Poker fans in Massachusetts might be hankering for some legal online action, and there are many options available right now. Poker has been a great way to pass the time for centuries, from the riverboats on the Mississippi, to the World Series of Poker. The combination of skill and luck, and the undulating wave of hot/cold streaks, can make a youth rich and a grown man weep. The fun players have on the felt is unmatched by any other card game out there.
In this page, we will tell you about some of the best online poker rooms for Massachusetts residents in existence. We will also explain the laws that surround online gambling in clear, direct terms, so you will know that you are playing in a safe environment.
The laws that surround online poker are convoluted, but once you have an understanding of the regulations, it will be clear what is allowable and what is not. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 was brought forth to put a stop to illegal online gambling operations while leaving mere players free to participate in online poker as much as they pleased. This law effectively shut down all of the online poker rooms in the states. The UIGEA is the source of many rumors surrounding online gambling. The people that spread these rumors have misunderstood the law, so we will tell you what it really says.
The UIGEA banned online poker rooms in the states. All this means is that you will not find an online poker establishment in your Massachusetts. The great new is that there are many online poker rooms functioning outside of the US, in places where operating Massachusetts poker sites is legal. These sites have been functioning for decades, and millions of Americans are using them every day.
We have scoured the web in an attempt to uncover the best online poker rooms that accept Massachusetts players in the business. We judged each site with a long list of criteria based on everything from signup bonuses, to payout speeds. We put reputation and security at the top of the list, and every site we review has top-notch safety protocols in place to ensure members’ information is safe. Leading gaming commissions license these sites, and they have garnered acclaim from famous US media outlets. We are poker fans ourselves, and know what to look for in an online poker room.
For those looking for a no-frills poker experience, BetOnline poker has you covered. This site does away with the glitz and glamour of other online poker rooms, instead focusing on giving players the most streamlined gaming experience possible. Using cutting-edge poker software, these well-populated rooms never experience lag, and serve up fast poker action 24/7. BetOnline has garnered acclaim from US media giants such as CNBC and FOX Sports. Sites don’t gain reputations like this by letting customer security fall by the wayside. This is one of the safest poker sites in the business.
Have you ever dreamed of playing in the WSOP? BetOnline can make that dream a reality. If you play your cards right, you can bypass the $10,000 buy in by taking part in the BetOnline satellite tournaments offered throughout the year. These tournaments are free to enter, and stand the chance of winning you an all-expenses paid trip to Vegas for the WSOP.
The closest poker rooms to Massachusetts are located in New Hampshire and Connecticut. The Gambling laws have made legal poker rooms scarce in the United States, but there are a few options. 4Jacks Poker Room in New Hampshire is actually a small sports bar with five poker tables. The games play for prizes that do not include cash, and can be a fun way to pass the time if you are in the area.
Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut is a full casino is 147 poker tables, and they do offer cash games and tournaments. This is a great place to play if you feel like making the drive. Located on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation, this is the biggest poker room on the East Coast. They offer everything from $1 tables, to $300 no-limit games. Foxwoods is also host to a WSOP circuit event, and is a favorite among the pros that find themselves in the East Coast.
Massachusetts legal gambling age is 21. Gambling ages vary by state, and you always want to make sure you follow these regulations. Many poker sites only require you to be 18 to join, but it is wise to follow the state rules when thinking about signing up. A good rule of thumb is to look at both the state/online legal age, and always go with the higher number. Underage gambling carries harsh consequences, and further tarnishes the gambling business. Don’t be a nail in the wheel of progress by trying to slip through the cracks of the law. When it comes to legal issues LegalMassachusettsGambling.com has you covered.
As you can see, there are many options out there for Massachusetts poker fans. The online poker rooms that we have reviewed are the best in the business, and accept Massachusetts residents. Picking your online gaming home can be tough; there are many options out there. We suggest exploring each site we review, and picking the one that feels right for you. Each site has its own unique perks, and most offer all the popular poker variants. You will see that these sites are well populated for a reason; they offer the best gaming action in the world.
If you feel like driving a little ways, there are a few land-based options available as well. Foxwoods remains one of the best live poker rooms in the country, and 4Jacks is a great place to play for fun. The laws involving poker are constantly evolving, and many experts predict that all forms of the game will be legal within the next few years. Until then, there are many exciting options out there for Massachusetts residents to take advantage of.