Poker has been around in some form for as long as the history books can remember. The modern game came about in the mid-18th century, where it was popular on the riverboats of the Mississippi River. With the advent of the internet, a completely new world of poker was born. Players could now sit at virtual tables filled with card fans the world over. This virtual gaming revolution was going strong in America until the mid-2000, when laws put in place reduced the options available to US players. In this article, we will tell you about the legal online poker rooms for Kentucky residents that still exist, where to find them, and what the law says.
The law surrounding online poker can be tough to navigate. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 states that while players of online poker are safe, operators of online poker sites cannot accept funds from bettors. This law successfully removed all online poker rooms locate in the US. This sounds worse than it is, as there are many legal Kentucky gambling options out there and online poker rooms functioning overseas, and have been for decades. These sites fall out of US federal jurisdiction, and the laws of the lands they reside on govern them. Residents are within their rights to use these legal poker sites for Kentucky players, and millions of Americans do so every day. These sites offer top-of-the line security software, and many gaming options. As of now, these are the only places to find legal online poker in the states.
Read More: Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Kentucky?
The UIGEA might have taken away the stateside online poker rooms, but one great thing has come from this law. The many overseas poker rooms have upped their game significantly, as they have gained more traffic, and are now the leaders of the online poker business. You will find poker community forums scattered all across the internet offering opinions on the many Kentucky poker sites. The sites that get high rankings are usually safe to use, although message boards tend to contain immature elements, so take each review with a grain of salt. We have done much of the searching for you, and have come up with a few sites that we consider the best in the business right now.
If you love playing poker with no annoying flashy lights popping up, BetOnline is the site for you. This site is simple and straightforward, and their aim is to get you in on the action quick, without hassle. A simple interface hides a powerful gaming engine that offers a streamlined poker experience like no other. Signing up is simple, and within minutes you will be playing for real money at tables of any stakes you can imagine. From $0.50 tables, to no-limit ones, you will be able to find some great action no matter how much you feel like wagering.
Signing up at BetOnline now will get you a sweet 200% Signup Bonus. This amazing offer can earn you up to $1,000 in bonus money. Just send in the promo code that is on the promotions page, along with your first deposit, and the side will add a nice chunk of change to your bankroll.
Because of Kentucky state laws, there are no casinos or poker rooms within the state. This is common for most American states. One day the state legislators might realize how much money local casinos can make, but for now, the online options are your best bet. We do realize that it is not hard to find an underground poker room in most cities, but we advise against taking part in these. Law enforcement agencies bust up rackets like these often, and your money will not be safe. Stick with the online poker rooms that we review to make sure you are playing with a legitimate business.
While it’s easy to play online poker legally, there is one clause that all players should take note of. The legal poker age in the state of Kentucky is 21, and it’s highly advisable for all Kentucky players to abide by it. Underage players will be hit with steep fines and, if they’re over 18, even jail time.
As you have read, there are no legal poker rooms in Kentucky. This leaves players with few real-world options. Getting a group of friends together for some low-stakes action is fun, and can be a great way to spend a Saturday night. If you are looking for some high-stakes poker action, the online sites are where it’s at. These sites offer unbeatable tournaments, satellites, and bonuses that will make lucky players rich. There has never been a better time to get in on the online poker revolution. Dust off your spurs, grab your ten-gallon hat, and get ready to throw some virtual chips.