Online Mesa Poker Rooms in AZ

The Grand Canyon State may not be pro-gambling oriented, but it offers a few options for playing poker.

Players from Mesa and other cities in Arizona can enjoy this casino classic in any of the 25 tribal casinos. Some have dedicated poker rooms, while others offer plenty of cash games and frequent tournaments.

When it comes to online poker, the only legal option is sweepstakes sites because Arizona still hasn’t regulated the two major gambling verticals — online casinos and poker.

In this article, we’ll investigate Mesa poker options and the laws pertaining to this popular card game. Read on.

Best Online Poker Sites in Mesa, AZ

Many international poker sites offer their services to Arizona residents. However, not all of them are worth your time and money, and some should be avoided at all costs.

Although Mesa residents have several brick-and-mortar gambling venues with dedicated poker rooms at their disposal, many choose to register at international poker sites. For a hassle-free poker experience, check out our list of the best poker sites for Mesa players. The platforms we recommend have reputable licenses, high player traffic, reasonable rake, lots of cash games and regular tournaments, lucrative incentives, and excellent reputations.

As we discover novel sites, the list will occasionally change. You may want to check it periodically to see if there are any exciting new platforms to consider.

My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:

Is Online Poker Legal in Mesa, AZ?

The Grand Canyon state has not legalized online gambling and poker rooms yet, mainly due to objections raised by the state’s thriving tribal casino community. Since they believe that such a move would hinder their business tremendously, Arizona lawmakers have not considered introducing any online gambling or poker legislation.

The last time the legislative landscape changed in Arizona was when the state legalized online keno and sports betting in September 2021. This change occurred because Governor Doug Ducey negotiated a new tribal compact (a set of regulations governing Arizona’s gambling industry).

Although many thought the state has softened its stance toward online gambling, online poker and casino games remain unregulated. This is why players from Mesa and the rest of the country often turn to offshore poker platforms to satisfy their gambling needs. The Arizona legislation neither prohibits nor allows the practice, and players use this gray area to their advantage. While there might be a legal basis for prosecution, no one has ever been charged for playing online poker on international sites.

These platforms don’t operate from the US because they are not governed by the same laws as domestic operators and are not licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). However, they are approved by other regulatory agencies, such as MGA, Curacao Gaming Control Board, Gibraltar Gaming Commissioner, and several others.

Offshore casinos often offer lucrative promotions and a great assortment of cash games and tournaments with different buy-ins and limits. Explore our list of operators above and pick the one that appeals to you most.

It’s worth noting that Mesa residents can also play poker on sweepstakes sites. Platforms like this do business under a different model, allowing them to operate in the US without violating any laws. Moreover, Arizona allows social gambling, so playing poker at home with friends is another legal option, provided no one is making a profit or taking a rake.

Mesa, AZ Poker Laws

We recommend you review Mesa’s local and federal laws if you’re serious about playing online poker with real money. Check out the following regulations:

• Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006
• Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988
• Arizona Revised Statutes Title 13. Criminal Code

How to Pick the Best Mesa Poker Sites

Our offshore poker room list undoubtedly features the best of the best in the AZ gambling industry. However, some platforms may be more suitable for you than others. For your convenience, we’ve created a list of requirements to help you find the right one. In the following sections, we will explain and describe each in detail. Continue reading.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Mesa, AZ

Even though live poker is unbeatable in terms of suspense, online poker games also offer some unique advantages.

• Convenience – International online poker platforms are available anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re commuting or just relaxing at home, you can play the poker variant of your choice. The only thing you need is a computer or mobile device connected to the internet. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the dress code or travel expenses.
• Hefty bonuses – Bonuses at online platforms are typically much more lucrative than those at land-based casinos. In addition, there are a variety of formats to choose from (cashbacks, rakebacks, welcome offers, etc.), and they are suitable for both new and returning players.
• Diverse playing options – Mesa online casinos offer a wide selection of poker variants and tournament types. These sites allow you to quickly and easily search for any competition or poker title, ensuring there is never a shortage of poker action.
• Demo mode – Most poker sites offer a free-play mode, which enables players to learn how the game works without investing real money. Aside from skill development opportunities, you will always find an opponent who matches your skill level.
• More hands – Sitting at a poker table and considering every move you make can be frustrating. The speed and number of hands users can play in online poker is far superior to its live counterpart.
• Anonymous play – Online poker offers anonymity that appeals to beginners because it allows them to play without stress, blend in, and learn the game quickly.
• Lower limits – Since online operators don’t have to pay rent and utilities, they can offer low limits on cash games and tournaments.
• Easier access to tournaments – Unfortunately, live tournaments at brick-and-mortar casinos are not available 24/7. The advantage of online poker tournaments is that they are available round the clock, so there is always someone to play against.

Famous Poker Players From Mesa, AZ

Mesa is home to several poker pros, including Patrick Poels, Jen-Yue Chiang, Terence Burt, and Rebecca Wooten.

Poels is one of the best-known Mesa poker players who participated in over 40 tournaments. During that time, he managed to amass more than $900k. His most significant achievement was winning over $270k in a single tourney. Poels was last seen at the $2,500 Limit Deuce to Seven Triple Draw event when he finished 10th in WSOP, Las Vegas, in 2010. According to the all-time money list, he is currently ranked 2,515th overall and 28th in Arizona.

Chiang has participated in more than 125 tournaments, earning almost $520k. His last public appearance was at the £50 No Limit Hold’em – Deepstack Turbo event in Unibet UKPT London in 2020, when he took 9th place. Chiang is ranked 2,909th on the all-time money list.

Burt didn’t participate in many tournaments, but the ones he did attend brought him over $235k. He hasn’t been active for many years and was last seen at the $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em — World Championship Event event at WSOP 2005 in Las Vegas. Burt is ranked as the 104th-best player in Arizona.

Wooten has earned over $242k, participating in over 80 tournaments. She was last seen at the $170 No Limit Hold’em — Wednesday Night event in Talking Stick Resort in 2020, where she finished 7th. Currently, Wooten holds the 122nd spot in Arizona and 13,689th place on the US all-time money list.

It’s noteworthy that Mesa has a few other successful poker players, such as Jora Beit, Chris Wunderlich, Jeff Dumas, and Steve Kohner.

Top Land-Based Poker Rooms in Mesa, AZ

Poker became part of Arizona’s legal framework after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. This law gave the green light to all the tribes to begin operating land-based casinos, regardless of the state they were in. Considering that Arizona is a state with the largest Native American territory and home to over 20 tribes, it became fertile ground for tribal gaming.

Soon after, brick-and-mortar venues started popping up across the state. The Grand Canyon State is home to 25 fully-fledged tribal casinos. They are all state-licensed, situated on Native American reservation grounds, and overseen by the Arizona Indian Gaming Association. Conversely, the state doesn’t permit commercial casinos.

There are currently six poker rooms in operation in Arizona, but only three are in the vicinity of Mesa. Those are Talking Stick Resort, Gila River Casino, and Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita. All have first-class poker rooms, but the one in Talking Stick Resort is the largest, containing 47 tables.

Games you can typically find there are Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 5-Card Stud, No Limit tournaments, and mixed games. It is open 24/7 and hosts one of the state’s major competitions — the Arizona State Poker Championship.

You can find information about the other poker rooms in the table below.

Poker Room	Address	Number of tables	Tournaments
Talking Stick Resort	9700 East Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85256	47	Yes
Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita	1100 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, Arizona 85629	8	Yes
Gila River Casino – Lone Butte	1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler, Arizona 85226	30	Yes

 

It’s worth noting that the Arizona Gaming Compact, negotiated between the state and tribal nations, was amended in September 2021. The new compact authorized up to 11 additional tribal casinos, which means more live poker opportunities in the future.

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