There was a time when those two used to get along. When you mentioned; USA Online Poker as one word, you immediately thought of good times, easy money and the biggest poker boom the world has seen. Now, you envision those big, bold – F.B.I. letters staring at you in the face. That image is ingrained in most online poker players heads.

I can remember logging on to my computer, opening up Full Tilts poker lobby, all excited and anxious to start my late night grind of Rush Poker. Low and behold, Black Friday had struck. It was surreal to say the least and we all wish things would just go back to the way it was.

For Americans these days, playing online poker has become more of a hassle, a nuisance, even something we don’t want to do anymore.

Blasphemy! I know. But it’s the cold hard truth.

There is however, some light at the end of this very dark tunnel. If you look hard enough, you may be able to see it. You have to really try hard, but trust me it’s there.

Believe it or not, the ball has been rolling faster and faster down this political hill of corruption and chaos. What started as a race between two snails to get online poker legalized, has hastened into a brisk walk.

More and more states are starting to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to USA Online Poker. States such as Nevada, New Jersey and even the great state of Delaware already have legalized and regulated online poker rooms.

Other states like New York, California and Pennsylvania are on their way and should be up and running within the next year by some estimates.

Some may say that the recent attempts from politicians like Indiana’s Governor who just spoke out against online poker and believes it should be banned at a federal level may halt the legalization process. But, we do have the support from the PPA (Poker Players Alliance).

The PPA is a poker lobby that helps fight for the rights of poker players in America. They have made great strides in helping get the word out about online poker. They have become a strong force in the fight that we as players should support ourselves.

Just recently they helped with the return of millions of dollars in the Full Tilt Poker Room fiasco. John Pappas, the head of the PPA was there when the meetings took place to help facilitate a quick and responsible outcome to those who were affected by this.

It’s sad that a country that is supposed to be as free as the United States tries to limit what their people can do. In my opinion it’s a money grab for broke states, but I won’t get too political on you. Ill simply say that USA online poker is alive and well and should soon be back to its glory days and once again getting along.