Legal Poker For Virginia Residents
Poker is a favorite pastime of gamers from all across America—including many gamers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Popular though it is, the legality of poker has long been a topic of some misapprehension and misunderstanding. Are there any legal Virginia poker opportunities—or is gambling of all forms outlawed in the state? This is a more complex and involved question than you might imagine, as it involves a discussion of private poker games, casino gaming, and, of course, online poker. On top of that, any discussion of legal Virginia poker must also include a few words about that which is expressly forbidden by the law, and that which is, if not outright condoned, then at the very least safe and secure.
This page will seek to address all of these topics in more detail. Established as an educational resource for Virginia card players, the page will consider the state’s poker laws, as well as specific regulations about land-based and online poker. The page will seek to provide an earnest and accurate overview of the opportunities that exist for safe Virginia poker playing.
Virginia Poker Laws & Statutes
First, we will address some of the state’s specific laws and regulations regarding poker. Virginia is, in many regards, is player-friendly for poker. Even in the earliest months of 2013, there were ongoing legal discussions on the topic of how and when players can avail themselves of this beloved card game.
Virginia’s state constitution—section 18.2-334—notes that poker is fully legal in private homes, which means that those who wish to play friendly, small-scale games of poker are permitted to do so. Additionally, many have argued that even poker tournaments should be legal, as they constitute games of skill as opposed to games of chance; currently, Virginia’s courts are debating this very topic.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Virginia?
Speaking of online poker, many Virginia residents will want to know whether this is actually a legal and safe activity. The answer is a mixed bag. As for whether it is legal, the short answer is that online poker is not expressly condoned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, Nevada is currently the only state that expressly approves of online poker at the moment, however other states have already made plans to join the growing trend.
With that said, online poker is safe for Virginia poker players The laws criminalizing online gaming place the legal burden on the operators of online gaming sites, not on players themselves. As such, Virginia gamblers are able to play without the risk of legal peril.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Virginia?
All of these legal complexities aside, the direct question that many Virginia gamers ask is this: Will they get into trouble for playing at these online poker sites? The answer is that no, they will not. Online poker may not be legal in the strictest sense, but it is safe, and Virginia players can enjoy online poker without the fear of legal penalties.
Again, it all comes down to the fact that the laws in Virginia criminalize the ownership and operation of online gaming sites. The laws do not expressly condemn those who simply play on these sites. Legal liability is never with the players at an online gaming site, then—something that ought give peace of mind to poker enthusiasts in Virginia.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Virginia Players
Many Virginia residents are fascinated with the idea of legal online poker without actually possessing the knowledge to turn that curiosity into experience, or really, any money. Luckily, this page is here to provide guidance to players of all skill levels that they may join the thousands of Virginia residents who play online poker for fun and profit every day.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Virginia
Players from Virginia should always start with the best no matter what the case may be, and in the case of legal poker rooms, Bovada is the best. Maybe it’s the 20 years that Bovada has been in service that is unmatched in the legal online gambling industry, but Bovada seems to carry themselves with a certain air of class lacking from other legal poker sites. It could be the intuitive software of the 24 hour customer service, but when a prospective client signs on with Bovada, something just feels right.
One thing that certainly helps that “right” feeling is the particular care this legal online poker room for Virginia residents takes to ensure that all players have a fair shot at the pot. With multiple tables for multiple skill levels available at all time, it’s easy to simply plug in to Bovada poker and begin playing. Features like anonymous play help to eliminate predatory actions on weaker players, and the tables are all policed by an alert Bovada staff. Even if you’re new to online poker, it’s OK to bet with confidence.
BetOnline Poker - All Virginia Players 18+ Welcome Here
For Virginia residents looking for a legal poker site that will put their needs first, they just may find an acceptable home with one of the world’s fastest growing online poker rooms with BetOnline. Through a membership with this delightful legal online poker room, players are given the keys to the kingdom when it comes to how they want to play poker, be it a high stakes tournament of Texas Hold ‘Em or a couple quick hands of five card stud, BetOnline has its users covered.
In addition to offering some of the best and most comprehensive poker software available, BetOnline is simply chomping at the bit for Virginia residents to use it, and they’re not afraid to entice new clients with great deals. When new users start an account with BetOnline, they are able to play with not only the money they include with their initial deposit, but up to 200% of that initial deposit in bonuses that are awarded over time. What is the determination for how much is awarded? Only how much poker is played, win or lose. How many businesses offer free money for simply using their product? There is at least one.
| Legal Virginia Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Virginia Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
All of this boils down to the simple, pointed question: Is it actually legal to play poker in Virginia? Again, the answer is somewhat dependent on the kind of poker game you have in mind. Home poker games are certainly approved by Virginia’s laws, and will lead to no legal trouble. Poker tournaments—live, land-based games—are trickier, and not without their potential for legal risk, but Virginia’s laws seem to be leaning ever-closer to showing some leniency on these types of games. As for casino poker games, Virginia gamblers are largely out of luck, though online poker remains a very viable option for the state’s residents and visitors.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Virginia Players
In fact, online poker rooms represent the only real venues for Virginia residents who wish to play poker, outside of private, home games. Poker gaming in casinos or other approved venues is more or less non-existent in Virginia, at this time. Those who live in the state and wish to visit a live poker room are best off by travelling to Atlantic City—or, by simply logging onto an online poker site.
And there are surely many online poker sites that are ready and willing to embrace Virginia residents. These include many offshore poker sites, including those that are licensed and fully reputable. Once more, these are venues where Virginia natives can play poker without having to worry about trouble with the law.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Virginia
In March 2013, a case was brought before the Supreme Court in which a man was charged with illegal gambling in the State of Virginia. Though the court eventually penalized him, it was not without heated discussion about whether poker constitutes a game of chance or of skill—and in the end, a door was left open for laxer understandings of Virginia gaming laws, down the road. As such, many Virginia gamblers are hopeful that a day is coming soon on which Virginia residents will find plentiful options for poker games that are both safe and legal.
For now, Virginia residents can take great comfort in knowing that online poker is very much an option—not necessarily condoned by the state, but certainly safe, secure, and without any real legal risk. Online poker is, in many ways, the future of gambling, with more and more gamers favoring it over live games, and more and more states looking to legalize and regulate it. As such, those who live in Virginia and love to play poker can feel confident as they seek out games at reputable online poker sites.
