Tag: US

Legal US Poker Sites

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Due to the recent happenings in online poker it’s understandable that players, especially those coming from the four sites that were seized by the Department of Justice, may feel a bit uneasy about playing online. Despite popular belief, it’s not illegal to play online poker, even from the United States. The legal issue isn’t regarding the players, it’s totally legal to still enjoy a game of online poker from your home while betting and winning real money.

While players are waiting for the dust to settle regarding Black Friday, there are a lot of questions regarding where they can play safely, and securely. There are quite a few sites online still available to provide US players with quality poker entertainment. The names and brands aren’t as big as the four rooms that were forced to stop serving the USA, however; the quality of game play, bonus offers and loyalty rewards are comparable.

Click Here for a list of Poker Sites Accepting US Players

The traffic may also be a bit smaller in comparison, but that is also expected to change as players discover the alternatives to Full Tilt, PokerStars, Absolute and UB.com. The game variety at these legal US poker sites is just as good as the games players are used to at the previously mentioned sites, just a bit of a difference in layout, game availability and other not so notable changes.

The banking options to fund accounts are still available through these poker rooms still catering to the US player, and withdrawing is still hassle free. There are many sites that are welcoming USA players coming from other rooms, but it’s best that players use caution when choosing online poker rooms.

It may take players a while to get used to the idea of not playing at their favourite poker sites, however; the fact that there are still some quite reputable, popular and legal sites to play online should be reason enough for players to go all in and do what they love to do and continue to play poker online.

Here are a few legal online poker rooms still serving USA players:

  • Best Online Poker Sites for Holdem Poker 2011

Poker Room Bonus
US
Review
1 Bodog Poker
$1100
Bodog Poker
2 Lock Poker
$1200
Lock Poker
3 InterTops
$600
InterTops Poker
4 Carbon Poker
$500
Carbon Poker
USA Poker Sites for April 2011

 

Become a Poker Activist

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Since Black Friday, the online poker forums like ours have been breaking all-time traffic records. It seems that anyone with accounts on any of the Big 3 have wanted to come and share their story. While it is great to see that so many people are motivated, there are, in fact, better ways to spend the energy.

It is nice to hear stories and know each of us are not alone in our struggle to figure out where to go in this New World Order, but that does not bring about change. Many of the things that the Big 3 were doing were wrong and illegal, by the letter of the law. They knew of these laws, and knew the whole time that they were breaking them. In order for things to recover, governmental regulation will be necessary to pick up the pieces.

But, how do our legislators know that we, as a public, want this to happen? How do they know that our outcry is so large, that so many people are affected? I doubt too many spend their days idly browsing the numerous poker forums on the net.

Click Here for Online Poker Sites Accepting Players from the US

Since the indictments, it has been reported that over 70,000 letters have been sent to various governmental officials related to the changes in the poker world. While it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that your voice does not count, those who wrote those letters did not. What did their actions accomplish? Simply visit any of the Big 3 and you will see that have all reclaimed their domain names, that the DoJ has promised to help facilitate cash-outs. This shows just how much power a vocal group can have.

If you want to see changes, if you want your Congressman to know what you think on the issue, write to them! That is the only way that Congress can know what you want, can ever hear your voice. Take a few minutes and take what you were about to write here at Holdem Poker Chat and make it so your voice will be heard by those who can make a difference.

Pokerstars now Processing Withdrawals

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Pokerstars is now processing cashouts for all US players with a savings or checking account. Just log into your account and you will be greeted with a popup message with instructions.

They are giving 100% value for T$ automatically when you go to withdraw (for US players)

A Direct Bank Transfer is a cashout method that allows you to receive your winnings by having them credited directly to your bank account.

Please make sure you provide the information below on the previous screen:

Your Bank Account Number: This is the number of your bank account.
Your ABA routing number: The ABA routing number is a nine digit bank code, used in the United States, which appears on the bottom of negotiable instruments such as checks identifying the financial institution on which it was drawn.
Your Checking Account (C) or Savings Account (S) This is your bank account type. Enter “C” (without the quotes) for checking accounts or “S” (without the quotes) for savings accounts.

No word yet on how players without bank accounts will be paid.
If you run into any problems you can send them an email @ cashier1@pokerstars.eu

PokerStars Questions Answered

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This is a compilation of information from PokerStars on the recent withdrawal from the United States market.

Statement from PokerStars on why USA players can no longer play for real money:

On 15 April 2011, PokerStars ceased providing real-money poker to residents of the United States and related territories. Real money play and deposits by US residents are strictly prohibited.

An agreement has been reached with the US Department of Justice to allow United States PokerStars customers to cashout their funds. PokerStars will work diligently to expedite those withdrawals. All PokerStars player deposits are completely safe.

Players from the United States can continue to play on our site for play money only. New players who wish to create an account will need to do so using our play-money-only software.

Why USA players could not access the web page or support email

The Justice department seized all the .com name including access to the .com support address. As part of a deal with the Department of Justice, USA players can now, again, access any of the .com sites including the support email address.

Can I get my Money?

PokerStars has reached an agreement with DoJ to refund players their money. Because the recent issue removed all of the old processing structure, at this time, the cashout option in the cashier is disabled.  It will be enabled when a new system is put in place. PokerStars says that getting funds to players is their top priority.

Cashouts that were requested before April 15, 2011 will be cancelled and returned to players accounts. Players can view the cashier, but US players cannot transfer to other players. Any tournaments tickets or T$ will be converted to cash, though PokerStars stresses that this will not happen immediately and asks for patience. At this time, PokerStars has yet to work out a fair plan for monetary consideration in exchange for FPPs.

All US Players who were registered in future tournaments have been unregistered and their buyins have been refunded to their accounts.

Trying to get around the restrictions

I am sure many of you are scheming or hoping there is a way to get around the new order of things. PokerStars has answered some of those common thoughts.

Players thinking they can just change their address to a new country need to know that just changing their address does not allow them to play for real money again. PokerStars needs copies of photo identification as well as a recent utility bill showing your new physical address.  If you can prove that you have left the USA, your account balance will be restored to you, including VIP status and your FPP balance.  You cannot play for real money by just taking a trip outside the country. Accounts are blocked until you show proof of new address.

If you cook up some IP rerouting scheme like a VPN, PokerStars says they will revoke your privileges for trying.

Foreigners traveling to the United States will not be allowed to play on PokerStars while in the US.

US players can buy into PokerStars live events using their real money account balances, providing they have the money already in their accounts. They cannot deposit the money and then use it to play the event.  PokerStars live events like European Poker Tour will proceed as planned. Players from the United States who have won packages to these events will still be allowed to play.

US players are welcome to play for play money if they so choose but will need to set up a new .net account.

Safe Online Poker Sites for US Players

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With the US closure of the biggest online poker sites we’ve been on the look out for who the next big poker sites will be and the list is not as long as some would think. In this New World Order there a few online poker sites that have begun to stand out from the rest. Given all the changes we’ve also decided to add a few new sites to our list of approved poker sites.

Our decisions have been made with safety first in mind. We know that poker players are looking for a safe poker site to play on. With that in mind the first thing we’ve looked into is financial strength. Another major factor in our decisions has been their processing. A poker site may have good funding and good software but if players can’t deposit and withdraw with relative ease then they are no good to anyone. We’ve used every means at our disposal to gather up this information and feel that the sites listed below are the cream of the crop.

In analyzing online poker traffic reports the Merge Poker Network, which includes such poker sties as, Carbon Poker, Lock Poker and Sportsbook Poker are growing the fastest. But if you look at just the US player base at prime time hours it’s Bodog Poker and sites on the Cake Poker Network which include Cake Poker and InterAction Poker that are doing the best. InterAction is the only site we have listed that is currently processing eChecks.

Like you, we do not know which poker site or sites will become the next Pokerstars or Full Tilt Poker. We’re guessing that all of the sites mentioned above will continue to see tremendous growth and that they will all be making adjustments in the coming months to better serve player needs and wants. Make sure to check Holdem Poker Chat for all the latest news and updates on the safest USA Poker Sites to play on.

Absolute Poker and UB Still Open for Real Money Play in the US

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It’s now been 5 days since “Black Friday” and Absolute Poker and UBPoker are still open for real money play in the US. All deposits and withdrawals have been temporarily suspended but players who have funded accounts are still playing online poker.

We’ve contacted the operators of Absolute Poker and UB Poker asking for a comment or announcement and we’re constantly told that there is nothing to announce yet.

We’re starting to get he feeling that Absolute Poker and UBPoker may be looking at ways to continue to serve the US. We’ll continue to  monitor the situation and keep you up to date but for now, They are Open for real money play.

Our list of USA Poker Sites has other poker sites that are still serving the U.S.

Pokerstars has Suspended Real Money Play in the US

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Pokerstars has finally issued an announcement to last week’s indictment and their leaving the US poker market. Several big name pros have come out and said that players should give the poker sites some time to get things worked out and that they would get their money as soon as possible.

Poker Sites that Accept Players from the USA

“As you may have heard, we have had to suspend real money poker services to people based in the U.S. due to legal developments there.”

“The developments are confined to the U.S. and do not have any impact on your ability to continue using our services. Please be assured player balances are safe. There is no cause for concern. For all customers outside the U.S. it is business as usual.”

“Please be aware that we are currently experiencing a very high volume of emails, so our response times are delayed. We will answer player emails as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.”

April 17, 2011 Update:

  • Both the PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge and PokerStars.net Big Game have been cancelled.

Cake and Merge the Next Big Names in Online Poker?

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Black Friday was a day the poker community will not soon forget. The largest names in online poker were indicted and had their domains seized by the US government. Since then players have been asking themselves; what’s next? Which poker sites are safe for those USA players looking to get a piece of the virtual felt action? The answer is simple really, there are several poker networks still serving USA players, and some play host to well respected brands.

Many players are upset about the happenings at Full Tilt, Absolute Poker/UB, and PokerStars; and for good reason. It is time for players to find other avenues to play their online poker sessions for now, as it doesn’t seem likely that these sites which were seized will allow USA players back anytime soon. How long these alternative options will be available nobody knows, but it’s unlikely to see this scandal trickle down into the smaller brands online.

Sure these brands aren’t as big as the four poker rooms currently facing courtroom battles, but the fact remains that they are still viable options for USA players. Merge Gaming Network recently took on Lock Poker, Sportsbook Poker, PlayersOnly Poker and their traffic is comparable to some of the bigger names online. Carbon Poker is another big name under the Merge Network, and the traffic on the network makes them a possible contender to take over the USA market.

The Cake Poker Network has also been aiming to become one of the bigger networks in online poker and while their traffic has taken a hit as of late, they may be the one’s to give other poker networks a run for their money. Cake Poker had a pretty solid reputation in the online poker world, however; they have seen their fair share of both good and bad luck lately. They were once becoming one of the biggest names in online poker but began to lose traffic to their competitors over the last couple of years. They sold their skins to other smaller operators, which in turn caused them to lose earnings and a bit of their reputation.

Cake Poker may soon prove to be once again a big name in online poker, bigger than ever before. If their poker rooms stay facing the USA (Power Poker and Victory Poker will no longer accept US players), the chances of them becoming one of the leading poker networks online are very high. They were recently given a little push towards bettering themselves, and have big names like PokerListings.com backing their product; which brings more sign ups and leads to more traffic.  Our sources at Cake Poker have confirmed that they plan to stay in the US market and have never had as many signups as they’ve had in the last 2 days.

“Black Friday” as many are referring to the indictment on the four poker rooms, is sure to have a positive impact on Cake and Merge networks. Players living in the so called “Land of the Free” will be forced to look elsewhere for their online poker needs, at least for now; which will put players right into the hands of other networks online. This is going to be a fierce competition among these online poker sites, and it will be interesting to see which comes out ahead in the USA player community in the next several months. Many players from the four poker rooms that were indicted have already been seeking an alternative for their game play, and these networks mentioned here have been seeing a big rise in their traffic seemingly overnight.

There are also other poker rooms online, but none as well-known as Cake and Merge. It will be interesting to see if any of the smaller fish grow into bigger names as well. It is sure to be a bumpy ride, but for now USA players can still enjoy the action of their favourite poker game online. Luvin Poker, which is on the Everleaf network, told us they’ve had thousands of new players signing up over the last 48 hours.

Bodog Poker is another site that has already seen a 20% jump in traffic. Bodog will continue to grow but we don’t think that Bodog will come out on top because they do not allow peer to peer transfers. We have similar concerns about Sportsbook Poker and Players Only. No poker sites that also have sports betting allow peer to peer transfers.

Solid poker rooms like Lock Poker and Carbon Poker are still taking registration from USA players. They have many ways to deposit and generous promotions, check out the US poker sites listed here for the best choices American players have today. Keep a look out for the happenings regarding everything about this latest development in online poker.