Gambling.co.uk: Gambling News Archive

Is Private Poker Legal In The US?

Sunday 18th May 2008

Despite the fact that millions of people have been playing Poker at home for many years, it seems that in many States a simple game of Poker at home with your friends may actually see you breaking the law. Due to a series of antiquated and outdated laws in many US States it seems that the regulations have not been re-written to take into account changes over the last century.

While many States will allow a small number of exempt gambling activities, many have outlawed gambling in general. This means that a simple friendly game of Poker with your friends could see you marched down to the nearest Police station for questioning – well not quite.

Despite the fact that millions of people are officially breaking the law, the authorities have not yet made a move towards prosecuting those who play Poker at home. However, under the laws of many States, Poker players could well be leaving themselves open to fines of up to $2,000 or more severe action if the authorities decide to change their approach.

The US Poker laws have been a shambles for some time with changes pushed through at very short notice, amendments made and deals done with overseas regulators. Nobody quite knows where they stand and what they can or cannot do in many States.


Source: Gambling.co.uk News