Poker Room Virginia

1. Poker Room Virginia Beach
2. Beach Poker Room Virginia Beach
3. Poker Room Virginia
4. Casino Poker Rooms Open
5. Are Any Poker Rooms Open

In order to understand gambling law in Virginia, we must first look to how they define illegal gambling, which is as follows:

““Illegal gambling” means the making, placing or receipt of any bet or wager in the Commonwealth of money or other thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest or event occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth.” (1)

A poker event is public after the jurisdiction in Virginia Virginia, if 'it is made outwardly recognizably accessible to a not firmly closed circle of acquaintances'. An example of this is the poker for substantial amounts of money in Virginia Beach's bars, which usually anyone can access. Poker Rooms Near Virginia Beach on Poker Rooms Near Virginia Beach the outside. Internet gambling websites have created a thrilling experience which makes playing at home such a joy with live casinos and 3D casino Poker Rooms Near Virginia Beach games. Playing online allows you to choose from a bigger selection of the best casino Poker Rooms.

So this is a very encompassing definition, as all gambling involves betting on outcomes that are uncertain, including poker. They also mention that being dependent on a matter of chance, but this isn’t even needed, we may wonder what matter of chance means here but we need not wonder what the outcome being uncertain means, this is an all-inclusive definition which would make any form of gambling illegal.

They even go as far as to state that it is of no consequence where the game or event is hosted, meaning that it may be hosted in another country as online poker is, but if the betting itself occurred in Virginia, and that requirement can merely be assumed since they don’t have jurisdiction if the entire process occurred outside the state, then such betting is illegal regardless.

Virginia City, Nevada: Casino hotels and gambling information regarding the latest casino news, poker tournaments, slot machine information, pari-mutuel (dogs & horses), to name a few subjects. Vital information and pictures of most casinos in Virginia City. Home games are legal under Virginia Code S.18.2-334, and some poker rooms operated in the state until very recently. But when a high-profile case in Portsmouth was brought to the Virginia Supreme Court on whether poker contravened with the illegal gambling laws, the Court decided not to rule.

So with that in place, the penalty for illegal gambling is set at a Class 3 misdemeanor, other than certain forms of unauthorized horse race betting which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. (2).

Home Games And Internet Poker

There are exceptions set out though where certain types of gambling is excluded from the definition of illegal gambling, which includes getting paid variable amounts depending on your finish in sporting events, charitable bingo or raffles, playing the state lottery, authorized pari-mutuel wagering, and most notably to poker, gambling in private residences:

“Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator as defined in subsection 4 of S. 28-2-325.” (3)

“Operator” here is defined as “any person, firm or association of persons, who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs or owns all or part of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation. (4)

So home games which aren’t being run for a profit would be legal, but w hat about playing poker on the internet in a private residence? First of all, like all forms of gambling, this is going to be included in the general definition of illegal gambling, as would home games for that matter if not for the exception provided above.

Playing online poker generally takes place in a private setting, in a private residence, so that part matches. It isn’t clear on what is meant by “commonly used,” and while it may be that playing poker online would probably involve it being more commonly used for gambling than the occasional social game, the intention here is probably to not exclude residences which are themselves used as gambling venues by operators.

However, the last part would indeed seem to exclude online poker, as there clearly is an operator involved as set out in the definition, and that would be the online poker operator, and remember that it doesn’t matter that the location of the game may be seen as outside the state, as it would be in this case.

So when we take all of this into account, it would at least not seem to be legal to play online poker in Virginia, although it is true that this is less cut and dry as it is in other states, where we can usually say that it is or isn’t with a pretty high degree of certainty. It appears to be illegal here but we can’t be certain since we don’t know if the courts will interpret the spirit of this exception as intending not to prosecute private individuals gambling in their own home and therefore finding that this is close enough to the exception stated to permit it.

Playing Poker In Virginia

Aside from home games, there is nowhere else in Virginia that you can play poker legally, as they have no card games or casinos, not even tribal casinos or offshore cruise ships sailing from their ports that you can gamble on.

So people in Virginia who wish to gamble at gambling establishments either have to travel to a casino or card room located in another state, or gamble online. Whether or not it is illegal to play online poker in Virginia, no one seems to care and no one is being charged with any crimes for doing so, and as is always the case, due to the nature of this gambling occurring purely in private, it would be extraordinarily difficult to prosecute, which is the main reason why this has never happened in the entire country, even in states where it is explicitly illegal beyond question.

Online Poker for Virginia Citizens

So people in Virginia continue to play online poker in spite of the fact that most online poker sites have chosen to no longer accept Americans. There are still a few that do, and a few that still accept players from Virginia as well. So here’s our top recommendations for online poker in Virginia:

Ignition Poker heads our list of Virginia-friendly online poker rooms, and have been a long time favorite of Americans in general. This is mainly because the site is formerly Bovada Poker, whose software was acquired and re-branded by Ignition Poker. There are several states that Ignition Poker has chosen to no longer serve, and they are probably the most conservative of the online poker sites out there still offering play to U.S. residents, but they have no problem at all with Virginia residents.

Poker Room Virginia Beach

Ignition Poker and Casino offers new players a FREE $5 casino chip and a 100% bonus up to $1,000 should you decide to play for real money. I love that they still have anonymous poker tables, Zone Poker and the best cash games in the industry today despite being relatively new to the industry. Get your account today!

Our “honorable mention” goes to America’s Cardroom is another excellent choice for people from Virginia looking to get back into online poker or to check it out for the first time. Both of these online poker rooms are of high quality and both offer generous welcome bonuses to first time depositors.

References:

(1) Code of Virginia, 18-2-325, Definitions

(2) Code of Virginia, 18-2-326, Penalty for illegal gambling

(3) Code of Virginia, 18-2-334, Exception to article: private residences

(4) Code of Virginia, 18-2-325, Definitions

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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.

Does Virginia Have Legal Land-Based Poker?

Beach Poker Room Virginia Beach

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

Poker Room Virginia

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.

Casino Poker Rooms Open

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.

Are Any Poker Rooms Open

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.