Live poker games are legal in more than half of the states in the U.S., whether they’re played in card rooms, casinos, or on First Nation lands. In some states, like Texas and Georgia, poker players can even run membership-based card clubs without explicit licenses. However, it’s a different story entirely when it comes to the regulations that govern online poker.
U.S. online gambling laws are very clear and strict in order to ensure that you can only play online poker and casino games at legitimate casinos like Borgata Online. In this article, you can find out all about the legal status of online poker, as well as the states where you can enjoy Borgata Online poker.
What States Is Online Poker Legal in?
If you’re wondering where to play poker online, you’ll find that you’re somewhat restricted in your range of choice. In fact, under current U.S. online poker regulations, there are only six states where online poker is legal, but even those have many caveats.
New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware legalized online poker in 2013, to be joined by Pennsylvania in 2017. The newest state with legal online poker is Michigan, which saw the first hands played in online poker rooms in 2021. West Virginia has passed legislation authorizing online poker so while it’s legal, no operators have launched there yet.
At present, Borgata Online operates in two of these states: New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Borgata Online’s gambling platform is licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). (To play poker in Michigan, visit Borgata Online’s sister site, BetMGM.)
If you don’t live in one of these states, you’ll have to travel or stay home and play poker with friends.
The First Legal Online Poker State: New Jersey
With a proud history of land-based casino gaming based in Atlantic City, it’s no surprise that New Jersey was the first state to legalize online gambling — including casino games and real-money poker — on February 26, 2013, the very same day that Borgata opened up its online casino. Since then, the Garden State has led the way in the legitimate U.S. online poker market. New Jersey also has the most diversified market so far, with several real-money poker operators in the state.
New Jersey’s online gambling bill is officially known as A2578. It gives the DGE the authority to provide oversight and issue licenses for online gambling operators to provide online poker and casino games.
Anyone who is 21 and older and physically located in New Jersey can legally play online poker for real money on a licensed site. You don’t have to be a resident of the state, but you do have to verify your identity. For safety reasons, sites have to show that their gameplay environment is secure and that players’ personal information is secure.
Online gambling operators have to pay a 15% tax on their gross revenue.
Overall, with its lively online poker scene and a fleet of famous land-based casinos such as the legendary Borgata, New Jersey is a terrific place for poker fans to be. As such, it’s good to know that in July 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law reauthorizing online gambling in New Jersey through 2028.
Online Poker in Pennsylvania
For years, residents of the Keystone State would cross bridges into New Jersey and make their way to the shore to play at Borgata, one of the most famous and popular casino resorts in Atlantic City. Since 2021, Pennsylvanians have been able to enjoy all the fun of the casino without traveling, thanks to the launch of Borgata Online in their own state. Under PGCB regulations, players who are 21 and older can compete against other online players who are physically located within Pennsylvania.
Under bill HB 271, Pennsylvania’s rules relating to identity, safety, and security are similar to those operating in New Jersey. A quirk of the state is that players will not be able to access real-money online poker games for as long as they are located in a licensed land-based casino in Pennsylvania.
Experience Borgata Poker Online
So, what can you expect from real-money poker at Borgata Online? This safe, secure site shares player pools and offers cash games, Sit & Go’s, and multi-table poker tournaments featuring popular poker variants such as no-limit and limit hold’em, seven-card stud, pot-limit Omaha, and Omaha hi-lo. Borgata Online also runs highly successful online satellite tournaments that offer the chance to enter the popular live tournament schedule — which has, to date, included events in the World Poker Tournament and other major series — at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
Players who sign up for Borgata Online poker automatically gain access to the site’s online casino games and online sports betting events. This includes a generous match deposit bonus that gives first-time players the chance to play more for less. Register to explore the fun-filled world of Borgata Online.