What States Is Online Poker Legal?

Published by Nelly Roberts January 14, 2026 Categorie(s): Casino News, Poker

There are four states that you can legally play online poker for real money in the United States of America. That is, you can play in Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. The gambling laws in many other states have begun discussions over legalizing poker rooms in their region.

Places such as West Virginia legalized poker online back in 2019. There are reputable online poker sites that you can sign up to in order to win big. US players that are not located in the four states can search for global poker sites that accept US players.

Where Can I Play Poker Online in the US?

There are plenty of places you can sign up to on the internet, but not every site is legit. You can visit the best poker sites like World Series of Poker (WSOP), PokerStars NJ, and many others we’ve reviewed and recommended for you to enjoy.

Some of the recommended sites we trust are from abroad. They are licensed in reliable countries around the world that are recognized territories for internet gaming. They provide certificates and oversee the casino operation to ensure that the games are not rigged.

Why is Online Poker Banned in the US?

The Federal Wire Act of 1961, prohibits the acts of placing a bet in different types of games that constitute gambling. It defined the act of staking on the probability of something taking place as illegal, and anyone found guilty of the offense could face jail time.

Additionally, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which came into effect in 2006, stated that betting online that involved the exchange of real money in wages or winnings was considered unlawful.

This law made online poker rooms illegal, and owners of these sites would be fined if caught and faced possible imprisonment. Over time, there has been states that have repealed the law. Ultimately, it allowed live poker gambling sites in their states to operate without any issues. Players are encouraged to check if their state allows poker gambling before they sign up online.