"On-line poker is NOT illegal" - DOJ

So the DOJ has decided that on-line poker (and any other games of chance) are no longer illegal in the US, and that the wire act only applies to Sports and events.

DOJ - U Turn

What does this mean for the on-line poker world? Does this mean Bodog, Pokerstars and the like will all be back real soon?
This is big news to me, I think it will change the poker landscape very soon, a lot of people have made moves (stars and bodog) in complience with the old law, and many were making preperations in light of the anticipated legalisation. I imagine there are a few people not having a merry christmas, Howard Lederer is probably putting a gun in his mouth as we speak. ;-)

Quote: WizardofEngland

So the DOJ has decided that on-line poker (and any other games of chance) are no longer illegal in the US, and that the wire act only applies to Sports and events.

DOJ - U Turn

What does this mean for the on-line poker world? Does this mean Bodog, Pokerstars and the like will all be back real soon?
This is big news to me, I think it will change the poker landscape very soon, a lot of people have made moves (stars and bodog) in complience with the old law, and many were making preperations in light of the anticipated legalisation. I imagine there are a few people not having a merry christmas, Howard Lederer is probably putting a gun in his mouth as we speak. ;-)

The transfer of funds should still fall as illegal under the law. But I see that changing sooner or later, probably sooner as governmnet is just one step behind declaring coins left in vending machine returns as forfeited assets they need revenue so bad. The sad thing is they still want to keep sports betting illegal as though betting on sports is somehow wrong or will destroy the game. Hopefully that falls soon too, and we can keep the low-limits of Bovada and FiveDimes.

Quote: AZDuffman

The transfer of funds should still fall as illegal under the law..

But the transfer of funds was only illegal due to the uigea, which only makes transfer of funds illegal if it is for illegal gambling! Right?

In light of the revelation that FullTilt was operating as something of a Ponzie Scheme, it may still be a while before things seem very good for the online betting community.

Online poker is definitely not illegal because we play poker online as a recreation. Just like in facebook and in mobile apps. The difference here is that you gain and win real money. Difference is the money in the long run. But then again, Poker can be played at all.
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Pacific Poker

Quote: WizardofEngland

So the DOJ has decided that on-line poker (and any other games of chance) are no longer illegal in the US, and that the wire act only applies to Sports and events.

DOJ - U Turn

What does this mean for the on-line poker world? Does this mean Bodog, Pokerstars and the like will all be back real soon?

It means you will have to submit a fingerprint for ID. But, you can cash out using that form of ID, without having to jump through other hoops.
It means you will be sent a quarterly W2-G form if your account shows a gain, and a yearly statement with gain/loss for that calendar year.

98Clubs

Its a great news that online gambling is legal now. And will you tell me how can i register for that and submit my own fingerprints as ID.

Interesting. How would this affect state laws? For instance in WA state, it is a felony to gamble online.

States rights prevails. It's still illegal in WA, OR, etc. barring affirmative legislative action to the contrary. That may be more likely in view of the DoJ ruling, but it's no guarantee.

Me, I'm still waiting for Oregon to pass a law similar to the Washington law removing the state liquor monopoly. Maybe next fall if you guys don't botch it this summer...

Quote: MathExtremist

States rights prevails. It's still illegal in WA, OR, etc. barring affirmative legislative action to the contrary. That may be more likely in view of the DoJ ruling, but it's no guarantee.

Me, I'm still waiting for Oregon to pass a law similar to the Washington law removing the state liquor monopoly. Maybe next fall if you guys don't botch it this summer...

Yeah, it is going to be interesting to see how the liquor privatization works out.

If they do reverse the law, do they only do it for just poker? Or would they think about letting the other games (Bovada, etc) be playable.

Might take years to see the answer to this one.