Question from newbie about bovada

I've recently started getting interested in poker. I am interested in throwing 30 bucks or so on a poker site like Bovada. What is the exact legal status of a place like this? I live in Connecticut, if that helps. Also, is it possible to buy a visa gift card to deposit money? Do I need a specific card?

there is a Bovada thread on here, u may want to check it out. i deposited on bovada using Rapid Transfer. try America's Cardroom. i know u can deposit with the Visa Netspend card on there

and bovada takes netspend too but they're charging 5% on deposits !!

that first question can't be answered by anyone I heard from or about , including the DOJ jmo