Where To Play Poker Online In Texas
Who better to embrace the game of poker than those of the Lone Star State, Texas? Poker has been a part of the American culture for well over 200 years and in embracing technology, we have the ability to play poker online. However, some argue the regulations are not clear if it’s legal to play poker online for TX residents.
Texas Online Poker Legality
Allow us to clarify the details for you. It is currently not legal to own, operate, or play at an online poker site that is located within the state of Texas. There are, however, multiple online poker rooms that are licensed and regulated outside of the Untied States that offer online poker gambling to US players, including those from Texas. There are no state or federal laws which prohibit players from participating in this type of online poker gambling. These legally licensed offshore poker rooms are often referred to as Texas online poker sites because they welcome players from the Lone Star State.
The Potential for State Regulated Texas Online Poker
For the residents of Texas, online poker playing may become more exciting soon. Nov. 5, 2013 marked the date for the State of Texas Ballot Measure SJR No. 43 and the State Bill No. 1103 to be voted upon authorizing legal Texas online poker sites to be licensed and regulated by the state of Texas. Unfortunately, the state did not move forward with legalizing online poker, however discussions are still in the works, interested is still present on the issue, and the possibility is indeed still on the table.
To be able to own or operate an online poker room in Texas could spell out lots of additional revenue being raised for the state. Their winnings could then be taxed. A friendly game of poker where the house does not get a cut is legal in Texas. The illegal part is if they do get a cut. There are many in favor of legalizing online poker, and many others who oppose Texas online poker sites or any other legalization of poker in the state.
Efforts to Legalize State Based Online Poke in Texas
With the Poker Gaming Act of 2013, the proposal was that 18-percent of the winnings are taxed at the facilities where poker is allowed. Federal regulators would impose strict policies to make sure it is level across the board with Texas online poker sites and that there are no loopholes. Those proceeds could help the state financially in multiple ways. We expect these same terms to be applied to any subsequent legislation that is presented for consideration in the future.
| Top Legal Poker Sites In Texas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Poker SITE | BONUS OFFER | RATING | PLAY NOW |
| Bovada Poker | 100% Match Bonus To $1000 | 100/100 | |
| BetOnline Poker | 200% Match Bonus To $2500 | 100/100 | |
| Sportsbetting.ag Poker | 200% Match Bonus To $2500 | 100/100 | |
The Legitimacy of Licensed Offshore Poker Sites
Since the online poker sites accepting Texas players are obviously outside of the United States, they are not subject to US laws and regulations, however they are strictly regulated by their governing jurisdiction for industry compliance and fair gaming practices. Online poker sites accepting Texas players do charge players an administrative fee to withdraw their money, and some proponents of the bill say that the tax applied to winnings will be similar and will not harm players payout potential more than the current arrangements at offshore sites.
Industry professionals anticipate that players would welcome the enhanced selection of Texas online poker gambling options should the state develop their own state based platform. They would have to compete with the offshore brands, and healthy competition is always a positive thing for consumers as it drives down prices and increases incentives. It will be interesting to see if the state based operations will offer the same types of large welcome bonuses, incentives and active tournament schedules that the existing TX online poker sites offer.