Online poker is a digital version of the traditional card game known for providing seamless gameplay experiences. It allows players to participate and compete against each other from anywhere and anytime.
The evolving tech ecosystem redefined the poker gambling scene in global markets, including America. Today, many US residents enjoy their favorite card game via virtual poker rooms.
However, the legality of online poker platforms was like a ride on a rocky road. Let’s dig into the whole scenario from the past to the present.
A Remarkable Era of the “Poker Boom”
In the mid-2000s, the introduction of digital poker and televised broadcasts of poker tournaments became the season of growth for this casino gaming genre. Shady poker rooms transformed into a glamorous TV stage when top channels broadcasted annual poker events. Watching pro poker players playing live on ESPN was a delight for viewers.
When Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, the online satellite tournament, the game gained more traction in the industry.
Paradise Poker entered the market in 1998 and became a favorite online option for playing real-money games. Soon, PokerStars and PartyPoker also came into the picture.
The Early Rise Turned Into Struggles for Online Poker Sites
The success of initial poker brands indeed boomed the online poker sector. However, the operators couldn’t survive America’s complex gambling laws and regulations for long.
The introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) hurt the dreams of many US poker enthusiasts. Although it didn’t technically ban online poker gaming, its goal was to limit unlawful financial processes.
This act prohibited banks and financial institutions from processing online gambling transactions. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) seized the domains of major online poker sites on bank fraud and money laundering charges. As a result, this day has been imprinted in US history as Black Friday.
After this regulation, many poker brands, including PokerStars, Absolute Poker, and Full-Tilt, stopped offering poker games online.
Legalization of Virtual Poker Rooms in the US: The Golden Age
Undoubtedly, online poker legalization has been debated for several years throughout the US. After years of challenges, eight US states passed new gambling laws that allowed online poker gaming in their jurisdictions.
The change happened when the DOJ revised the Wire Act, which gave state authorities confidence to revisit the gambling regulations. With this shift, the online poker industry rebounded as sites like PokerStars re-entered the regulated virtual poker markets.
So, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut residents can now legally play virtual poker games. Further, five of these states signed the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) to share tables across state lines.
Attention Towards Responsible Poker Gambling
The states that legalized online poker gambling also set the framework for responsible play to protect the players. The appointed gambling commissions want to create a safe yet rewarding virtual poker room environment through these stricter practices.
State-regulated virtual operators must diligently comply with these safety measures to stay active. According to responsible gambling protocols:
- Online poker sites should include the help resources for problem gamblers. It’ll allow players to take quick action if they notice gambling addiction signs.
- Further, sites must monitor the playing habits of members to identify at-risk gamblers.
- It’s also mandatory for online poker platforms to share their licensing details.
- Sites should also apply a strict KYC verification process during sign-ups. This way, poker site operators can restrict access to minors or players from unregulated regions.
- Gambling sites should also add custom betting limit options and self-exclusion programs to improve the playing environment.
- Lastly, operators must conduct regular game audits through third-party auditors to provide honest and fair outcomes to each player.
Future Predictions: What’s Next?
The advent of smartphones and easy Internet accessibility made playing online poker more convenient. Moreover, user-friendly sites and stunning game graphics are other catalysts in the growth of virtual poker rooms.
Research and Markets study forecasts revenue from online poker gaming can reach 155.36 billion by 2030.
Many other US states are also refining their thought process inspired by these events. Lawmakers are considering relaxing the strict online poker gambling laws. Some positive news has been making the rounds in states like Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Wyoming, Maine, and New York. If all goes well, more US citizens will get access to virtual poker rooms.
The integration of cryptocurrency will further accelerate the growth of online poker rooms. Gambling sites with crypto payments ensure faster and safer transactions, attracting more gamblers. Blockchain technology gaming also enhances the transparency and fairness for pokies while playing virtually.
The trend will entice more poker brands to include this new-age financial method to build credibility in the market.
FAQs
1. What are the top online poker game choices?
Some popular online poker game options among online gamblers are Texas Hold ’em Bonus Poker, 2 Hand Casino Hold ’em, 7-card Stud, Live Caribbean Stud Poker Evolution, and Live Casino Hold ’em Evolution.
2. Can I play online poker for free?
Yes, many gambling sites offer free-to-play poker games. You can practice and refine your skills through these demo games before playing for real money.
3. What is the legal poker gambling age in the US?
To play online poker games, players must be between 18 and 21 years old, depending on their state of residence.
Final Words
The online poker world has changed dramatically in the last two decades. Some hiccups exist, but overall, the market is growing in America. The unregulated state authorities focus on bringing responsible rules to keep the players and market safe from bad practices.
As more states emerge from the shell, the number of poker gaming sites will only increase in the digital market.