Paypal poker sites are only available to those who live outside the U.S. Like most 
payment processors, Paypal abandoned the U.S. online gambling market when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in 2006. Since then, USA poker players have had to fund their accounts using alternatives, such as eChecks, e-wallet services, and bank transfers.
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The reason a lot of poker fans enjoy using Paypal is because doing so is convenient. Most of us have accounts, and routinely use them to buy books, movies, and hundreds of other products and services. Moving money back and forth between our Paypal accounts and our favorite poker sites was easy and problem-free. For USA poker players, those days are gone (for now).
Below, we’ll quickly explain why Paypal poker sites are no longer open to players in the U.S. We’ll then compare Paypal to the e-wallet services that have since emerged to fill the vacuum. Lastly, we’ll profile two poker sites that accept Paypal for deposits (for non-US players) as well as our favorite online poker rooms.
Why Paypal Poker Sites Have Vanished From The U.S.
By now, you already realize the UIGEA prohibits financial institutions from processing transactions for gambling sites. Some of the best US poker sites still manage to push through credit card deposits for their members. But doing so poses a constant challenge; many of the transactions are rejected.
By the time the U.S. government passed the UIGEA, eBay had already purchased Paypal. While Paypal was a private company, eBay was – and still is – a public company. Thus, their exposure to the legislation was high. They required Paypal to withdraw from the U.S. gambling market.
Paypal Versus E-Wallet Services
When Paypal left the U.S. gambling market, a number of e-wallet services stepped into the gap. These services include eWalletXpress, Moneybookers, Neteller, and Click2Pay (among many others). They are still available today, though a few have left the U.S. market.
A lot of people don’t realize Paypal is essentially an e-wallet service. There is very little difference between your Paypal account and an account at eWalletXpress. (Find out more about eWalleteXpress here.)The main difference is that most online retailers do not currently accept funds from these smaller services. That aside, nearly everything else works in the same manner.
For example, you can transfer funds from your bank account to your e-wallet account; you can move funds between your e-wallet and poker site accounts; and you can transfer funds from your e-wallet balance back to your checking account at your discretion.
If you’re outside the U.S., you can take advantage of the two Paypal poker sites we’ve profiled for you below. If you’re a USA poker player, you can use an e-wallet account at any of our top-rated sites listed further down the page.
Paypal Poker Sites For Non USA Players
Again, the following two poker rooms have closed their doors to USA players. While they do accept Paypal for deposits and withdrawals, you must live outside U.S. shores to take advantage of them.
- 888.com – Formerly known as Pacific Poker, 888.com has been a fixture in the online poker industry for many years. They don’t have the same volume of table traffic enjoyed by the industry’s leviathans, but they do attract a lot of fish. If you’re a reasonably good poker player, you’ll do well. Visit 888.com to grab a 100% bonus match up to $400. You’ll receive 25% of your bonus upfront, giving you a chance to play with their money.
- Party Poker – They were once the kingpin of online poker, but that changed when they left the U.S. market. Today, Party Poker is the 3rd largest poker site in the world. With a strong brand, generous sign-up bonus, and huge tournaments, they’ve been able to maintain their position throughout Europe and the UK. Visit PartyPoker.com to receive a 100% bonus match up to $/£/€100.
Top Online Poker Rooms For USA Players
Despite not being able to use Paypal, US poker players have access to many of the best online poker rooms in the industry. With regard to sign-up bonuses, table traffic, poker software, tournament schedules, and customer support, the following three sites stand apart from the pack.
- Bodog – Bodog.com has earned a reputation for being a professional, high-quality alternative to the largest poker sites. They offer solid table traffic, easy-to-use poker software, a wide game selection, and a busy tournament schedule. They’re also known for their top-notch customer support staff. Use promo code “130347″ to take advantage of a 110% match bonus up to $1,100. You’ll receive 10% of your bonus instantly.
- Poker Stars – They are the dominant force in online poker with nearly twice the table traffic of their closest competitor. PokerStars.com hosts the largest online poker tournaments in the world with guaranteed pots up to $1.5 million each week. You’ll find a huge game selection, simple and engaging software, and plenty of fish at the low stakes. Use marketing code “kickasspoker.com” and bonus code “stars600″ to claim a 100% match up to $600.
Each of the sites profiled above offer multiple deposit methods to make getting started as simple as possible. If you’re unable to use Paypal to fund your poker accounts, you’ll have many other options at your disposal.
Play Poker Online Now - Top USA OK Poker Sites
- BetOnline Poker is US Friendly, Takes Credit Cards, Plenty Of Fish
- Bovada Poker - Bovada offers Poker, Casino & Sports! The 'new bodog poker'.
- Sportsbook Poker - Fish at the poker tables + live dealer casino games.
