Since these online poker sites are always changing and introducing the latest features when it comes to promotions, we recommend visiting the establishment directly and gaining access to the latest information and benefits.
Legal Minnesota Online Poker Sites
Keep reading to learn what the law says about playing the game on the web in Minnesota and how you can go around it to access unlocked online poker rooms.
Minnesota bought a ticket for the gambling train in 1988 when the US Congress gave the seal of approval to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Therefore, we can say that all gambling-related actions in the North Star State have taken place over the last four decades.
Soon after the IGRA enabled individual US jurisdictions to expand their gambling scenes, Minnesota regulated tribal casinos, race tracks, and the lottery. Yet, this is where the legislative train stopped for this midwestern state, and it hasn’t moved ever since, despite several attempts to push it into action. Namely, MN still hasn’t regulated online poker or any other internet-based gambling option.
Nevertheless, you can sign up for some online poker sessions if you dig deep enough, which we have done for you in this article. Keep reading to learn what the law says about playing the game on the web in Minnesota and how you can go around it to access unlocked online poker rooms.
Is Online Poker Legal in Minnesota?
Even though there may be a way for you to enjoy this activity from your sofa in Minnesota, let’s first focus on how the state’s legal books refer to it. In short, the Land of 10,000 Lakes doesn’t approve of web-based poker, which is why you won’t find any state-launched online rooms or casino sites featuring these games.
However, if you look up internet-based casinos with poker games, you’ll come across numerous websites allowing you to register and start playing. These sites are offshore online casinos based outside Minnesota, and the fact they aren’t operated from within the state makes them immune to MN regulations.
While players from the North Star State couldn’t be happier about the existence of international internet-based poker rooms, the MN Division of Gambling Enforcement doesn’t seem to share their excitement. Furthermore, the Division alerts that participating in online gambling activities from the state may carry legal consequences.
Although we’ve heard nothing about MN players serving jail time or paying fines for online gambling on offshore sites, you’ll be better off with professional legal advice. So, make sure to get an opinion from a legal practitioner before reaching out to offshore operators.
Laws & Regulations In Minnesota
If you would like to read more on poker legality in Minnesota, you can find additional information in the following documents:
Best Legal Poker Rooms in Minnesota
Finding the best legal place to play in Minnesota can be challenging, but it gets much easier once you know where to look. Read on to learn what your options are in terms of live and online legal poker games in the North Star State.
Legal Online Poker in Minnesota
Although MN lawmakers have tried to legalize different forms of online gambling on several occasions over the years, the state has refused to give any of them a shot. The only online poker rooms Minnesota allows are the sweepstakes casinos that don’t follow the real-money betting system.
Still, if you’re not taking no for an answer, you may try your luck by joining an offshore online casino with real-money poker tables and tournaments. These sites don’t have to follow MN laws, as they aren’t registered under the state’s jurisdiction.
Even so, the North Star State’s Division of Gambling Enforcement warns against gambling on international sites, which is why a quick chat with a legal adviser before joining such platforms can be a good idea.
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Legal Land-Based Poker in Minnesota
Minnesota makes up for its unregulated online poker scene with thriving land-based options. Although fans of the game won’t find any standard commercial casinos in MN, they can choose between 19 federally-recognized tribal casinos and 2 card rooms located at the state’s race tracks.
Both these options have been fully legal since the late 1980s, when the IGRA became official law in the US. Poker games you can try in these venues include classics like Texas Hold’em, as well as some other variations, such as Three Card Poker and Pai Gow. Anyone who’s 18 or over can take a seat at a table in Minnesota or join regularly hosted tournaments.
How to Register at a Legal Online Poker Site in Minnesota
If you want to play poker on gambling sites available in MN, look no further than this page. We’ve found all the best poker rooms you can access from the North Star State and added links for your convenience. What’s more, we’ll tell you all about the registration process below so you’re all prepared for exciting online gambling episodes:
Choose A Poker Room
Pick a trusted poker room from our list and follow the link to reach its official website.
Signup
All rooms have designated registration buttons you should click to initiate the joining process.
Provide your personal details in the registration form and create login details.
Agree to the terms and conditions and choose whether you’d like to receive promo offers from the chosen poker operator. Use your email or phone to verify the new account and proceed to the site.
Deposit & Play
Make your first deposit through the Cashier page by choosing a payment method and transferring enough money to fund the gameplay.
Most sites offer welcome bonuses, so make sure to claim one, after which you’ll have both real money and bonus funds to play poker games and take part in desired tournaments.
Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker
While they’re waiting for the online version of the game to become legal in Minnesota, players from the state can have fun playing live poker. The venues for doing so include 2 land-based card rooms and 19 tribal casinos, all of which offer different poker games. Here are the best establishments, according to our experts:
Name | Address | Number of tables |
---|---|---|
Canterbury Park | 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379 | 32 |
Grand Casino Mille Lacs | 777 Grand Ave., Onamia, MN 56359 | 8 |
Treasure Island Resort and Casino | 5734 Sturgeon Lake Road, Welch, MN 55089 | 7 |
Other Resources
Conclusion
Online poker and the Land of 10,000 Lakes don’t have a legal connection yet, but the game is widely available at sweepstakes casinos, as well as at brick-and-mortar card rooms and tribal venues.
The only option for playing real-money poker on the web includes offshore sites which accept players from Minnesota. If these are your target, you can find the best ones on our page. Follow our instructions for setting up an account and put those poker skills to use.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in Minnesota?
Web-based poker still isn’t officially legal in Minnesota, but you can find numerous offshore sites to play on. Still, the Division of Gambling Enforcement says you may get in trouble by taking part in online poker games at international casinos. So, you’d better consult a lawyer if you have any doubts about your legal obligations to the state.
Can I access offshore poker sites on my mobile phone?
Yes, you can. Offshore poker sites support mobile gambling and allow players to take part in games through their mobile browsers or native apps.
Can I play live dealer poker games on offshore poker sites?
Absolutely. All the best gambling sites, like those on our list, offer live dealer games. They even feature different betting limits, so all players can try the online version of live poker.
Do offshore poker sites hand out bonuses to players from MN?
Yes, they do. Players from Minnesota can easily register and claim bonuses at offshore casinos.