All of your Poker FAQs Answered
Poker’s popularity is at an all-time high, and a huge part of that is down to the emergence of real money online poker. The publicity attracted by the world series of poker and the professional circuit generally has also been a driving factor, as has the frequent depiction of poker in popular culture over the last 20 years or so. With so many fresh players coming to the game, we thought we'd answer a few of the most frequently asked questions here, to ensure you can find an enjoyable legal poker game to suit you.
On this page we'll answer your questions about:
- Online poker's legality
- Where US players can play
- Real money poker
- Withdrawal options for online poker
- Withdrawal speeds
- Finding safe top poker sites
- When poker will be legal in the US
- Mobile and tablet gaming
- Federal law and online poker
Is online poker legal in the USA?
The Federal government has opened the floor for US states to pass bills legalizing online gambling. The first three states to move were Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada, who have all made online poker legal and licensed online poker providers in their states to serve the market.
Can Americans play online poker at any site out there?
As mentioned, only three states in the US have made online poker legal, and those states dictate the sites you’re allowed to play. That said, we haven’t found a single example of US players being prosecuted or charged for playing online poker – be it at a site based in America or overseas. We would always suggest talking to a legal expert for qualified advice however.
Do I have to play for real money – and is real cash play legal?
Poker sites don’t force you to play for real money. There are plenty of places you can play for free, but you simply won’t get anywhere near the rush you can from playing legal poker for real money. Real money play is already legal in three US states and will almost certainly be legal in more by the end of 2024.
What payment withdrawal options are there?
Some sites offer the facility to put your winnings back on the card you deposited with. Instant echecks and Instadebit are other withdrawal options you’ll come across, along with Moneygram, Western Union and Neteller. You can even choose to be sent a paper check by some online poker sites.
How fast are they?
The speed of withdrawal depends largely on the legal poker site you’re playing at. The key is to find the sites that reliably offer the fastest withdrawals.
Are there any safe US poker sites left?
Absolutely there are. By perusing our list of the best online poker sites, you’ll access a vetted list that only includes the safest sites. Your banking security is our absolute priority.
When will online poker be legal in the US?
It already is! Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have already passed bills legalizing online poker, with many more states set to follow their lead in the months and years to come.
Can I play on my mobile and tablet?
Of course you can. The online legal poker industry is very much attuned to evolving mobile technologies, and there are already a huge number of online poker options available for mobile and tablet. Some poker games are designed as a mobile-first experience.
Are there federal laws relating to online poker?
The Federal law everybody talks about is the Unlawful lnternet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The stance here appears to have softened, however, with the onus now very much on individual states to set their own agenda when it comes to online gambling. There is no evidence we can find of Federal intervention when it comes to American residents partaking in online poker.
