Players Only Poker- A Product of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act!
There is a lot of confusion about the legality of online gambling in the U.S. Many people may have heard that it is illegal, yet there are still a great number of sites up and running and servicing U.S. players. The confusion surrounds a bill passed in 2006, called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
In reality, it's not illegal for U.S. citizens to play poker online. In fact, brand new poker sites, only available to U.S. players, are popping up regularly - one of these is Players Only Poker.
If you're still confused about the legality of playing poker online, let's once and for all clarify how UIEGA affects online gambling.
The SAFE Port Act
The SAFE (Security and Accountability for Every) Port Act passed in 2006, as one of the final acts of the Republican controlled congress. While a majority of the act allowed for needed port security, some anti-gambling activists managed to slip in a rider to try to restrict American access to online gambling sites.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Title VIII of the SAFE Port act, encompasses the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This section, supported by former House Banking Committee chairman Jim Leach and Virginia Representative Robert Goodlatte, makes it illegal for American financial institutions to transfer funds to online gambling sites, other than the ones preferred by the authors of the bill, specifically, lottery and horse racing sites.
What the UIGEA Means to Players
It is not illegal for you to play on an online casino site, even if you are an American. What this will mean is that it may be more difficult for you to find ways to transfer funds to the online site, since they cannot be transmitted directly from your bank account or using a credit card. However, your preferred online casino will have multiple suggestions on the best way to transfer funds, and you are bound to find one that is right for you.
If you wish to be on the safe side, choose a site like Players Only Poker. A poker room that only is available to U.S. players.
