How can US residents play poker online?

About a year ago this question could sound really strange. What’s the problem? All you have to do is to find a good poker room online via search engines, newsletters, poker portals etc. and bung, you are playing poker either for free or for real money. Today playing poker online is way harder for US citizens because of payment methods restrictions and closed to US market poker rooms. Below you will find the problem history and solutions for American poker player community.

Playing poker for Americans – the problem

The serious problem started on May 25, 2006 when House passed the “Unlawful internet gambling enforcement act” bill put restrictions on the “accepting credit cards, checks, or other bank instruments from gamblers who illegally bet over the Internet”. Though the debates about what is legal and what is not are still continuing, number of practical steps were taken by e-wallet solution providers and currently this is the problem for the poker community. Number of big brands has left US market and number of big deposit methods were wiped out of the market.

Playing poker for Americans – the solution

We are trying to help people to play online poker, because we believe this is one of the basic rights. Luckily, there are many others who agree and this creates the positive momentum for poker rooms to stay and let US residents play poker online. The situation is extremely dynamic, so we found it’s useful to keep our site visitors up to date and publish here poker rooms accepting specific payment methods for those of you who have one and general recommendations for the poker rooms accepting US players.

Payment methods available for US residents

VISA and MasterCard – The oldest, quickest and the most trouble free way to deposit money to a poker account is to use your VISA or MasterCard. Well, when it works…
Diners Club International – very recommended method. You can deposit anything between 10 and 600 USD with no fees.
ePassporte – is highly recommended for US poker player’s payment method. Depositing to ePassporte is pricy a bit, but if you want to get rid of the deposit rejections – this is the way. Another advantage is ePassporte is acceptable at the majority of the poker rooms.
Bank wire – slow, but reliable way to deposit your poker account. Once money is getting to the poker vendor, you’ll see the money on your poker account.
Check by mail – very slow, because your check physically has to reach the poker room, but sometimes the only possibility.
Prepaid Debit cards - (Switch, Solo, Maestro, Visa Electron, or Delta) – If you have purchased one of the UK prepaid cards, like Switch, Solo, Maestro, Visa Electron, or Delta you can use the funds to transfer them to the poker room. Unfortunately it’s not an option if you don’t have one of the prepaid cards already.
Western Union – if you experience problems with your credit card, the old fashion WU transaction can solve your problem.
WireCard – virtual MasterCard that is issued by German bank.After your first deposit into your account, you will receive your virtual MasterCard automatically and free of charge. Sign-up for your WireCard (www.wirecardbank.com) and deposit at Full Tillt Poker.

Where to play online poker for money?

We would like to recommend number of poker rooms accepting the payment methods listed above and proved themselves as solid, reliable companies, providing cutting edge technology and good service for US residents. Play for fun or play for real money – the choice is yours.

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