Online poker isn't illegal, is it?

[cartman]

A local attorney in my home town made a comment to my friend that "playing poker on the internet is illegal". It has always been my understanding that there has been no legislation deeming it illegal and, therefore, it is legal. I understand that playing in a live local game is illegal. I understand that going to the casino and playing a live game is legal. Am I wrong about any of this?

Thanks,
Cartman

[J.R.]

most states have stautes prohibiting "gambling", some are more specific than others. but generally speaking, playing poker over the internet violates these laws. there is no jurisdictional "out" because it is done over the internet, you are still in your state. but take heed in that most of these statutes are misdemeanors and more importantly, are rarely enforced, especially with respect to what you do in your own home.

lookie here (http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/)

[DavidC]

[ QUOTE ]
A local attorney in my home town made a comment to my friend that "playing poker on the internet is illegal". It has always been my understanding that there has been no legislation deeming it illegal and, therefore, it is legal. I understand that playing in a live local game is illegal. I understand that going to the casino and playing a live game is legal. Am I wrong about any of this?

Thanks,
Cartman

[/ QUOTE ]

Uh, talk to your attourney?

[StellarWind]

Laws vary greatly by state and local jurisdiction in the USA.

It is typical for "buddy" home poker games to be legal provided that there is no operator that collects a rake (or similar financial benefit) for running the game.

It is typical for operating a raked game to be a crime.

It is typical for merely playing in an illegal game to be legal.

It is typical for merely playing Internet poker to be legal.

It is typical for the laws to be ambiguous or uncertain. Lack of enforcement in many gray areas leads to lack of court cases to test unclear points.

It is typical for local law enforcement not to care about small poker games unless there are aggravating circumstances like drugs or corruption.

AFAIK, if you are successfully prosecuted for merely playing internet poker, you will be the first one and become famous. No one seems even remotely interested in even trying to do this.