Both live poker and online poker are among the most popular games found in land-based and online casinos today. But are they really legal in the state of Vermont? This is one of the most frequently asked questions as far as gambling in Vermont State is concerned. In this article, we discuss the history of poker, online poker sites, and the legality of poker in Vermont.
The History of Poker in Vermont
The game of poker has evolved into the game we know today over many centuries. Poker is believed to have originated from France around the 1400s, where it was referred to as Poque. It was played with a 52-card deck just as poker is played today. However, some also attribute the origin of the game to the Song Dynasty of 10th century China.
It wasn’t until the early 1800s when the game was introduced in America. Poker was imported to New Orleans by French traders and soldiers. By the 19th Century, the poker game had spread through America, and it became a popular game in saloons. It is believed that the Civil War also played a role in spreading the game, as soldiers would play it during their free time in the camp.
Poker continued to gain massive popularity, capturing the interests of many. This massive popularity led to the launch of the first online poker room in 1998. Even though the internet was quite slow back in the days, and there were plenty of connection problems and technical issues, this was a significant milestone nevertheless. Today, poker is one of the most popular games offered by both land-based and online casinos.
The legality of Online Poker in the State of Vermont
Currently, Vermont residents lack legal ways to play poker at land-based casinos for real money. The state does not have any casinos with live poker rooms, meaning there are no licensed and regulated environments for poker gaming. However, Vermont’s gambling laws allow for some forms of charity gambling, like charity poker tournaments.
As far as online poker is concerned, no one has ever been prosecuted for playing online poker for money in Vermont. Additionally, online poker rooms that accept players from most states have no issue with Vermonters playing on their sites. That means players from Vermont have many options available for them.
3 Top Online Poker Sites in Vermont
Of course, state laws have various penalties for operators who conduct unlawful gambling. Online poker sites that offer their services in Vermont are located overseas, so they are out of the state’s jurisdictional reach. Here are three popular online poker sites that Vermont residents can play at:
1. Bovada
Bovada Poker is among the most popular poker sites in the US. It has good software, plenty of games, and fast banking. This site is ideal for players who want to play real-money poker online. Players can receive their money within 3-4 days after making a withdrawal. Bovada is known to be one of the most secure poker sites in the world.
2. Sportsbetting.ag
This is a legit site for poker players. What makes it even better is the fact that it resembles Sportsbetting, so players can feel safe when playing there. They have plenty of products that players can choose from, including casino, racing, and sports. Players can make deposits using Visa, bank wires, checks, and money orders, and can deposit up to $25,000. This site is also very secure, and it accepts players from all 50 states.
3. BetOnline
BetOnline is also a legit poker site for American players. It’s been operating for the last 20 years, making it a reliable and secure site. Players can deposit up to $2500 using Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders, Neteller, Cryptocurrency, and Checks. Players can also access their money within four days of withdrawing their money.
Payment Options for Poker Players in Vermont
There are plenty of payment methods that poker players in Vermont can use to make deposits or withdrawals. Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Visa
Visa cards are the most popular type of credit or debit cards poker players can use in Vermont. Visa is one the most accepted payment methods, and it is available in more than 200 countries.
2. MasterCard
This payment method is also quite popular across the globe. It is simple, quick, and secure. If you are making your first withdrawal, you may have to submit evidence of your identification.
3. Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a digital currency that’s gaining massive popularity. It’s also another payment method that Vermont poker players can use to make deposits or withdrawals. It offers great features such as reasonable fees, safe security protocols, and anonymity. It is also easy to use, especially for US citizens.
4. Bankwire (wire transfer)
Poker players in Vermont can also make deposits and withdrawals via wire transfer from their bank accounts. This method is perfect for players who want to make large deposits or withdrawals.
What’s in store for poker and online poker in Vermont?
Honestly, we’re not sure though! However, there is a pending bill, known as S. 213 Bill, which was introduced in January by Senator Richard Sears. This bill seeks to legalize sports betting in Vermont. If it becomes a law, then it could be a significant step in legalizing online poker.
Additionally, if the states surrounding Vermont State decide to regulate online gambling, Vermont could also change its mind regarding online betting. This is because most of its citizens will flock to those particular states, causing Vermont to lose out on millions of dollars in revenue.