Online poker is one of the most popular gambling activities around the world. This is mainly due to the fact that the game is immensely popular across the globe and for people who do not have close access to any casino or live poker venue, this provides an excellent alternative. But, many poker enthusiasts are apprehensive about joining and playing poker online as they are usually unaware of all the legal aspects of online poker. Just like online gambling online poker is also legal and regulated in many countries notably United Kingdom and other countries around the Caribbean Sea.
Especially in the United States, the House of Representatives in North Dakota past a bill legalizing online poker in early 2005. This bill effectively legalizes and regulates all kinds of online poker and online poker card rooms in the state. However in March 2005 this legislation was considered to be violating federal wire act and the Atty. Gen. passed a ban against it. Many websites decided to bypass the legislation by converting their gambling websites into poker tutorial websites without money wagering. Many of these sites advertised themselves as “.net” websites rather than “.com” websites. These also feature phrases like "this is not a gambling website" in order to stay on the legal side of the law.
During 2006 and 2007, the Bush administration ultimately went on to pass the Safe Port act, further making online poker illegal in continental United States. The presence of these acts does not actually hinder one's ability to play online poker as many of the popular online poker websites are situated outside the continental United States. The presence of these websites allow players from overseas to play, practice and Gamble from the comfort of their homes without having to worry about losing too much money.
After successfully passing several bills which make online poker illegal in the continental US, many poker organizations have voiced their opposition. This has effectively resulted in introduction of bills to overturn the ruling in the United States Congress. Though most of these bills are in place they are yet to be approved and the fact still remains that online gambling is mostly illegal in the continental US.
