US Poker Sites: Funding Options to Consider
Poker is a blast, as evidenced by the Friday night poker games in living rooms across the U.S. But some players want either larger stakes or expand the competition, and so turn to online poker games. In 2006, with the advent of the UIEGA, US poker players have had to be creative about funding their accounts at their favorite poker sites. Then, in 2011, US law enforcement indicted the principals in several US poker sites on charges that included money laundering. US poker enthusiasts then faced even more challenges. Many payment processors stopped servicing the US. Others, which had counted on US poker sites for most of their business, went out of business entirely. Luckily for those who love to play poker, there are still US player poker rooms and ways to get funds to your favorite US poker sites.
Credit Cards
MasterCard and Visa may be the most convenient way to make most payments online, but when it comes to funding your poker account, they're the least likely option. In many cases, you won't be able to use a standard credit card for playing online poker. However, if you research websites that offer US poker site reviews, you may find that there are exceptions.
Prepaid Gift Cards
Prepaid Visa gift cards are an option that works on some websites. Because the cards are prepaid, some sites will accept deposits through them. Many websites change their payment policies based on new information and events, so do your research on websites that offer US poker site reviews before you make that commitment.
eChecks
Many online US poker sites will accept direct bank payments via authorized bank withdrawals. In order to use this option, you'll have to provide your bank account number, routing number and any other details. Generally, if you fund your account with an eCheck or electronic withdrawal, your money won't actually be available for at least two days. In most cases, you'll be able to play but won't be allowed to withdraw money until your eCheck transaction is complete.
Telegram/MoneyGram
The famous telegram company or MoneyGram are a good route to go in making deposits. In order to use those options, you'll either need an account on their websites, or you'll have to go out to a store or other location that allows you to send money via telegram or MoneyGram. Be aware that both of these are fairly expensive options, with fees ranging as high as 10 percent of the money you're transferring. Some player sites will refund the transfer fee to you if you deposit more than a stated minimum.
Money Orders/Paper Checks
Most poker sites will also accept deposits to fund your account via a money order or paper check sent through snail mail to their physical address. This is generally the least convenient option, and deposits can take a week to 10 days to show up on your account.
While UIEGA has made it more difficult for US players - particularly those in specific states with stricter regulations - to enjoy their favorite card game online, there are still many sites that happily accept US players. Just make sure to do your research and only use funding methods you trust.
Credit Cards
MasterCard and Visa may be the most convenient way to make most payments online, but when it comes to funding your poker account, they're the least likely option. In many cases, you won't be able to use a standard credit card for playing online poker. However, if you research websites that offer US poker site reviews, you may find that there are exceptions.
Prepaid Gift Cards
Prepaid Visa gift cards are an option that works on some websites. Because the cards are prepaid, some sites will accept deposits through them. Many websites change their payment policies based on new information and events, so do your research on websites that offer US poker site reviews before you make that commitment.
eChecks
Many online US poker sites will accept direct bank payments via authorized bank withdrawals. In order to use this option, you'll have to provide your bank account number, routing number and any other details. Generally, if you fund your account with an eCheck or electronic withdrawal, your money won't actually be available for at least two days. In most cases, you'll be able to play but won't be allowed to withdraw money until your eCheck transaction is complete.
Telegram/MoneyGram
The famous telegram company or MoneyGram are a good route to go in making deposits. In order to use those options, you'll either need an account on their websites, or you'll have to go out to a store or other location that allows you to send money via telegram or MoneyGram. Be aware that both of these are fairly expensive options, with fees ranging as high as 10 percent of the money you're transferring. Some player sites will refund the transfer fee to you if you deposit more than a stated minimum.
Money Orders/Paper Checks
Most poker sites will also accept deposits to fund your account via a money order or paper check sent through snail mail to their physical address. This is generally the least convenient option, and deposits can take a week to 10 days to show up on your account.
While UIEGA has made it more difficult for US players - particularly those in specific states with stricter regulations - to enjoy their favorite card game online, there are still many sites that happily accept US players. Just make sure to do your research and only use funding methods you trust.
Source...