Online Casino Blog

So the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) has passed.

The Act was passed while stuck deep in a bill to fight terrorism. And it’s opened a can of worms in the online gambling communities. What are the legal implications of online gambling in the United States? Is it legal or illegal to play casino games for money?

The answers to the questions we all have seem to change daily.

Let’s take these online casino gaming questions and answer them one by one.

Can I play online poker legally?

Interpretation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 is still open. It hasn’t been tested in a court of law. There isn’t any language in the act that specifically forbids you from playing and enjoying online poker. But keep notice if you live in Louisiana and Washington. The laws in these states could possibly make playing online poker illegal if officials ever choose to enforce it.

What are some online casino websites that allow casino players from the United States of America (USA)?

• BetUS
• BoDog Poker
• Casino Classic
• Full Tilt Poker
• Absolute
• Wingows
• Poker.com
• PokerStars
• Ultimate Bet
• Doyle’s Room
• Duplicate Poker
• Sportsbook
• Poker Time

What are some online casino websites that do not serve casino players from the United States (US) but allow players from other countries?

• Sun Poker
• CS Casino
• ChanPoker
• Omni Casino
• Paradise Poker
• Party Poker
• Pacific Poker
• InterCasino
• InterPoker
• Playboy Gaming

What other forms of online gambling are not permitted and allowed under the UIGEA?

Sports gambling for one. The National Football League (NFL) was really pushing for the UIGEA to get pushed. All other forms of online gambling are affected, unless they are legal under state or federal laws. Online horse racing sites (e.g. TVG and Youbet) are completely and fully legal under law in most states. Online purchases of state lottery tickets are also permitted under the UIGEA. The reason for horse racing and state lotteries being legal is that they are taxes and/or regulated by the federal government and/or states.

What’s the latest in the battle between Antigua and the United States?

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda asserts that the online casino gaming law discriminates against international companies. It has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO has consistintly won in the rulings. And it doesn’t look like Antigua plans on stopping in its battle against the UIGEA.

John Ashe, Antigua Ambassador, states, “Not only do we think that members should press claims for compensatory adjustments as a matter of economic self-interest, but we also believe it is important that the process is made as difficult as possible for the United States. Maybe we’ll target telecoms. Intellectual property rights that’s a way we can possibly fight back.”

Is it true I can use NETeller, FirePay, and ePassPorte as a source for funding my online casino account?

NETeller is no longer serving as a payment processor for customers living in the United States. Firepay stopped serving online casino customers on October 13, which is when President George W. Bush signed the UIGEA into law. ePassPorte has also stopped serving online casino players.