U.S. Online Poker Regulation in 2015 Takes Wrong Turn

US Online Poker Regulation in 2015 Takes Wrong TurnWhat started out as a promising year for the spread of online poker in the U.S. has suddenly taken a turn for the worse.

Along with the recent demise of a proposed [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/online-poker-bill-mississippi-dead-2015/”]online gambling bill in Mississippi[/geolink], the [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/online-poker-bill-introduced-state-washington/”]ipoker bill introduced in Washington State[/geolink] last month has also failed to advance and will not be considered by lawmakers this year. The year started with [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/2015-online-poker-regulation-efforts-u-s-become-active/”]three states proposing legislation[/geolink], and now only California is still in the running.

While many had visions of California finally pushing a bill through in 2015, conflict remains over who should or shouldn’t be included in the state’s ipoker regime. The bad actor issue continues to cause strife among Indian tribes and looks to again be the biggest obstacle in progress being made.

To top it off, an [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/bill-ban-online-gambling-reintroduced/”]online gambling ban on the federal level has been reintroduced[/geolink], forcing online poker advocates to be defensive rather than employing an offensive approach. After three states launched igaming regimes in 2013, progress stalled in 2014 and may also not move forward in 2015.

U.S. players not located in regulated states who currently enjoy the online poker options available such as Americas Cardroom (ACR), Full Flush Poker (FFP), Carbon Poker and Bovada seemingly can continue playing at those sites and taking advantage of the many promotions offered.

Those promotions include the possibility of winning seats to this year’s WSOP in Las Vegas. Both FFP and ACR recently [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/full-flush-announces-wsop-promos/”]announced promos[/geolink] centered around the live festival over the summer, whetting the appetite of U.S. players who have dreams of pulling off a Moneymaker and going from virtual obscurity to fame and fortune.

Despite the lack of progress in regulation, that dream is still alive and well thanks to the handful of poker sites and networks that continue to cater to the U.S. market. Those sites will likely be a staple of the industry for years to come considering the slow movement and drawbacks to legislation.

[geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com/california/”]California[/geolink] lawmakers have two online poker bills to consider. A compromise among the state’s gaming interests is needed in order for either one to be approved. While proposals have come and gone in the Golden State since 2009, the law of averages perhaps points to the fact that accord will likely be reached eventually.

In the meantime, players in California and the U.S. are advised to take a look at the [geolink href=”https://www.usafriendlypokersites.com”]US facing poker sites[/geolink] and choose the poker room that seems like the best fit. Whether it’s a generous deposit bonus or a chance to win a seat to the WSOP that interests you, those options are plenty.

Jacqueline Packett
Jacqueline Packett