Several states in the US have legalized online poker. However, the majority of the country is still barred from playing the game. In fact, the legality of the game is much debated in the US. Many players are hoping for the new administration to change the law so that online poker can be legalized in the country.
Currently, only four states allow legal online poker: Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware. However, online poker is already legal in several Caribbean Sea countries, including Jamaica, and some of these countries have a large number of poker players. There are also several foreign-based platforms that allow US players to play the game. However, these platforms are not regulated by the US government. They can offer low overhead costs, and players can enjoy their game without worrying about the risk that comes with playing on an offshore site.
As far as state legislation goes, Connecticut has been flirting with online gambling bills for a long time. However, the state has never gotten a final decision on the Wire Act. Its lawmakers are also receptive to shared liquidity options. This would allow players to deposit and play in CT sites that are combined with those of other states. However, it is not clear if the new bill will include this provision. If it does, it could be delayed until the fall of 2021.
In the past, West Virginia was the only state to regulate online poker. However, it’s unclear whether or not any operators have ever set up shop in the state. The state’s small population makes it impossible to support a large poker scene. There are two Indian tribes in the state, and Mohegan Sun owns the Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut. This means that any operators who want to launch a site in the state would have to work with the tribes.
Connecticut’s governor, Ned Lamont, signed HB 6451 into law on May 27, 2021. Although this bill does not mention shared liquidity options, it’s not hard to imagine that the state will eventually get a regulated poker site. However, the state could delay its target date if unexpected developments occur.
The state has a population of about 3.5 million. Connecticut has two Indian tribes, and these tribes are likely to partner with sports betting companies and online casino companies to provide online poker to the state’s residents. The Indians would need to enter into a shared liquidity agreement with other states, but it’s not clear if this would be the only option.
Connecticut has been flirting with the online gambling bill for a while, and it’s unclear whether or not a final decision on the Wire Act will prevent the state from introducing online poker. However, the state is likely to wait for the final decision. The state is also waiting for the DOJ to determine whether or not it will appeal the court ruling. It’s possible that the DOJ will not appeal the ruling, and the state could be forced to wait another year before online poker is legalized in Connecticut.