Is 888 Poker Legal In Us
- »Is Online Poker Legal in the USA?
Delaware players enjoy access to one legal online poker platform, operated by 888 Poker. The network incorporates three skins, which include Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. Playing on any of the three skins links to the same network. 888 Poker is licensed to offer legal / regulated US online poker. 888 Poker made history in March of 2013 when it became the first international online operator to be approved for an Interactive Gaming License by the Nevada Gaming Commission. Rack’em and stack’em with real money poker play in the USA! 888poker is fully licensed and regulated to offer real money online poker in New Jersey. Provided you’re 21+, and currently in the state of New Jersey, you can play real money poker with us. Let’s get ready to roll! One of the unique things about 888 – unlike many of their peers – is that they’ve penetrated the legal US market. If you live in Delaware or New Jersey, you can play at one of their skins. Otherwise you won’t be able to play here. Do they have any complaints, scam accusations or warnings? Welcome to our detailed read of the Michigan online poker and gambling industries. Here’s what you need to know all in one place. One question must be way up on your mind: Is gambling legal in Michigan? Online poker became fully legal on December 20th 2019 when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4311-12, 4916-18, 4307 and 4308 into law.
2020 Update: Can I Play Online Poker in Maryland?
There’s no online poker legislation in Maryland yet. The Senate did pass a sports betting bill in early March 2020 though. There are a few more steps left for it to become law though. But, any gaming expansion bodes well for online poker, and what’s more encouraging is that it passed unanimously. The Maryland Senate voted 47-0 on SB 4. The bill legalizes sports betting at live sportsbooks and also allows for online sports betting.
Operators would have to pay 20 percent tax on revenue and the live locations include the state’s six casinos and three race tracks. There are options for more locations, like the Washington Redskins stadium. The bill now has to go to the House. If it’s approved there, which it’s expected to, it’ll go to Gov. Larry Hogan for his signature. Hogan has made pro-sports betting comments before, so his signature is also expected. After that, it would go on the ballot in the 2020 November elections. Then it’s up to the citizens of Maryland to decide if they want legal sports betting.
We’d bet on them wanting to.
Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Bob Burkhard on Unsplash)
Online Poker and the Law in Maryland
Maryland allows for a fair bit of gaming. Slot machines are legal in some counties, they have horse racing and they have six casinos in the state. Gambling is covered under the Maryland Code, Criminal Law, Title 12, Subtitle 1, Section 1-102. Under the state statute, Maryland defines gambling as:
“Wagering or betting in any manner to receive something of value dependent upon the result of any race, contest or contingency.”
This is an interesting definition that differs from most states. A common definition of gambling for states includes the word “chance.” Here we see that Maryland qualifies betting as something depending on “any race, contest or contingency.” This casts the net pretty wide and could encompass poker, since a lot on the game relies on contingencies. All that means is that poker would be covered in this statute, and is something the legislators would address if they regulate online poker.
You can play live poker at Maryland’s casinos and the casinos would offer sports betting if legalized. This would also include online sports betting. This means the casinos could be open to online poker legislation if it comes up. Maryland’s neighbors are also on the online poker train. Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia have all legalized online poker. The only state that Maryland shares a border with that hasn’t legalised it is Virginia.
Hopefully online poker legislation is contagious and Maryland is the next one to catch the bug.
Can I Play Poker on PokerStars in Maryland?
While Maryland might allow PokerStars in like neighboring Pennsylvania sometime soon, you currently can’t play poker on PokerStars in Maryland. If you don’t want to drive to nearby Pennsylvania or New Jersey to open an account and play, you have some options. There are plenty of great PokerStars alternatives for poker players in Maryland.
We’ve reviewed several sites that accept players from all 50 states, including Maryland. Sites like Ignition Poker and Americas Cardroom guaranteed prize pools, tournament specials and great rakeback that make them pretty good PokerStars alternatives. So if you’re looking to fire up some online poker in Maryland, check out our reviews below to find a site that works for you:
Legal Gambling in Maryland
Lots of gambling in Maryland is ultimately decided by voters. Voters might decide sports betting in 2020, but back in 2012, they expanded gaming too. In 2012 a voters approved one more casino and let existing casinos offer table games.The registered voters approved Question 7 by a 51.9% yes, and 48.1% no.
Maryland Casinos
Maryland’s current casinos are:
- Hollywood Casino Perryville – Maryland’s first gaming facility which opened on September 27, 2010. They feature 1,500 slot machines, a casual restaurant, and parking for 1,600.
- Ocean Downs – Opened on January 4, 2011. They have 34,000 square feet of gaming space and 750 slot machines.
- Maryland Live! – Opened on June 6, 2012. They feature 4,750 slot machines, a live music venue, several restaurants and almost 5,000 parking spaces.
- Rocky Gap Lodge & Resort – Opened on May 23, 2013.
- Horseshoe Baltimore – Opened on August 27, 2014 with 15,000 visitors, 5,000 more than anticipated. However, even with their opening day success, the casino has brought in 34% less revenue ($22.4 million) than predicted in its early stages.
- MGM National Harbor – Opened Dec. 8, 2016. A $1.2 billion development measuring 135,000 sq ft with 308 rooms.
Slot Referendum and a State Lottery
In a 2008 constitutional referendum, voters approved of up to 15,000 video lottery terminals at casinos. The state retains 67% of all revenue generated by the slot machines, among the highest percentage in the United States.
Proceeds of slots are distributed as follows:
- 49.25% – Maryland Education Trust Fund
- 33% – Video lottery terminals facility operators
- 7% – Horse racing purse account (not to exceed $100 million per year)
- 5.5% – Local impact grants
- 1.75% – Race track facilities renewal account (for the first 8 years not to exceed $40 million per year)
- 2% – Maryland Lottery to partially finance the costs of regulation
- 1.5% – Small, minority and women-owned businesses
Maryland has also offered a lottery since 1973. That was passed by a voter amendment too. In 2015 it had a revenue of $1.762 billion and has experienced steady growth since the start. Seems like there’s no gaming expansion voters won’t approve. We hope to see poker on that list soon. We’ll keep you update if it does.
Specific State-by-State Laws
Alabama – Alaska – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Florida – Georgia – Hawaii – Idaho – Illinois – Indiana – Iowa – Kansas – Kentucky – Louisiana – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Missouri – Montana – Nebraska – New Hampshire – New Mexico – New York – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Oregon – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – Tennessee – Texas – Utah – Vermont – Virginia – Washington – West Virginia – Wisconsin – Wyoming
| Industry | Online poker |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | 888 Holdings |
| Website | 888poker.com |
888poker, formerly Pacific Poker, is an international online pokercardroom and network owned by 888 Holdings.[1] 888poker was established in 2002, and is based in Gibraltar.
History[edit]
The poker provider was originally launched in 2002 as Pacific Poker and later rebranded 888poker. The site enjoyed early success due in part to a large number of players who joined from its more established sister site.[2]
United States[edit]
When the United States Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, affirming that online gambling in the United States was illegal, 888poker was forced to close its doors to all American players.[3] Changes to online gaming regulations in 2013 in some states has prompted return by 888 to the US market.
Nevada[edit]
888poker has partnerships with several private gaming entities in Nevada,[4] and New Jersey.[5] Authorities in these states require that online casino providers join an offline partner in order to receive an operating license. On March 21, 2012, The Nevada Gaming Commission granted 888 a license as an Interactive Gaming Service Provider. 888 launched its online activity in Nevada officially on September 15, 2013.[6]
New Jersey[edit]
On November 26, 2013, 888 successfully launched its online poker site for online poker players in New Jersey.[7] 888 operates under a permit (permit number NJIGP 13-006 ) issued to its partner Caesars Interactive Entertainment (which is a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation) to offer online gaming in New Jersey.[8] Its poker offerings are available only in the state of New Jersey and to players who are at least 21 years old.
Delaware[edit]
On May 2, 2013 888 announced that it has been selected by the Delaware Lottery as its Primary Vendor to operate internet gaming systems and services. 888 has signed a partnership agreement with Scientific Games, the largest technology provider for electronic lottery gaming in the United States as part of its operating license in the State of Delaware. The service is scheduled to become available to Delaware residents before the end of 2013.[9]
Europe[edit]
Denmark[edit]
In Denmark, 888poker was launched as a localized version in September 2015, after acquiring a license from the Gambling Authority.[10] After launch, 888 Denmark manager in Denmark, Simon Ravn, said: 'We have a slightly different approach to the Danish poker market than many of the other poker providers; we want to offer value to all our players, rather than focus on sign up bonuses and new customers', adding that 'people still want to play poker and we think we can offer a new, fresh experience with us'.[11]
Spain[edit]
On June 15, 2012, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ),[12] published on its website the definitive list of operators licensed to operate in Spain, including 888 Spain plc. 888poker offers since its online products, combined with a series of live tournaments among which the SuperStack, with events in several Spanish cities in February in which distributed more than €400,000 in prize money during 2014.[13]
Poker games offered and player experience[edit]
The 888poker offering includes poker game variations such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha (High & Low) and 7 Card Stud Poker, along with Sit & Go and Tournament games.[14] Products are available on all major platforms, including PC, Android, and Apple devices. A new version of the mobile app was launched on Aug 21, 2013, providing mobile access to multi table tournaments.
888poker was the first online poker provider to introduce poker tables with webcam integration to allow its members to socialize more with other players and to make the overall gaming experience more human.[3]
Mobile poker[edit]
Following 888poker's upgrade of its mobile app in July 2013, the company's then CEO, Brian Mattingly, revealed in an interview that 888poker's strong sales growth comes from the expanding mobile poker market. Mattingly stated that 17% of 888's UK wagers in general are placed on mobile devices and hoped that the company's UK mobile share will double in the next year and a half.[15]
888poker Club[edit]
888 Poker Official Site
888poker's loyalty programme, the 888poker Club, features daily free tournaments and offers players a chance to win $100,000 each month. Players also receive scratchcards for every five levels they climb.[16]
The 888poker team[edit]
A variety of professional poker players and celebrities act as brand ambassadors for 888poker. Among the prominent persons who have joined Team 888poker are Dominik Nitsche, Martin Jacobson, Chris Moorman,[17] Sofia Lövgren, Kara Scott, Natalie Hof, Parker Talbot, Vivian Saliba[18] former Australian international cricket bowler Shane Warne,[19]UFC Welterweight champion George St. Pierre,[20] and the former footballer Denílson.
Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez also signed a contract with 888poker in 2014. However, the partnership was dissolved due to the events of the 2014 World Cup.
Live Poker Tournaments[edit]
888poker Live and XL Championships Series[edit]
888poker hosts the 888poker Live event several times a year, a series of poker tournaments held in several cities around the world. In addition, 888poker organizes three online legends - XL Inferno , XL Eclipse and XL Blizzard - collectively known as the XL Championships Series.[21]
World Series of Poker[edit]
888poker is the main sponsor and the exclusive organizer of qualifying rounds for since 2014 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.[22]
Super High Roller Bowl[edit]
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, 888poker was the main sponsor of the Super High Roller Bowl hosted by Poker Central at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. This tournament was a buy-in of US$300,000, the second most expensive and the most expensive 2017 poker tournament worldwide.[23]
World Poker Tour[edit]
In November 2017, 888poker and the World Poker Tour (WPT) entered into a partnership that immediately enabled all players on 888poker to qualify directly for the WPT DeepStacks in Berlin.[24][25] On February 11, 2019, WPT announced a new partnership with 888poker, which will see two new events added to the WPTDeepStacks Europe schedule. One in Malta and one in Portugal.[26]
888 Poker LIVE Sochi[edit]
In August 2019, 888poker held 888 Poker LIVE Sochi. It was first event 888poker in Russia.[27] Russian poker player Vasily Tsapko became the winner of 888poker LIVE Main Event and had nearly $200k in cashes.
References[edit]
- ^'Pokerlistings.com: 888poker Becomes Second-Biggest Online Poker Site'. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^'888poker Network'. Check'n Raise Poker.
- ^ ab'888 Poker'. iGaming.org.
- ^'888 partner with caesars for online poker launch in Nevada'. Yahoo. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^'888 strikes New Jersey deal with Caesars'. The Telegraph. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^'888poker set for launch in Nevada'. Reuters. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^'NJ official site'. 888 Poker. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^'Internet gaming permit holders'(PDF). NJ.gov. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^'888poker selected by Delaware for online gaming contract'. Poker Update. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
- ^Peter Bollerup Andersen (December 5, 2015). 'Klar til Danmark: 888Sport får comeback'. BetXpert (in Danish).
- ^Simon Hoffmann Petersen (May 18, 2016). '888 indtog København: 'Det danske marked er en prioritet''. PNN.dk (in Danish).
- ^Operadores de juego con licencia para operar en España. Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (in Spanish).
- ^400.000 euros se repartieron en 888poker Super Stack 2014. soloazar.com.ar (in Spanish). Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
- ^'888poker'. Company history. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^'888 CEO announces mobile revenue rise'. Online Casino Archives. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^'888 changing rewards programme, ditching rakeback'. Gambling Insider. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^'Chris Moorman joins Team888'. pokerglobal.info. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
- ^Rainer Vollmar (November 9, 2017). 'Vivian Saliba ist neues Mitglied im Team 888poker'. Hochge Pokert (in German).
- ^'Shane Warne joins 888poker team'. Poker News. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^'UFC champion Georges St. Pierre signs at 888poker'. Bloody Elbow. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^Katie Callahan (April 3, 2017). '888poker Launches New XL Championships Series'. PokerNews.com.
- ^'888poker Partners with WSOP for 2017'. PokerNews.com. February 14, 2017.
- ^Dirk Oetzmann (April 27, 2017). '888poker Returns as Main Sponsor for Super High Roller Bowl'. PokerListings.com.
- ^Rainer Vollmar (November 9, 2017). 'Tickets für die WPT Berlin – World Poker Tour und 888poker geben Kooperation bekannt'. HochgePokert.com.
- ^Matthew Clark (November 9, 2017). 'World Poker Tour Joins Forces With 888poker And Announces Tournament of Champions Location'. US Poker.
- ^'WPTDeepStacks Announces Partnership With 888Poker, 2019 Events in Malta and Portugal'. worldpokertour.com.
- ^'888poker in Russia'.