Withdrawing Money From Pokerstars, FullTilt, & Bodog

I was wondering how everyone withdraws money from PokerStars, FullTilt, or Bodog? I am currently debating on connecting my bank account to these sites so I can withdraw money easily but am kinda hesitant to do so with the whole "online poker is illegal" thing still going on. I thought about doing the withdrawal by check but am wondering if my bank would cash a check from a poker site. Then if they do not cash the check, then what do I do? I guess I worry a lot but to me this would throw up red flags like no other. Basically, I just want to know whether it is worth trying to withdraw money from these sites or to just wait for the "online poker is illegal" thing to blow over. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated!

The checks won't say they are from a poker site. It is perfectly safe to make a withdrawal.

I was equally concerned as you. I was also worried about the UEIGA going into full effect which was scheduled to happen recently so I started taking money offline. (it ends up that the UEIGA was postponed yet again anyways) I also had too much on there for the stakes I was playing. I just did the withdrawal by check method. I've received many checks now over the past several months from both FullTilt and Stars and have absolutely no problems cashing them. There is nothing at all that links the checks to online poker.

After I made a few echeck deposits on FT, I now have the option for bankwire withdraws from them. Money is usually in my account in 2 days.

As Dakota said, paper checks don't list the poker sites name on them. It's an affiliate company with a different name with a U.S. address. So no worries there.

E-checks. If you've deposited online with a bank transfer you can withdrawl this way with an e-check. I've never withdrawn from FT but PS takes up to 10 days. Shorter with smaller amounts, amounts over $1k take longer.

Having trouble cashing out at Pokerstars. Used eCheck for deposits. Field tells me I have a certain amount available to cash out but then tells me I cannot because my number is invalid because I don't have two digits after the decimal. Only thing is, I do have two digits after the decimal point. (notified support) Could this have anything to do with pending deposits? thanks

Bodog, Stars & Fulltilt are fine, withdrew $140. from FT last week on 12/8/09 and got the check today,,thats only 6 days, pretty good i think,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,buck

Living in Europe so don`t know all regulations in the USA, but I did withdraw from Full Tilt through a Neteller-account.
Money was in my account within 2 days($2K).
Only thing required was that I had deposited earlier with Neteller.

I agree with this - I was concerned about the recent events as I am reading news daily at theppa.org

I have read some forum threads about this and some others said it's safer to deposit the checks through the ATM without going to the teller and I've heard tellers may ask you questions but ATM deposits sound like it's safer method as you just deposit and don't confront with tellers or any bankers about checks.

If you think about this, US govt is becoming too much controlling about this online gaming and this is ridiculous because it sounds like US govt is becoming like China in communism ... Where's the freedom and liberty in all in USA? Have USA govt forgotten who we are ?!?! They went ahead and make the stupidest law I have heard in my life without our notification.. That isn't freedom! That is BALCONY Govt!

Withdrawn from bodog each of the last 3 months. It is as smooth and easy as can be get the check in a week and goes through fine. I have no idea what people are talking about when they say they have a problem with banks. I go to US Bank FYI.

Like Dakota says they dont say the poker site on the check.

Does anyone have a good link to this law they made or info on this subject? Just want to read up a bit

As others have said, the checks don't indicate they're from a poker site. I've never had an issue with depositing poker withdrawal checks at my bank (and there have been some big ones, i.e. FT's max $2500 checks), and I've also never had a problem with echeck withdrawals. From FT they take about 2 days to hit my bank account.

UIGEA doesnt affect withdrawals, or playing online poker. Just the banks cant process deposits.

The banks that are like wary of withdrawals etc are just taking as many precautions as possible

UIGEA definitely affects withdrawals indirectly. Every withdrawal must be processed through a payment processor, which can be a conventional bank or some other financial institution which is affected by UIGEA. When the DOJ seizes these processor accounts, which they've done in the past year or so, withdrawal checks bounce, echecks stop working, it's just a major delay and hassle all around for players to get paid. In their defense, FT and PS quickly found other processors to get folks paid, but it was a nailbiter for some.

I always withdraw using echecks from PokerStars. It's faster and I don't have to worry about taking the check to the bank. For Bodog I have only requested checks. Bodog checks are lightening fast for me.

I get a check from Stars and a direct deposit from FullTilt via E-check... it works pretty well. I miss the days when we could use Neteller. I loved my Neteller debit card!

Yeah, it was a nailbiter. It also made me think about the ethics of the whole thing, when someone out there (who is, admittedly, profitting nicely) stands to get arrested and go to prison for being the go-between. It's awkward.

I think it's stupid that this is how it is, but until there's a change in the laws and the folks who facilitate this are not viewed as criminals and money launderers, the process is unpleasant. Keep writing your congressmen and senators, folks, for regulation and taxation and legality -- we need a change. This under-the-table thing is ridiculous.

Quite a few years ago (shortly after most poker rooms stopped accepting US players), I received a small check from a Golden Palace payment processor (LLC). The check cleared, but I received a letter from the US Attorney's office in Nevada. It stated that they were investigating the LLC and wanted detailed information from me involving my activities with the Golden Palace poker room. I didn't respond and did not hear from them again. Wish they would just leave us alone!

I normally only play on Ultimate Bet since you can withdraw your money using western union, and you get it the same day.

Yep, Neteller works great with all poker rooms I know of, but is not available to American members. Basically, use Neteller or a similar e-wallet system wherever it`s available to you.

To avoid confusion, it`s important to note that the banking difficulties discussed ITT are largely confined to American readers and are a product of their local legislation. You need have no concern about access to your winnings if you live elsewhere.

This is an automated message sent from Full Tilt Poker.

Your Player ID: atlantafalcons0
Date and Time: 2010-04-21 14:20:07
Transfer Number: ********
Payment Method: Bank Transfer
Amount: $100.00

Status: APPROVED

Your withdrawal has been approved.

Funds transferred by ewallet should be available in your account
immediately. Bank transfer withdrawals may take up to 10 - 15
business days to be credited to your bank account.

Delivery times for withdrawals by check vary depending on delivery
method and destination. Checks sent to the Continental US should
arrive within 15 business days via regular mail. International
delivery times will vary.

Thank you for playing at Full Tilt Poker

I got the exact same message as atlantafalcons when I withdrew my money yesterday. I'm wondering if it will actually take 10-15 days. AF...did you get your money yet?

In my experience, I've received paper checks from FT within 1 week, usually 3-4 days. echecks (direct deposits) within 1-2 days. They always quote the worst-case time but I think it seldom takes anything close to that.

hey puma! been with full tilt for like 5 years now and never had a problem with their checks! it's all good usually takes 7 to 10 days! no worries! gl to you!