Real money online poker is legal and available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan and Delaware. It's also legal in Connecticut and West Virginia, but yet to go live there. The top NJ online casinos and Pennsylvania sites are the leaders in online poker.
Illegal gaming is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up toR$1000. Though gambling becomes a crime whenever there is a bank or house that collects funds or takes a rake. All gaming participants face being arrested, including players, dealers, and hosts.