bonus offers you can grab to gain a competitive edge over other players are just icing on the cake—but remember to read the terms and conditions.
Cash Poker Sites Legal In Usa
You can play poker online for real money in the comfort of your home, which makes it a great way to pass the time—no more stuffy dress codes in brick-and-mortar casinos. You can play games in your pajamas if you like!
Legal Real Money Poker Sites
Of course, getting the most out of these benefits requires playing on a legal, reputable real-money poker platform—and that’s just what you’ll find reviewed on TechNightOwl! We regularly update our content to reflect the latest online gambling,betting, and poker regulations, as well as the best real-money poker platforms in the US.