Each state is different when it comes to gambling. Because poker is considered a game of chance and not skill, it is considered gambling. While you and I both know it requires skill to successfully make any money at poker when it comes to placing bets, it is all based on the chance that the cards we want come up in the flop, the turn and the river.
Each state has their own laws that dictate how gambling is legalized. Getting to know these laws are crucial as some states even dictate social gambling. Different states legalize gambling entirely (like Nevada) where others put limits of ten or twenty dollars on the gambling activity. Social gambling in regards to poker is often seen by restaurants and clubs that offer a poker night. When you see that there is a prize for winning instead of a jackpot, it’s usually because it’s regulated. It still gives you the fun of playing with real players, however, and you can still have bragging rights as the winner.
It is each poker player’s responsibility to learn the different laws and regulations of gambling within their state, whether it’s at a casino or online. Because poker is constantly growing, the rules are constantly changing and evolving.
With more and more gambling occurring online, regulations have taken the form of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). If you are planning on gambling online, looking into this act is important. It covers everything from payment, to making bets that you shouldn’t be, unlawful gambling in a state that doesn’t condone gambling (even online), and how Tribal-State compacts prohibit or regulate gambling. The UIGEA does not make online gambling illegal, however. It, nor any law, refers specifically to poker. Many online poker sites do not accept US players. These are the sites that are for-profit.
If you simply want to play poker but don’t want to gamble with real money, this is the way around it. When you’re not using real money, then there are no regulations and it is simply entertainment where no money is exchanged. If this is what you’re looking for, there are tons of websites where you can just play for the love of poker with others who are after the same thing.