With all of the recent hub-bub regarding the internet gambling act, and allot of the online poker sites running to cover their "assets", I decided to start putting together a list of sites that still allow us to play in the good ole U.S.A. (for real money,every site isallowing "play money" games on their .net versions).
I am looking for some help with putting together a comprehensive list. I have a few categories for the sites, and would like to rate them as well, but, I don't have all sorts of time to completely review them all (or confirm them). If you can add to this list, or give some pertinent information about sites on the list, please give some feedback and I will refresh this posting.
Confirmed Available to America (and software friendly)
Poker.com Highly recommended by wassers!! Running special $5,000 Freeroll in support of it's American Players on Oct. 28th (thanks stinkee)
BoDog(@ http://www.bodogpoker.com)One of the largest gambling networks out there, their "gambling" operations may come under scrutiny. But they are standing by their poker room.
32 RedPopular among the Europeans, specially the Brits.
Golden PalaceAnother large site with "gambling" interests, but no stoppages yet.
Dream PokerGame play was visually unappealing as it is all grey. But, Mr. Wass enjoyed the game play, and so do other wassers. Does not allow players from IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NV, NY, OR, SD, WA, WI.
3Dalso a recent wass discovery, visually "interesting"
Jungle Poker (@ http://www.junglepoker.com) Opened in May, '06, with much buzz here at wass due to win your bankroll promotion. Sister site with Butcher Poker. Still has rather small player counts. Jungle, Butcher, and OK USA work best with a broadband connection, but can be done on dial-up (but turn off the graphics)
OK USA Poker (@ http://www.okusapoker.com) (thanks docproc) Brand new (Oct. 5, 06) sister site to Jungle Poker and Butcher Poker, with intriguing "Senator Frist Bounty" in their "Freedom Freerolls". If you can wait to download, I am PM'ing Mr. Wass and DrSharpe about setting up a wass affiliates for possible bonuses to wass and wassers
Confirmed Available(with restrictions as noted)
Poker Stars (@ http://www.pokerstars.com) Large, simple, good ring game action, I have heard they are not allowing "new" American accounts, but, as of Oct. 12th, 2006, I have not seen any blockage announcements in regards to existing members.
Poker Time (@ http://www.pokertime.com) Part of the Prima Network, does not allow players from IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, MV, NY, OR, SD, WA, WI.
Rumored or Undecided, but not yet confirmed (please advise on their status)
Full Contact Poker (@ http://www.fullcontactpoker.com) Daniel Negreanu and his team are working on switching hosts to a network that will allow U.S. players, their current host, Ongame, is not allowing U.S. players.
Dead Man's Hand
Network Information(How the network stands onU.S. players)
Tribeca Tables (@ http://www.tribecatables.com) Host to 60 plus sites including Doyles Room, Golden Palace, Maxim, FHM and Platinum Poker. Not all Tribeca Table sites allow U.S. players, so if your "host" has blocked you, load a different skin and use your original account.
Microgaming/Prima (@ http://www.primapoker.com)The largestnetwork (Poker Time, Bet Hold 'em, VIPand many more) that uses "Microgaming" software, some hosts do not allow players from IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NV, NY, OR, SD, WA, WI. While other hosts do not allow any U.S. players. Again, if you are having troubles with one, try using your account through another host.
True Poker (@ http://www.truepoker.com) This is the network behind the new influx of 3 dimensional poker sites. Most of their hosts have upgraded to the "full 3D experience", so you better have a computer and connection that can handle it. If you live in IL, IN, LA, OR, WA, you may not be able to play (they also advise you to check with local ordinances, lawyers, go figure)
Poker Profit (@ http://www.pokerprofit.com) Part of E Profit Factory (@ http://www.eprofitfactory.com), a sort of internet "vices" pyramid corporation. You can set up your own bookie, pimp, and dealer at home operation if you want. They are allowing U.S. players (probably more about their bottom line, than the game). Call me synical, but any site that wants me to buy a "turnkey" at home operation, instead of showing me their "quality" sites, just doesn't sound like somewhere I want to "deposit".
Tridx Entertainment (@ http://www.tridx.com) More of a corporation than a poker network, this relatively newcompany ventureprovides "hosts" a "turnkey opportunity to cash in on the recent boom in on-line poker". The information on their site in regards to the UIGEA is dated (quotes from April, '06?), so their position is unclear. I tried contacting them and recieved a response that was just as unclear, maybe they thought I was a possible investor?
Boss Media/International Poker Network (@ http://www.bossmedia.com and http://www.ipnpoker.com ) Boss Media is the parent company of IPN, and has decided that any site using Boss Media Online Gambling Software can no longer accept American players.
PokerNetwork/Ongame (@ http://www.flopturnriver.com) The third largest network is out of the U.S.A. Sad news in light of the sites they have like PokerRoom and FullContact
Party Gaming/iGlobal media (@ http://www.iglobalmedia.com) Party Poker and all of its "skins". A big host that will be missed.
CryptoLogic/WagerLogic (@ http://www.wagerlogic.com) Big in the European markets with 33 sites, they left the U.S players to find other homes.
iPoker/Playtech (@ http://www.ipoker.com) Well, all us wassers know the deal here. Such a shame since they have some really nice sites.
B2Bpoker (@ http://www.b2bpoker.com) Again, we all know the story, one of the first rats to jump ship, thanks. But, then again, they are focused on the European market, primarily.
On Other Horizons(other things that may affect play in the U.S.A.)
Firepay - It seems that this option for depositing at some of your favorite sites will no longer work with American's seeking to transfer funds to any gambling sites. Check with any sites that you have used this option with for alternative means of depositing and withdrawing funds.
Moneybooker - I heard, but have not confirmed, that this e-wallet service will no longer allow Americans to use their services to deposit with online poker rooms or gambling sites. (again, thanks amarillo)
Netteller -January 18, 2007, is a sad day indeed for those in the U.S.A., as Netteller has decided to "focus on the European, African, and Asian markets" and is no longer allowing U.S. accountholders to transfer to and from any online gambling sites.
A glimmer of hope? -A handful of Congressmen have started to push this issue out politically, mainly Democrats using it to confront Republican opposition in election campaigns. It may not be much, but I encourage Americans to continue to contact your Congressmen, or their re-election opponents and voice your feelings on this issue, perhaps we can make something happen when the next congressional session opens.
And a kick in the nuts - Pacific Poker had stated they would "give all existing American real money account players ten days from encatment of the (UIGEA) to finish play on their accounts". A statement that was up on their website on Oct. 13, 2006, the day President Bush would sign the UIGEA.Today, Oct. 17th, 2006, Pacific Pokerstarted blocking U.S. playersgameplay, while instructing them on how to cash out.When I went to check their "legislation" link, their message had changed. "We would like to assure our international (non-US) members" ... "that business continues as usual." No longer giving real moneyaccount holdershope in their "developing a legislation compliant gaming opportunity." Bad Poker, Pacific, what happened to those ten days? And signing a bill is not actually enacting it, it still isn't enacted until it's "effective" date. Not that your site was good for poker in the first place, but I will never be back. And as a final note, 888, take down that 50 stars promo you're running with an American flag banner, you bunch of turncoats.
For legal protection, any sites I listed as Confirmed, are considered to be allowing American players with indifference to the pending legislation (unless otherwise noted). Most of the information I provide is taken from statements that the site has released and their position may change at any time in the future (lawyers, go figure). I will follow this issue through signing, policy formation, and implementation date, and strive to give the most current information possible.
Obviously, I am missing some information. That is why I would like your help. If you have definite confirmation on any of these sites, any other sites not listed, or can fill in some helpful information, please contribute.
Thank You, fellow Wassers!
33 individual sitesconfirmed to date!! (and plenty more out there)
*Some of the information regarding sites, reviews, or legislative actions have been acquired through industry coverage in such publications as Card Player and Bluff magazines.
__________________
2008 Captain of the Bulls, Wass' winningest BRL team (7 titles)
Yep, it's pretty funny that they called it the FREEDOM FREEROLL -- as I've been having the feeling of my Freedom being taken away from me around here lately.....
Official Policy Statement from Tropical Poker:On Friday September 30,
2006 the 109th sitting of the US Congress passed a Port Security Bill
including a rider that affected online gambling in the United States.
Today, Friday October 13, 2006, the President of the United States has
signed this bill. The hype surrounding this has suggested that it amounts
to a “ban on online gambling’.
This information is totally incorrect.
Tropical Poker is a legally licensed and privately held company in the
country of Curacao, Antilles. As a privately held company we have no
such pressures placed upon us.
There will continue to be much confusion and misinformation caused by
this bill, as the parties involved attempt to decipher the exact
meanings and terms specified in this document.
It is our official position that the passing of the Port Security Bill
does not currently affect us, or our valued loyal players in any way.
Our operations have always been 100% legal under Curacao law and comply
with all the jurisdictions in which we carry out our operations.
!!
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