Is Online Poker Legal: Which States Allow Online Gambling?

The legality of online poker in the United States isn’t exactly simple. While federal laws influence how poker operates online, most regulation happens at the state level.

Since the rise of internet poker in the early 2000s, lawmakers and courts have debated whether poker is a game of skill or chance—a distinction that determines how it’s treated under gambling laws. This guide breaks down the structure of poker law in the US, explaining which states allow online play and how regulation works.

Online poker sites took off in the late 1990s with simple digital tables that connected players worldwide. The early 2000s saw explosive growth, with major sites hosting real-money tournaments that attracted millions. Then, in 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) reshaped the industry by prohibiting banks and payment processors from handling gambling-related transactions.

The law didn’t explicitly ban poker—it targeted financial institutions rather than players—but it effectively drove many operators out of the US market. A few states later challenged that interpretation, arguing that poker involved skill rather than pure chance. The Department of Justice’s changing position on the Wire Act in the 2010s opened new doors, giving states room to license and regulate online poker individually.

What followed was a slow rebuild of the legal market. Today, poker’s legality is a mix of old federal restrictions, new state laws, and gray areas still debated in courtrooms and legislatures.

Poker occupies an unusual position in American gambling law because it straddles the line between skill and chance. The Wire Act of 1961 originally targeted sports betting across state lines, but later interpretations extended its reach to other forms of wagering. The UIGEA added another layer, limiting payment options but never defining poker itself as illegal.

Courts have since debated poker’s classification. Some rulings have leaned toward recognizing it as a skill-based game, particularly in states that differentiate poker from games like slots or roulette. Others maintain that any activity involving monetary risk on uncertain outcomes qualifies as gambling.

Because federal law doesn’t specifically outlaw poker, states retain the authority to decide its status—players in one state have access to reliable poker sites, while those in another face restrictions. The absence of a unified rulebook makes poker’s legal standing unique among casino games in the United States.

In the United States, gambling regulation largely belongs to the states. Each one decides how to license, restrict, or prohibit poker within its borders. While federal laws provide a framework, local governments determine whether players can legally compete for real money online.

This system means poker players must always confirm local regulations before joining an online table. Even neighboring states can have dramatically different laws, creating a patchwork of opportunity and restriction across the country.

Understanding local poker law protects players from unnecessary risk. Many offshore or unregulated sites still accept American players, but these platforms operate without official oversight. If disputes occur or funds are lost, recovery options are limited or nonexistent.

Licensed sites, by contrast, must follow strict security and fairness standards set by state gaming commissions. They use verified random number generators, audited financial systems, and robust player verification processes. Transparency builds trust and reduces the likelihood of fraud or manipulation.

Legal clarity also ensures responsible gambling practices. Regulated operators provide age checks, deposit limits, and access to support resources—features often missing from unlicensed rooms. Playing within the law isn’t only safer; it sustains a growing industry that supports consumer protection, tax revenue, and game integrity.

The number of states offering regulated poker continues to grow, though only a handful currently host fully legal platforms. These states feature licensing systems that allow both local and national operators to run digital poker rooms under strict oversight.

If you’re a player in one of these states, check our hand-picked list of top-rated poker sites, which are fully legal and reliable.

Several states are evaluating bills to legalize and regulate online poker, but progress varies depending on political priorities, local gaming compacts, and public opinion.

New York has introduced legislation multiple times, emphasizing poker as a game of skill. Despite strong support from lawmakers, competition from other gambling initiatives has delayed progress.

California presents a more complex challenge. The state’s numerous tribal casinos and card rooms hold differing views on online regulation, which has repeatedly stalled negotiations. Still, its large population makes it the most coveted potential market.

Illinois and Indiana have explored bills combining poker with broader online casino frameworks. Both view regulation as a way to capture tax revenue and enhance oversight of offshore activity.

Meanwhile, Connecticut and Rhode Island are watching their neighbors’ experiences with licensed operators before moving forward. Each legislative session brings new proposals, suggesting that more states will join the legal map over the coming years.

Anyone interested in online poker should confirm the local rules before creating an account. Regulations differ widely, and staying informed prevents unintentional violations.

Bitcoin poker has emerged as a workaround for players in regions without regulated sites. Because cryptocurrency transactions bypass traditional banking systems, they aren’t subject to the same payment restrictions outlined in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

These platforms allow players to deposit, wager, and withdraw funds using digital currency instead of cash. The appeal lies in faster transfers, lower fees, and greater privacy. However, these benefits come with trade-offs. Since Bitcoin poker rooms use an anonymous currency, they offer limited consumer protection when compared to traditional poker games.

While digital currency expands accessibility, it doesn’t make unlicensed play legal. Federal and state regulators still consider these sites unapproved for real-money gaming within the US. Bitcoin poker exists in a legal gray zone—technically accessible but without the safeguards of licensed operators.

The legal future of online poker looks increasingly optimistic. With more states exploring legislation and forming shared player compacts, regulated play is gaining steady traction. The growth of multi-state networks suggests that poker may follow the same path as online sports betting, expanding one jurisdiction at a time.

Cryptocurrency is likely to influence the next wave of innovation, offering faster transactions and new player incentives. Meanwhile, federal authorities show little sign of reimposing broad restrictions, leaving regulation firmly in state hands.

As public perception continues shifting toward viewing poker as a game of skill rather than luck, broader acceptance appears inevitable. Players can expect a gradual, state-driven expansion that prioritizes consumer protection and fair competition. The game’s digital future now depends not on if poker becomes mainstream, but on how quickly states decide to join the table.