Online Poker in the United States

I just got a letter from an online poker player who was unaware of recent laws in the United States pertaining to online poker. Most important thing to remember is because online poker is relatively new there are not a lot of laws on the books. First and foremost law is there can be no operators within the borders of the United States that operate an online gaming company without a license. Companies likes Twin Spires, Bet Fair currently operate in various states with horse racing licenses. Nevada recently licensed the first online poker company to operate within their borders. As for the players there is one law on the books and that is in the state of Washington where it is a felony to gamble online. In 2006 the UIGEA or Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act was passed which went into effect in January of 2010. The summary of the law was banks could not be used with their credit cards, debit cards, pay pal, or any other source to fund an online/offshore gaming account. In April of 2010 The Department of Justice came down hard on companies like Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars who repeatedly violated this act resulting in the expulsion of these companies. There are other ways to fund offshore gaming accounts and the most popular in Western Union but recently the True Poker Network has utilized Belizean debit cards not under the jurisdiction of the United States to fund gaming accounts for US citizens. Click this link to sign u with True Poker and email schap35@gmail.com for an application and directions to receive a debit card so you can enjoy online poker!