In Israel, there has been a lot of confusion and controversy surrounding the legality of online poker. Many are left wondering whether online poker is banned in Israel or not. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
While the Israeli government has taken measures to restrict online gambling, including poker, there are still ways for players to access poker sites and participate in games. In this guide, we will delve into the truth behind online poker in Israel, exploring the laws, regulations, and loopholes that exist in the country.
So, whether you’re a seasoned poker player or just curious about the situation in Israel, read on to find out more about the complex world of online poker in the country.
Playing poker from Israel – legal or not?
The legality of online poker in Israel is a complex issue. In theory, online gambling is illegal in Israel, including online poker. Here the Israeli government has passed strict laws to prevent online gambling and has even prosecuted individuals who have been caught playing online poker. However, despite these laws, many people in Israel still play online poker.
So, is playing online poker from Israel legal or not? The answer is not straightforward. While online gambling is technically illegal in Israel, the government has not taken any steps to prosecute individual players. Instead, the government has focused on shutting down illegal online gambling operators.
As a result, many people in Israel continue to play online poker without any legal consequences. It’s important to note that not all online poker sites accept players from Israel. Some major poker sites do not accept players from Israel due to the uncertain legal situation in the country. But there are still online poker sites available, both local and international.
The history of the ban on online poker in Israel
The Israeli government’s stance on online gambling, including poker, has been strict for many years. In 2005, the Israeli parliament passed the Israeli Penal Law, which criminalized online gambling, including poker. This law made it illegal to operate an online gambling site or to participate in online gambling activities.
The government’s position on online gambling was strengthened in 2017, when a new law was passed that increased the penalties for illegal online gambling. This law made it a criminal offense to operate an online gambling site or to participate in online gambling activities. Penalties for violating the law include heavy fines and even imprisonment.
Despite the government’s efforts to crackdown on online gambling in Israel, the practice continues to thrive. Many people in Israel continue to play online poker, often through underground channels. In some ways it is similar to the online poker situation in India.
The impact of the ban on online poker players in Israel
The ban on online poker and other forms of online gambling has had a significant impact on players in Israel. Many players have had to resort to playing underground games, which are often risky and unregulated. These games are typically organized through social media groups, and players usually have to pay a fee to participate.
With the underground nature of these games it means that players are at risk of being scammed or robbed. There have been several reported instances of players being cheated out of their money by organizers of these games.
Despite these risks, many players in Israel participate in underground online poker games, as they are the only way to play online poker in the country. There has been a crack down on these underground games, but they continue to thrive. The government has blocked access to several social media groups which organize these games, but new groups continue to pop up.
The ban on online poker has also made it difficult for players to participate in international tournaments. Many of the top poker tournaments take place online, and Israeli players are often unable to participate due to restrictions on online gambling.
Which are the banned poker states in Israel?
There are no specific states in Israel that ban poker. Online poker is technically illegal in the entire country of Israel, but the government has not taken any steps to prosecute individual players. However, some online poker sites do not accept players from Israel due to the uncertain legal situation in the country.
It’s important to note that the situation regarding online poker in Israel is constantly changing. The government has been known to crack down on online gambling, and it’s possible that the situation could change in the future.
The best legitimate international websites for poker players in Israel
If you reside in Israel and want to play online poker using an international website then there are a lot of sites that you can choose from. Not all of these sites will be reputable and some may even try to steal your money. Our team of exerts have tested many of these poker sites and thoroughly checked them.
There are 3 sites that have passed all of our checks – these are Betonline Poker, SwC Poker, and ConPoker. You can use any one of these legitimate poker sites and be confident that they are fair and honest. Here is why we recommend these 3 sites:
Betonline Poker
The bottom line is that Betonline Poker has been around for many years and it has a legitimate operating license from a well-known gambling authority. Betonline Poker has a very strong reputation with players from across the globe which it has developed over the years that it has been operational.
This online poker site has an intuitive interface and you can access it no matter what your preferred device is. Using a browser, you can access Betonline Poker using a mobile device like an Android or iOS smart phone or tablet. If you have a laptop or desktop computer with either Windows or MacOS then you will have no problem laying at Betonline Poker.
Does Betonline Poker accept cryptocurrency?
Yes, Betonline Poker accepts cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals. This means that all transactions at Betonline Poker are normally very fast and efficient. With no verification process you can play anonymously and not have to provide proof about who you are and where you live.
Betonline Poker has many cash games available with different limits so you can choose the games that best suit you. The same goes for tournaments. If you like Texas Hold’em then this is available as are Omaha and Stud poker games.
SwC Poker
In 2015 the first cryptocurrency online poker website was launched and it was called SwC Poker. Since the site launched it has made its players the priority and has built a good reputation with them. SwC Poker is a legitimate poker website that has a valid operating license from a recognized gaming authority.
One of the best things about SwC Poker is that it has low rakes for both cash games and tournament games. It is a high traffic site and there are Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Stud, and more games to choose from with different limits.
Does SwC Poker have good benefits?
Yes, there are several benefits to playing at SwC Poker. Whether you have an Apple iOS or Android smart phone or tablet you can easily access the site. Of course, the same goes for computer users that have either Windows or MacOS devices.
SwC Poker is famous for its high rakebacks. These can be as high as 50% in some cases. There is a Bad Beats jackpot that you can play for and every day there are several freerolls available. A generous loyalty program rewards players that are active on the platform.
CoinPoker
Another legitimate online poker site that we recommend is CoinPoker. This is a play-to-earn crypto site. With an operating license from the Curacao Gaming Authority, it is a poker site that you can trust. They have developed a good reputation with their players since launching in 2017.
The CoinPoker platform operates on the Ethereum blockchain network. You can use major cryptocurrencies such as USDT, Bitcoin, and Ethereum to make your deposits and withdrawals. It is easy to register at CoinPoker and you can play anonymously as there is no identity verification process.
How does CoinPoker ensure fair play?
Players from Israel like CoinPoker because it has provably fair play. For every deal a random number generator (RNG) is used that can be verified by anyone using the right software. This poker site is very easy to navigate around due to its minimalist design.
Regular players at CoinPoker are rewarded well via the generous loyalty program. CoinPoker also has high rakebacks and there are numerous freerolls available each day. All of your favorite poker games are available and there are plenty of cash games and tournaments.
GGPoker is a reputable online poker site but Israel are on their list of restricted countries.
Factors to consider before signing up for online poker in Israel
If you’re considering playing online poker in Israel, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that online gambling is technically illegal in Israel, and there is a risk of legal consequences.
Secondly, it’s important to choose a reputable online poker site. While there are many online poker sites available to Israeli players, not all of them are trustworthy. It’s important to do your research and choose a site that is licensed and regulated.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with underground online poker games. These games are often unregulated and risky, and players are at risk of being scammed or robbed.
Final words
The legality of online poker in Israel is a complex issue. While the Israeli government has taken measures to restrict online gambling, including poker, there are still ways for players to access poker sites and participate in games.
The ban on online poker has led to the rise of underground online poker games, which are often unregulated and risky. Despite this, many people in Israel continue to play online poker, and there is hope that the government will eventually legalize the practice.
If you’re considering playing online poker in Israel, it’s important to be aware of the risks and to choose a reputable international site.
FAQs
No, online poker is technically illegal in Israel, but the government has not taken any steps to prosecute individual players.
Israeli players are often unable to participate in international poker tournaments due to restrictions on online gambling.
Yes, there are many reputable online poker sites available to Israeli players, both local and international.
The risks associated with underground online poker games include being scammed or robbed, and there is no guarantee that the games are fair.
