Is it legal in Texas to play for real money on an online poker site?

Question

I live in Texas and wanted to start gambling on Full Tilt poker. I just need to know whether its legal. I have some friends that play, but I'm still unsure about it.

Answer 1

Some legislation went thru a few years ago that made online gambling illegal.  However, Full Tilt and Poker Stars still accept US players.

You can play poker legally on http://www.spadeclub.com. It is sponsored by cardplayer magazine and if you use the code ACESFULL you can get a two week free trial. It pays real cash prizes when you win. They base it on sweepstakes laws.

You can also play blackjack and poker at http://www.clububt.com, it will show you the prizes that you can play for. It does cost $20 month to join. If you register and enter this code WEC97XUK, it will give you two free weeks on their site. I have a paid membership there and I've won real cash there and they do pay.

Both sites are legal to play at in the USA.

Answer 2

It's not illegal to bet online with an online gaming site! There is NO federal law that makes the act of wagering online illegal. The only federal law that addresses gambling is the wire act from the 1960's which makes it illegal to place wagers via the telephone. The US government passed a port security law and tacked on provisions (UIGEA) that make it illegal for BANKS, not players, to fund or accept payment from gaming sources. The only problem (for the govt) is that there are dozens of third party methods available for funding and no way to trace ACH credits. The UIGEA also refers to "illegal internet gambling", but fails to define what illegal internet gambling is! In other words, the new provisions are only for show and the end result is a waste of ink. I still use my VISA check card and e-check on my favorite sites. Online gaming will be impossible to completely eliminate from the US. The best they can do is make it inconvenient by scarring the banking system into becoming a law enforcement agency. This doesn't and will never work. Eventually I see the industry being regulated and taxed.

The only states with laws directed towards online wagering are Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, Nevada, New York, New Jersey and South Dakota. Although these states do have specific laws pertaining to online gaming, there has not been any charges laid, and they are being challenged.

While there have been a few arrests in the online gaming management world, all of the instances are for accepting action from American residents WHILE their companies were based ON US soil! There has never been a charge laid for 'Internet Gambling'...it's always money laundering...tax evasion...or some other unrelated charge.

NO PLAYER HAS OR EVER WILL BE CHARGED FOR ONLINE GAMBLING UNDER THE CURRENT LAWS!!! Wagers placed online occur on a server in another country as long as you are using an offshore site, then that site is not committing any infraction of US law.

Some sites have decided, on their own, to no longer accept American players. These sites are spineless and have chosen the path of least resistance, many to their demise. %80 of online gaming revenue is generated by the USA! There are still many highly reputable sites that welcome and cater to American clients.

I have wagered online for years and make good money betting on sports and playing poker. You can get free poker tips from the pros, articles, free daily sports picks, betting tips, sports betting stats and reviews of only highly reputable gaming sites at http://GamblingReviewsSite.com

The recommended sites all offer top customer service, security, and fast/free payouts. They also cater to American clients with great bonuses, e-check deposits, and other promotions.

Answer 3

Its legal, there isnt a law in USA that prohibits playing online poker. However you will have a hard time to deposit. For deposit use e-check. You can find more info about fulltilt and depositing at http://www.bettingwise.hit.bg/FulltiltPo...

Answer 4

Its legal to play. The law is against depositing funds for gambling purpose. Thats why credit cards decline the purchase.