The UIGEA - Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), was signed into law by President Bush on October 13th, 2006. This law makes it illegal for gambling websites to accept moneis or wagers from anywhere within the United States if the underlying gambling activity violates existing federal, state or tribal laws. This law does not deem the player to be legally liable, but makes hold the online gambling site responsible for accepting funds or wagers associated with illegal Internet gambling.

As a United States poker player, you are not violating the UIGEA or any other federal law by playing poker online, however, you may be violating state or tribal law depending on the laws of the state or Native American Reservation where you are located. It is soley the player's responsibility to determine the legality of playing Internet poker under the law where he is located.