[ipgyst]

Originally Posted by Nexttime

I couldn't find the mac client for Pokerstars. Is it still in beta? Anyone have a direct download link?

Here's the P* Mac client webpage LINKY

Yes that is the Poker Tracker web page - plain and mostly functional. And to anybody thinking of getting Poker Tracker, you should wait. Version 3 will be available soon, and from everything I've read it will be worth the wait.

[JediHog]

Originally Posted by ipgyst

Here's the P* Mac client webpage LINKY

Yes that is the Poker Tracker web page - plain and mostly functional. And to anybody thinking of getting Poker Tracker, you should wait. Version 3 will be available soon, and from everything I've read it will be worth the wait.

Don't download this until you've signed up with p s o or something like that.

[abby99]

Originally Posted by Big Mike

I'd say be careful just downloading and trying out sites. Sometimes already having a play money account will void special offers such as those at PSO.

Have you looked into doing one of the free money promos at PSO, which I don't think anyone has mentioned yet? They give you real money, no deposit needed. It's how I started in online poker.

Get rakeback on Fulltilt when you sign up there.
Good luck!!

This is so true for Full Tilt. I opend a play money account first, which disqualified me from being eligible for either rackback or a PSO promo. Sigh!

One advantage of UB is that their deposit bonuses don't expire, unlike FTP and P*.

[hachkc]

Originally Posted by abby99

One advantage of UB is that their deposit bonuses don't expire, unlike FTP and P*.

But they take for ever to clear at low limits. I probably have over $150 that's been sitting there for a couple of years.

[ipgyst]

Originally Posted by hachkc

But they take for ever to clear at low limits. I probably have over $150 that's been sitting there for a couple of years.

UB just changed their whole system today. It's like doing your taxes to figure it out (aren't they all?), but it might be worth it to take a look. They might clear faster now. I've got $30 left to clear then it is on to AP for me.

[abby99]

Originally Posted by ipgyst

UB just changed their whole system today. It's like doing your taxes to figure it out (aren't they all?), but it might be worth it to take a look. They might clear faster now. I've got $30 left to clear then it is on to AP for me.

Thanks!I'll have to check it out. I too have about $150 of bonus money just sitting there waiting for me to collect/earn it.

[Stevo]

Guys, first, let me say this is a great thread and it has answered a lot of the questions I have had about playing for cash online. Now, all that said, I don't want to crap on anyones parade, but has anyone considered that it's probably illegal where you are playing? I mean, in the states that don't allow gambling, I'm guessing that it's illegal to gamble online for money.

Even more important than that, it sounds like more than a few of you take it pretty seriously and are trying to derive some income from it. Does anyone here pay taxes on your winnings? I mean, I'm pretty sure you have to and given that you have to register on these sites and apparently pay into them, it seems pretty easy for the IRS to "get you" as it were. Even though they aren't going after you now, they can later.

Again, I'm not trying to crap on it, really, I am dying to try it. It's just that I wouldn't want to lose my bar card because I engaged in illegal online betting. Also, it would be pretty sick to have some real winnings and then a few years later have to pay them back to the IRS - if you don't think this can happen - I know a few people who have gotten massive tax bills years after making cigarrette purchases online.

Something to think about and I certainly would like any perspectives anyone might have.

[Big Mike]

Originally Posted by Stevo

Guys, first, let me say this is a great thread and it has answered a lot of the questions I have had about playing for cash online. Now, all that said, I don't want to crap on anyones parade, but has anyone considered that it's probably illegal where you are playing? I mean, in the states that don't allow gambling, I'm guessing that it's illegal to gamble online for money.

Even more important than that, it sounds like more than a few of you take it pretty seriously and are trying to derive some income from it. Does anyone here pay taxes on your winnings? I mean, I'm pretty sure you have to and given that you have to register on these sites and apparently pay into them, it seems pretty easy for the IRS to "get you" as it were. Even though they aren't going after you now, they can later.

Again, I'm not trying to crap on it, really, I am dying to try it. It's just that I wouldn't want to lose my bar card because I engaged in illegal online betting. Also, it would be pretty sick to have some real winnings and then a few years later have to pay them back to the IRS - if you don't think this can happen - I know a few people who have gotten massive tax bills years after making cigarrette purchases online.

Something to think about and I certainly would like any perspectives anyone might have.

Online poker is illegal in Washington state. The UIGEA made it illegal for US based institutions to fund online gaming sites. It did NOT make it illegal for US citizens to gamble online.
As for taxes, I do take it pretty seriously, but not yet for high stakes. I have not claimed the approximately $7000 I have made online in the past 2+ years as income. I don't live in the US though, so I don't have to worry about the IRS (revenue Canada isn't nearly as big and mean)

You should by law claim your winnings to the IRS, but that does not affect the legality of online poker for individual Americans.

Plus, even if it were illegal, consider it a bit of civil disobedience to disobey an unjust law. Take your freedom back, America!!
(this message brought to you by Ron Paul for President 2008 - woot!)

[Poboy]

Originally Posted by Stevo

Guys, first, let me say this is a great thread and it has answered a lot of the questions I have had about playing for cash online. Now, all that said, I don't want to crap on anyones parade, but has anyone considered that it's probably illegal where you are playing? I mean, in the states that don't allow gambling, I'm guessing that it's illegal to gamble online for money.

Even more important than that, it sounds like more than a few of you take it pretty seriously and are trying to derive some income from it. Does anyone here pay taxes on your winnings? I mean, I'm pretty sure you have to and given that you have to register on these sites and apparently pay into them, it seems pretty easy for the IRS to "get you" as it were. Even though they aren't going after you now, they can later.

Again, I'm not trying to crap on it, really, I am dying to try it. It's just that I wouldn't want to lose my bar card because I engaged in illegal online betting. Also, it would be pretty sick to have some real winnings and then a few years later have to pay them back to the IRS - if you don't think this can happen - I know a few people who have gotten massive tax bills years after making cigarrette purchases online.

Something to think about and I certainly would like any perspectives anyone might have.

As mentioned, in most states (read non-Washington), it is not illegal to actually play. Online transactions from sites dedicated to funding gambling, with lobbyist exceptions inserted, is illegal. You can load an account and withdraw by means that are not in violation of the absurd unconstitutional law, which is practically unenforceable.
As for reporting, I can't say what other people do, but should my income from poker ever get high enough to be reportable, I will. Reporting gambling winnings is straight forward (one or two lines on the form) unless you are a professional poker player. In that case, you would want to keep track of every session win/loss so you can deduct losses.

[jojobinks]

Originally Posted by Poboy

As mentioned, in most states (read non-Washington, louisiana, illinois, nevada, new jersey, possibly massachusetts in the near future), it is not illegal to actually play.

fyp, based on info gleaned at the 2+2 legislation forum.