Is online gambling (Pokerstars) illegal in Oregon?

Question

I can't seem to find a straightforward answer to this question. I know of many Oregon residents who play on Pokerstars who are also somewhat unsure when asked this question. From my understanding, since Pokerstars is overseas and since players are playing against other players, it is not breaking any law. However, I've noticed that Oregon is on the list of states that has banned online gambling. Furthermore, I received a response from Pokerstars that basically stated they will continues to do business with US residents and all transactions are kosher. I'm beginning to give up on finding a legitimate answer and am almost to the point where I just say F*** IT.

Answer 1

Certain states do have specific laws regarding online gambling, and poker is considered online gambling, so it is deemed illegal in those states. These are the states:

Illinois

Indiana

Louisiana - felony

Michigan

Nevada - ( can you believe this? lol)

New Jersey

New York

Oregon

South Dakota

Washington - felony

Wisconsin

Oregon has specific laws that prohibit online gambling and online poker. However, as of June 2008, there is no record of anyone in Oregon being convicted under these laws for playing online poker.

I suggest you join the Poker Players Alliance, where you can find out a lot more about the status of online poker in the USA, and maybe help get it legalized and regulated in the USA. http://pokerplayersalliance.org/

There are some sites where it is 100% legal to play online poker and win CASH. These sites are open to USA players and they also can accept credit cards from US banks.

Here is a link:

http://www.thedoverpro.com/legalpoker.ht...

Good luck at the tables!

Answer 2

Actually, due to legislation passed by the US congress last year, any form of internet gaming is illegal in the US.  Not so much because it is gaming, but because of the flow of the money.  When you game online in the US, your funds are passed through some form of off shore banking system, which is illegal.  There are some groups trying to get an exemption for poker, as it is not a "game of chance," but such a concession is unlikely.  Currently the government is treating online gaming like immigration . . . don't ask, don't tell.  The reality is, if they wanted to they could arresst, indict, and convict 1000's of americans for online gaming.  The question is, will they do it?   The answer may be two fold.  The first is, will the feds go after a few high profile players to try and persuade players to cash out (this is possible, and if they do it would probablly set a domino of law suits related to online gaming).  The second would be related to local authorities and their commitment to tracking and prosecuting electronic crime.  Right now most juristictions limit their technology units to things like child s*x and identity theft.  However, they certainly have the ability to know who is going where and what they are doing.  The question is, what authority do they have to discover such activity and how can they use it against a potential participant.  Most of the sites and organizations fighting for online poker players do not believe that law enforcement will make online gaming a priority, but that does not mean they won't.