Regulated US Poker Websites Accepting Skrill
Skrill is an e-commerce business and an online wallet (electronic wallet, e-wallet) that is generally used for online gambling transactions and is ONLY AVAILABLE IN DELAWARE, NEVADA, and NEW JERSEY at sites such as Borgata or the WSOP. Skrill was previously known as MoneyBookers before a rebranding in 2011 to Skrill. It is not allowed at any offshore poker sites if you are from the USA.
Skrill has over 36 million accounts in over 200 countries around the world. They trade in over 40 different currencies, including the United States Dollar. Unfortunately due to legal constrictions Skrill for USA poker sites don’t exist except for three (3) states. We recommend checking out our credit card depositing options if you are outside of those states for safe sites to bet at.
Skrill’s chief competitor is Neteller, another e-wallet that mainly processes gambling transactions. They are currently second in global gaming transactions to their main competition.
USA Market History
Skrill initially opened their virtual doors in 2001, a few years before the “Poker Boom.” They immediately become a top payment option along with Neteller. The company was registered as “MoneyBookers Limited” and was based in the United Kingdom.
They took US residents immediately and became a major player in online poker payment processing. They enjoyed several years of prosperity but ran into issues after the US government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006.
The regulations weren’t finalized till several years later, but they forced Neteller out of the market after their founders were arrested [A]. Skrill would soon follow in their footsteps.
At first, they restricted accounts from US residents. The rules were that US-based accounts could not receive funds from international accounts. This didn’t help the processing situation with offshore sites, and it effected Skrill’s viability for Americans.
In 2008, Skrill stopped discontinued support for all accounts with US-based addresses.
Other Recommended Banking Options
Return to US Markets
After online gambling had been legalized in New Jersey, Skrill made their long awaited return to US gambling markets. After receiving a license to operate [B] in the state from NJ Division of Gaming, Skrill started accepting customers in the Garden State in early 2014. They also were approved in Nevada and Delaware.
It’s important that players remember that Skrill is only available to residents in those three states. If you’re playing on offshore sites, it is not going to be available as an option for depositing and withdrawing funds. This is due to UIGEA regulations, as written above. However, it may be listed as a deposit option for international players.
Using Skrill
Skrill is an online wallet, or electronic wallet (e-wallet). The best way to think about Skrill is to consider it an online bank account. Users that sign up will be required to offer personal information, such as their name, address, and various financial information, such as a credit or debit card, and bank account.
Depositing is done by using a bank account, or credit or debit card. Once your card or bank account is verified, depositing can be done instantly. Deposits are free of charge.
Sending money to merchants (online poker rooms) is also free of charge. Most sites will also cover the fees when withdrawing to Skrill, but this isn’t always the case. Sending money to other individuals on Skrill comes with a 1 percent fee, but the charge is capped at $10.
Withdrawing back to your bank account or card is the only time players should have to pay a fee when using Skrill. Withdrawing to primary bank accounts cost just $4.99 per transaction. Withdrawals back to your bank account or debit card typically take 2-5 days to process. Speeds can vary depending on your bank as well.
In Closing
If available, Skrill is an elite option for online poker markets. The company is one of the most trusted in the world when it comes to iGaming markets. Americans won’t have the ability to use it unless they currently reside in the three states that currently have state-regulated online poker. However, with online gambling markets becoming more liberalized in the states, Skrill may be available for millions more in the coming years.
Author: Joseph Falchetti (twitter)
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