As you know, the UIGEA Law has not been reversed. Thus, there is a state of flux within Congress as to the efficacy of overturning this Law. Although valiant efforts were made in 2012 to offer a new bill that would legalize online gambling, those efforts were thwarted by the Republican Party. Thus, “red” states have been following suit. However, because the Congress has failed to act on this important issue, many states in the US have taken up this issue in an up or down vote. While many states have legalized online gambling in general and poker in particular, there are still many other states that won’t even discuss the topic. Therefore the current US state by state poker laws that we are providing below all come with their own caveat, that is, if you are an online player and do not know if your state allows online poker, we strongly urge you to investigate this matter further.
Alabama
Playing for real money in the state of Alabama is illegal. In fact, anyone who offers online gambling for real money breaks the law. However, as of this writing, no one has been charged nor has the law been enforced for online poker.
Alaska
Alaska is one of those states that is not in favor of online poker, although there are no laws preventing same. However, any transactions made by banks for online poker players is illegal.
Arizona
Although there are no restrictions for online poker, banks are prohibited from making transactions for online casinos. to online poker. Really, there is not much more an avid Arkansaspoker player could ask for! Poker Legal in Arkansas?
Arkansas
Considered strictly illegal, Arkansas has banned all online gambling and has stuck to the tenets of the UIGEA Law.
California
Due to the ambiguous nature of the UIGEA Law, online poker for the most part is not restricted in California.
Colorado
There are no specific laws against online poker, however, the UIGEA Law still applies in the state of Colorado.
Connecticut
There are no specific laws preventing online poker, but the UIGEA Law still applies in the state of Connecticut.
Delaware
Online poker is legal in the state of Delaware.
Florida
Online poker is legal in the state of Florida. While this form of gambling has not been banned, other forms of gambling have. There are no specific laws relating to online poker at this time.
Georgia
Online poker in the state of Georgia is illegal, however it should be noted that players do engage in this form of gambling.
Hawaii
A recent attempt to discuss legalizing online poker failed. Although there are no specific laws preventing players, Hawaii is citing the UIGEA Law to its full extent.
Idaho
Generally speaking, online poker is illegal in the state of Idaho. However, due to the ambiguity of the UIGEA Law, there may be some online poker action going on here.
Illinois
A bill was introduced in 2013 to legalize online gambling, but it is being stalled. While most online gambling is considered illegal in the state of Illinois, there is no law on the books to deter same.
Indiana
Once again, the ambiguity of online poker in the state of Indiana is clearly evident. While a person cannot operate an online poker site, players can play online poker in this state.
Iowa
Although there are no laws preventing online poker, a recent bill online gambling bill was defeated. Thus, whether or not you can play poker online is still debatable.
Kansas
Although the state of Kansas has enforced strict online gambling laws, online poker is not one of them. Thus, it is legal to play online poker in this state.
Kentucky
Online poker is illegal for players, period. Moreover, it is also illegal to operate online poker sites in this state.
Louisiana
Online poker is illegal in the state of Louisiana. However, it seems that the state is more against the operators than the players.
Maine
Once again, the UIGEA Law is being enforced in Maine, however ambiguous it is. While players can engage in online poker, it remains to be seen whether Maine will re-open the possibility of legalizing online gambling.
Maryland
Although there are no specific laws making online poker illegal, it is the operators of poker sites that the state of Maryland has in its crosshairs.
Massachusetts
Although there are no laws preventing online poker in Massachusetts, a bill was recently introduced to legalize it.
Michigan
You can play online poker in the state of Michigan even though they repealed an online gambling law 13 years ago. The ambiguity as to whether online poker is legal or not still exists in this state as well.
Minnesota
With many land-based casinos in this state, it’s hard to determine whether or not the legality of online poker is in question. There may be some new legislation coming down the pike regarding the legalization of online gambling. Thus, online poker is being played in this state.
Mississippi
A bill was put up for a vote to legalize online gambling, but it failed to pass. Thus, online poker as well as other forms of online gambling remains illegal.
Missouri
There are no definitive regulations as to the legality of online poker in the state of Missouri. Although online gambling is considered taboo in this state, online poker goes on.
Montana
A recent vote to legalize online gambling failed, and there have been attempts to eliminate online poker entirely. If you live in the state of Montana, further inquiry is suggested.
Nebraska
There are no specific laws against online poker in the state of Nebraska, but it should be noted they are dead set against online gambling of any kind.
Nevada
The Governor of Nevada recently signed a bill allowing online gambling. Online poker is legal in the state of Nevada.
New Hampshire
Although the state of New Hampshire is totally against any form of online gambling, including online poker, the laws do not clearly delineate regulations.
New Jersey
Governor Christie recently signed a bill permitting online gambling. This will take effect in approximately 8 months. Thus, online poker will become legal in the state of New Jersey.
New Mexico
In the state of New Mexico, as in other states, the law against online poker is not clearly defined. However, the operation of online poker sites is illegal.
New York
Online poker is illegal in NY, as is online gambling. However, online poker is available to NY residents due to the ambiguity of the UIGEA Law.
North Carolina
There are many new land-based casinos being built in the state of North Carolina, however, the laws are not as clear when it comes to online poker. It is suggested you look further to determine the validity of online poker.
North Dakota
As of this writing, online poker is well received in the state of North Dakota. The laws are not specific enough to warrant restrictions.
Ohio
Although the state of Ohio is an anti-poker state, the laws here are ambiguous as to the legality or illegality of online poker.
Oklahoma
While the laws are not clear as to the legality of online poker, you can engage in this game online without fear of retribution.
Oregon
Online players can play at online poker sites in this state. However, the operators of these poker sites are fair game.
Pennsylvania
Several attempts are being made to legalize online gambling in this state, although there are no specific laws preventing online poker.
Rhode Island
There are no current laws on the books in the state of Rhode Island that says online poker is legal or illegal. Therefore, you can play online poker in this state..
South Carolina
Online poker is outlawed in the state of South Carolina.
South Dakota
Online poker in the state of South Carolina is illegal. However, we recommend you read the specific laws regarding online poker players.
Tennessee
Online poker is illegal in the state of Tennessee as are all forms of online gambling
Texas
Although online poker is not regulated in the state of Texas, you can play online poker in this state.
Utah
In the state of Utah, online gambling of any kind is prohibited. Moreover, if and when online gambling becomes legal; Utah will not support this action.
Vermont
Online gambling in general and online poker in particular are illegal in the state of Vermont.
Virginia
There are no specific laws regulating online poker, thus it would behoove you to read the gambling laws if you live in this state.
Washington
Efforts are being made to introduce legislation to legalize online gambling. Although there are no specific laws preventing online poker, as noted in our updates this issue may be put on the ballot.
West Virginia
There is no legislation that targets online poker. Thus, you can play this game in the state of West Virginia.
Wisconsin
This is one state in which online poker is allowed. Moreover, the legislators in this state may prove to be sponsors of new laws allowing for online poker.
Wyoming
Once again, in the state of Wyoming, online poker is considered illegal. However, this may be due to how the state legislature is interpreting the UIGEA Law. Online poker has been engaged in, and perhaps sometime in the future the state will view this form of online gambling as an economic boom.
Washington, D.C.
Although the laws are ambiguous at best, the nation’s capital is sitting on the sidelines when it comes to online poker.
Best Online Casino for US Poker Players
There is a wide consensus, and we agree, that Bovada Poker is the best online site for poker players in the US.
Check Updates
We will continually update this page as news reaches us about each state. Keep in mind that information regarding online poker and other forms of online gambling remain fluid, however, we will stay on top of this topic as it is becoming more important in this unsure economy.
Future Legalization of Online Gambling
As noted in our March 13, 2013 update, Senator Reid wants to federalize online gambling. Although the bill has not yet come to the floor for a vote, it is promising that even this type of discussion exists. With all the states dealing with the UIGEA Law that is open to wide interpretation, it is no wonder that this “grey” area is still prevalent in most US states rendering them neither for nor against online poker. Yes, there are a few states that deem online poker outright illegal, but for the most part it seems that the rest of the US states are awaiting a decision from the federal government. Therefore, when the bill emerges from the Senate legalizing online gambling, we daresay that the majority of states who are “on the fence” will make the right decision.
