THE "POKER BLACKOUT"

By now you've probably heard about Harry Reid's proposal to regulate online poker in the United States. Reid's bill would create a so-called "blackout" by making it explicitly illegal to run a US-facing poker room without a license and preventing anyone from applying for a license for a period of up to 15 months.

Reid's bill looks to be dead - for now - but he and his backers at Harrah's, MGM and the other major casinos have made it clear that when online poker is regulated in the US, poker players are going to be shut out for some period of time.

Where will poker players stand during a blackout? Major rooms such as PokerStars and Full Tilt have indicated they would exit the US market if a bill like Reid's passed - and make no mistake, Reid's bill will pass at some point, as major players such as Harrah's, MGM and the AGA have made it clear that it represents their view of the future of online poker.

What rooms, if any, will continue to serve US players? We have listed the rooms most commonly cited as places where US citizens will be able to continue to exercise their right to spend their money how they see fit

Please be sure to consult your local laws before player poker online, and to educate yourself on attempts to regulate online poker such as Reid's - your ability to continue to play depends on it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Give yourself options. Keeping all of your play at one site in an uncertain climate is a recipe for annoyance at best and disaster at worst.

There's no guarantees when it comes to the future of online poker in the US - that's about the only thing players can know for sure. Don't let yourself be trapped by the whim of one room - making accounts at a variety of rooms ensures you'll have the best shot at continuing to earn your living - or just pursue your pastime - should rooms such as PokerStars and Full Tilt decide to exit the US market.

RESOURCES

• The Poker Player's Alliance

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