Most (but not all) USA-friendly poker sites take Mastercard as a deposit option because so many players have a Mastercard in their back pocket. Whether it is a credit card, a debit card, or a pre-paid card, Mastercard is one of the most popular payment methods used in the USA.
Playing Poker for Real money from USA The USA are quite complex when it comes to legislation, and that is even more so proven in the case of online poker rooms. Ever since these and other gambling sites have left the US in an attempt to avoid legal measures taken against them, there was little space for poker games provided to US players. Real Money Poker Sites That 100% Accept USA Players??? I have downloaded, and then shortly uninstalled, many online poker rooms when I found out that they do not allow play from anyone inside the USA.
Mastercard is a relatively cheap way for poker sites to accept deposits. The transaction fees are pretty low compared to some e-wallets; so online poker sites accepting MasterCard are pretty happy to absorb the cost of the transaction and credit players´ accounts with the full amount of their deposit.
Real Money Poker with MasterCard Deposits
There is a huge number of benefits when you play real money pokerwith MasterCard deposits. Depositing into accounts at MasterCard poker sites is quick and easy – and secure. It is just like any online purchase.
You simply tap in your card details and the value of your deposit; and, within a few seconds, the funds will be credited to your account.
All the poker sites accepting MasterCard transact deposits over an encrypted connection. There is no risk of your card details being intercepted while you are making a deposit when your connection is encrypted. Some of the sites offer a quick deposit option as well – where your card details are stored on a secure server so that you only have to enter them once and can reload your account with the click of a button.
Your bank or card issuer also provides a certain level of protection against the fraudulent use of your card details – although this is very unlikely to happen at online poker sites that accept MasterCard, because of the negative publicity that would result and the loss of business the site would experience. Basically, you are in safe hands when you play real money poker with MasterCard deposits in the USA.
Poker Sites Where You Can Deposit with MasterCard![]()
MasterCard poker sites offer high acceptance rates and fast processing of your deposits. When you make your first deposit with a MasterCard on a poker site, you will also be able to take advantage of some bankroll-enhancing poker bonuses and some potentially lucrative poker promotions.
The Advantage Mastercard has over Other Payment Options
The advantage Mastercard has over other payment options is convenience. Most players already have a Mastercard-backed bank card and, if not, Mastercard-backed pre-paid cards and gift cards can be purchased at selected stores or online (see below for details). There are usually no fees for loading a Mastercard with funds (if it is not already linked to your bank account) or taking cash out at an ATM.
For players who prefer to keep their poker bankrolls separate from their general funds, Mastercard-backed pre-paid cards and gift cards are an excellent option. They are easy to purchase, manage and reload; plus, if you run out of cash and need to buy something from the corner store in an emergency, you can simply run down there with your pre-paid Mastercard provided you have funds on your card.
Furthermore, because Mastercard-backed pre-paid cards and gift cards are not credit cards, you are less likely to spend more than you can comfortably afford to lose. This is because once your pre-paid Mastercard balance has gone, you have to make a conscious decision to either reload your card or use an alternative funding source to continue playing poker. Whoever would have thought that the historically anti-gambling Mastercard company would be contributing to responsible gambling!
How to Get a Mastercard-Backed Pre-Paid Card
There are two options for getting a Mastercard-backed pre-paid card. You can either visit a store that stocks pre-paid cards or order one online. The advantages of purchasing a pre-paid card from a store are that you can buy it for cash and it is activated immediately. If you order a pre-paid Mastercard online, you can´t use cash and you have to wait for the card to arrive before being able to activate it.
However, although the store option may be more convenient for some people, not all pre-paid cards and gift cards available in stores are suitable for funding an online poker account. This is because some – particularly gift cards – are for domestic use only and won´t be accepted by USA-friendly poker sites that use offshore payment processors. The card has to be capable of making international payments.
Another thing to look out for is whether the terms and conditions of the pre-paid card permit gambling transactions. Some do and some don´t, and it is a lot more convenient to read through the terms and conditions of the card from the comfort of your PC or mobile than it is by the counter of a store. We found several online sources that support international transactions and don´t restrict the card´s use.
How to Make a Deposit at a Poker Site with a Mastercard
Naturally, online poker sites are keen to make it as simple as possible for players to fund their accounts, so the process for making a deposit at a poker site with a Mastercard is really straightforward:
In some circumstances, you will be asked to complete a credit card authorization form before being allowed to play for real money – even if you have deposited using a pre-paid card. Although this can be an inconvenient distraction, the purpose of the credit card authorization form is to verify your ID and protect your account against fraud.
Verifying your ID is a necessary step to complete before you are allowed to withdraw your winnings from any online poker site, so it has to be done at some time, and you might as well get it out of the way sooner rather than later. Imagine the frustration if you enjoy a big win, go to withdraw your funds, and have to temper your excitement while you get the necessary paperwork out of the way.
The Downside of Playing Poker with MasterCard in the US
Unfortunately, there is a downside of playing poker with a Mastercard in the US. Although Mastercard deposits have a high acceptance rate, your deposit is not guaranteed to be accepted. This is not a reflection on your poker site´s credibility, but more to do with your card issuer being nervous about gambling transactions.
In fact, such is the randomness of declined Mastercard poker site deposits that you could have a deposit initially declined and then accepted when you try again thirty minutes later. We believe that the paranoia of card issuers varies according to how much coffee they have drunk, so maybe it is not best to try making a deposit with a Mastercard on a poker site first thing in the morning!
The other downside of playing poker with a Mastercard in the US is that you cannot withdraw your winnings back to your card. This is not a downside that is unique to poker players in the US – poker players from all over the world have to put up with the same inconvenience. When you enjoy a winning session on poker sites that accept Mastercard as a deposit option, you will have to use an alternative withdrawal method such as a check or a wire to your bank.
MasterCard Poker Sites Q&A
Can you play online poker with a MasterCard in the USA?
Absolutely. It is one the best poker deposit options there is because of its speed, cost, and convenience.
What costs are associated with depositing on a poker site with a MasterCard?
The poker site will not charge you anything, but your bank or card issuer might regard your deposit as a “cash advance” and charge you a small percentage of the deposit amount.
What is the minimum I can deposit on a poker site with a MasterCard
Poker sites have different limits for the minimum and maximum amounts you can deposit with a Mastercard. As a guide, the minimum deposit allowed is usually $50.00.
What should I do if my MasterCard poker deposit is declined?
Call the poker site´s customer services department. Most poker sites that accept Mastercard as a deposit option have a toll-free number you can call. The site´s customer service representative will try to process the deposit manually or suggest you use an alternative option.
If you are based in the USA, and you’ve given thought to playing poker online, then you’ll have been met with a brick wall. Unless you happen to reside in a handful of US states, it’s likely that you will have been told that playing poker online the USA is a no-go.
That’s not entirely true, though. There may be a brick wall blocking your path, but that doesn’t mean that this is the only way to get to your destination.
In fact, many hundreds of thousands of Americans find a way to play poker online each year.
Top US Poker Sites for January 2020
Terms and Conditions apply. Must be +18 to participate.
Us Poker Sites Accepting Real Money Free
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The Big Question: Can I Play Online Poker in the USA?
Contents
Online poker wasn’t always taboo in the USA. In fact, it wasn’t until the passing of the UIGEA in 2006 put paid to the US online gambling industry that poker was effectively illegal. Sure, the Federal Wire Act prohibited bank transfers for gambling enterprises, but by and large, all forms of gambling in the country weren’t declared off-limits until 2006.
Even with those gambling laws, players in the USA continued to gamble at online poker sites. In 2011, though, with the Black Friday Scandal linked to PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and other leading poker rooms (which were found guilty of money laundering, amongst other charges) places to play online poker in the USA have been somewhat limited.
It is a tricky spot to be in, but where does that put your average US online poker today?
US Poker Laws, Rules and Regulations
Fortunately, the US Government decided to dial down the heat on online betting a notch a couple of years ago. They effectively gave each US state the right to decide its own online gambling laws (within reason) and this something that several US states have jumped on.
For instance, players based in New Jersey, and Nevada should have relatively few issues playing poker online, as it is legal in those states – under certain circumstances.
These poker sites have far less traffic than your major international poker domains because there is a smaller pool of players playing there. However, these are fully regulated and legal US poker sites, so, if you’re based in
New Jersey or Nevada (or another state where gambling online is considered legal) this is the ideal way to go.
Of course, not every state has legalised gambling online (most haven’t) so bona fide regulated online poker rooms aren’t going to happen for most Americans. You could always decide to play at an offshore poker room, though.
An offshore poker room ideal for American online poker players can best be described as:
Offshore poker rooms may not be 100% legal in the USA, but in many cases, they are considered regulated and legal sites outside of the country. You are still going to want to do your background checking on an offshore poker room, though, and the first thing you’re going to want to do is to make sure that it is licensed.
Obviously, when compared to UK poker laws, and those in operation in most EU countries, the US poker laws are unduly harsh on players. UK players are, by and large, allowed to play at virtually any poker site (including offshore rooms) with an ample number of UK licensed poker sites out there, too, since online poker is legal in the country.
US Poker Licence Authorities
Firstly, there is no such thing as a “poker license”. What you actually have are gambling licenses. In theory, any major gambling jurisdiction outside of the USA which issues licenses is effectively an offshore casino. Some of the larger offshore licensing jurisdictions include the UK Gambling Commission, Malta and Gibraltar. However, the problem with these licensing jurisdictions is that they know that US players are prohibited, so they seldom offer them to offshore sites focusing on players from the USA.
The licensing jurisdictions of Costa Rica, Panama and Curacao are far less picky. For that reason, many of the poker sites which accept US players tend to be licensed out of these jurisdictions. Make no mistake about it, they are not as well regulated as the European ones, but they are still (by and large) safe and secure places to play poker online.
Poker Sites Accepting Us Players
Not all poker licenses are delivered via offshore licensing jurisdictions. In fact, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware and other US states which have decided to permit online gambling in some way, shape or form have also decided to issue their own gambling licenses. To that end, it is not uncommon to find poker rooms in those states licensed by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission or Nevada Gaming Control Board. These, as you can imagine, are totally regulated and represent the safest places to play poker online for US players.
US Tax Policy
Generally, US states have imposed taxes for any gambling games, even though they vary from one state to the other. Keeping records of all transactions should help you immensely.
Popular Poker Games in the USA
Even though the rules regarding US online poker gaming are much harsher than elsewhere in the world, those US players who do decide to gamble online won’t be any worse off in terms of games.
The licensing and regulated US poker rooms out of New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware have the usual array of games, such as:
If you venture out to offshore poker rooms, you will find an even larger selection of poker variants, although these may be unfamiliar to many US poker players.
The online poker rooms in Nevada do tend to offer tournaments which act as satellites to the WSOP (World Series of Poker) competition. Similarly, a handful of Nevada and Delaware poker sites may also be able to provide you with access to these competitions if you win satellites. However, offshore poker rooms seldom offer this. There are plenty of other Sit & Go tournaments, for you to play, though.
It is more challenging for US players to be able to play live dealer and mobile games than their European counterparts. Most US poker rooms are offshore sites, and thus these seldom offer live dealer software, or mobile gameplay.
However, those poker which are licensed in US states should be able to offer you both live dealer and mobile games without too much hassle.
Have a look at Online Poker America’s US section where you can find listing of poker rooms that you might not find it here.
Online Poker US Promos and Bonuses
There should be no issues in terms of collecting bonuses and promotions when playing at US poker sites. The legal ones tend to offer their own bonuses and promos, and admittedly, these are worth far less in value than at offshore poker sites, but there are still welcome bonuses, rake backs, deposit deals and tournaments for you to enjoy. Keep in mind that if you claim a bonus from an offshore poker room when playing poker in the USA, the bonuses are likely to be vast in size, have considerable wagering requirements, and require a promotional bonus code for you to claim them.
Depositing/Withdrawing Options Available To US Players
Players in the US will experience difficulty deposit and withdrawing at US poker sites. That is unavoidable. Whilst the Federal Wire Act issue no longer ties the hands of banks and payment methods to permit players to deposit at US poker rooms, few major banking providers are prepared to dive into a market which is still, by and large, illegal in most US states.
US players can deposit using credit cards, and a handful of wire transfer options, but e-wallets aren’t really on the cards right now. Withdrawals can be a bit of nightmare, too. Many US poker sites charge hefty fees for withdrawals, and the wire transfer/cheque options just aren’t good enough for speedy withdrawals. However, this is again a problem that players at New Jersey, Nevada or Delaware licensed poker rooms aren’t going to have, There are also some sites offering bitcoins, a popular cryptocurrency which also helps players get round depoist/withdrawal issues.
The Future of Online Poker in the USA
When the walls regarding online gambling came down at a federal level, there was light at the end of the tunnel. To date, Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have fully legalised online poker rooms which are licensed out of their states, and a handful of other states (particularly on the Eastern seaboard) are considering similar laws.
One of the main reasons they might do this is the tax. There is a significant amount of revenue to be raised from gambling at poker rooms. Operators must be license fees to the state’s gambling commission, the poker rooms and operators must also pay tax on revenue, and then there is the issue of taxable player winnings. This is a considerable cash cow, and many states are not going to want to miss out on a slice of the pie.
The US has tried (and failed) to blockade offshore poker rooms but to no avail. VPNs, proxies and other means of accessing offshore poker sites have proven popular. In a losing battle, if you can’t beat them, joining them seems to be the next logical step. Of course, we’re a long way from seeing online poker legalised in most US states, and there is unlikely to ever be a federal law which permits gambling at online poker rooms. Gradually, though, the wheels of change are turning.
My Final Thoughts
Yes, playing online poker in the US is a challenge, but it is not an impossible one. Provided they are either living in one of the 3 states to offer licensed poker rooms, or they venture out to an offshore poker room, US players shouldn’t have too much difficult finding games and playing poker online. There are countries who have it better, but there are many which make it far more difficult for their nationals to play poker online.
Top Real Money Poker SitesFAQs On US Online Poker You May Like To Know
The UIGEA was a bill passed way back in 2006 that is called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This was a questionable bill passed by President Bush and it leaves the law to be interpreted by online poker players. It’s amazing that it took five years for the government to shut down the major United States poker sites after passing this bill. Online poker in the United States has been crushed since Black Friday, but when it rebounds it will do so in a big way.
Absolutely. Whilst online poker as a gambling game is technically illegal in 47 out of the 50 states (this number may be changing), playing for free online is totally legal, and it doesn’t constitute gambling. There are numerous sites which can help you out in this department, too.
Real Money Video Poker Sites
There are 9 states in total which are drafting bills or have voted on them. These are Mississippi, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California and New Hampshire.
Real Money Poker Online For Us Player
Nothing will happen. The US does hunt down operators who offer their services to US players (and does only a so-so job at that) but there are no punishments in store for players betting illegally at poker sites. You may have a spot of trouble when it comes to your winnings, though. If you win a lot and don’t declare it as taxable income, that can cause you problems.
Us Poker Sites Accepting Real Money Games
In theory, yes. There are somethings worth mentioning here, though. If you make a flying visit to a casino resort in Nevada, you can play poker online, but only at the casino resort’s webpage, and only whilst on the premises. Once you leave, this becomes impossible. If you are going to be visiting Las Vegas, though, why play poker online when there are perfectly good poker tables downstairs for you to enjoy?
You can’t sign up to a standard Nevada or New Jersey poker room just by flying over the border for a night. You need to be able to prove that you reside in the state long-term. So, this is a bit of a yes and no answer, really.
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