Both Merge Gaming and Cake Poker Network stopped accepting new players from the state of Utah this week. However, the networks will allow residents of Utah that already have accounts to continue playing.
On Cake, the ban is only in effect on skins that utilize the network’s cashier or support services, according to a report on Poker Affiliate Solution. Intertops is the exception that will continue to service new accounts in Utah.
The decision by both networks is likely in advance of a Utah state law scheduled to take effect on July 1 that makes offering online poker in the state explicitly illegal.
The decision by both networks leave few choices for those in Utah that want to play online poker. With Bovada pulling out of Utah last month, the only other online poker network still accepting Utah residents is the Winning Poker Network (aka Yatahay).
Last month, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed anti-online gambling bill HB 108 into law making it illegal for “any person who knowingly transmits, receives, or relays any form of Internet or online gambling into or within this state.”
Merge has already restricted new signups from Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Washington and Washington DC. However, players that had established accounts prior to the ban on account creation in those state have been allowed to continue playing.
