Is it legal for somebody in the US to create and host a bitcoin poker site?

[algorithm]

Like the topic asks, is it legal, or illegal? I'm surprised the sites available now are the quality that they are, same with the size. Just curious where the law stands when it comes to things like this, as far as licensing and such.

[coinableS]

I'm going to say no, unless you are in vegas and all your visitors are in vegas.
The big bitcoin gambling sites out there, I assume, are not hosted in the US. If not they are asking for trouble.

[asuryan180]

Like the topic asks, is it legal, or illegal? I'm surprised the sites available now are the quality that are, same with the size. Just curious where the law stands when it comes to things like this, as far as licensing and such.

It is both legal and illegal and all comes down to where you are located in the US because the law varies so much state to state so what might be ok for you in one and me in another state am breaking the law. Add it being bitcoin poker and sure it gets even more complicated.

 I do know of only a couple of sites that have a licence and that is PM vegas poker and BetVip poker although i don't know where the latter is based and i am sure others also have a licence just not played there or researched enough.

At a guess i would say most are are unlicensed but still not sure if that is illegal   If you are thinking of starting a gambling site i would contact a lawyer to be on the safe side.

[maku]

Like the topic asks, is it legal, or illegal? I'm surprised the sites available now are the quality that are, same with the size. Just curious where the law stands when it comes to things like this, as far as licensing and such.

It is both legal and illegal and all comes down to where you are located in the US because the law varies so much state to state so what might be ok for you in one and me in another state am breaking the law. Add it being bitcoin poker and sure it gets even more complicated.

 I do know of only a couple of sites that have a licence and that is PM vegas poker and BetVip poker although i don't know where the latter is based and i am sure others also have a licence just not played there or researched enough.

At a guess i would say most are are unlicensed but still not sure if that is illegal   If you are thinking of starting a gambling site i would contact a lawyer to be on the safe side.

It is insane disproportion of law. To think that something is perfectly fine in one place when not far away across state border you will be prosecuted for doing the same thing! Insane idiocracy. That is the reason most of bitcoin gambling sites are registered in so called safe havens locations. If you want to start bitcoin related casino or gambling in general you would better register your business in Bermudas, Cayman Islands or Jersey.

[umairsaleem]

I'm going to say no, unless you are in vegas and all your visitors are in vegas.
The big bitcoin gambling sites out there, I assume, are not hosted in the US. If not they are asking for trouble.

But big gambling sites like PD isn't blocked in US, visitors from US can get access to the sites except Luckbit. It seems there are different law for different gambling online site.

OP, why not ask your lawyer first?

[jjacob]

Like the topic asks, is it legal, or illegal? I'm surprised the sites available now are the quality that are, same with the size. Just curious where the law stands when it comes to things like this, as far as licensing and such.

There was a crackdown on online poker sites in 2011, in which 3 of the biggest sites were taken down.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704628404576265060852516194
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unlawful_Internet_Gambling_Enforcement_Act_of_2006

Apparently, sites still dont feel safe.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/03/bitcoin-poker-exec-i-was-led-out-in-handcuffs-in-my-underwear/
SealsWithClubs.eu, which bills itself as the world’s largest Bitcoin-based poker site, is in the process of issuing withdrawals to all players, shutting down US operations, and setting up shop in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda under a new name.

The relocation comes in the wake of a recent raid on the Las Vegas home of the site's chairman, Bryon Micon.