Since the game of poker went online with the numerous websites that have been launched since 1999, those opposed to the idea of online gambling have questioned the legality of online Poker.  Granted, from a legal standpoint, online poker differs somewhat from casino gambling.  However, be aware that many similar issues apply to either venue.  Numerous countries have legalised online poker and regulate the game on the World Wide Web.

The most notable countries where this is concerned are located in and around the Caribbean Sea and in the UK.  The legalisation and regulation of online poker in the US resulted from the passage of legislation in the state of North Dakota in February of 2005.  However, when President Bush signed the SAFE Port Act of 2006 into law in October of that same year, it spelled the end of online poker for many US players.  Despite this, online poker is more popular today than it ever was.

As a result of the passage of the SAFE Port Act, many of the larger, publicly traded online poker sites shut down their US operations.  These included such renowned sites as Bwin Poker, PacificPoker.com and PartyPoker.com just to name a few.  However, not all online poker sites have stopped operating their US venues so American players are still able to sign up with new accounts and play for real money. 

Mar 01 2010