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Poker Tournaments in North Carolina in 2025 – NC Poker Tournaments Schedule & Results
Read on and learn about the biggest poker tournaments in the Old North State
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by 
Fact checked by
North Carolina boasts a small but thriving land-based poker scene at its tribal casinos. For instance, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, operated by Caesars Entertainment, has a World Series of Poker Room and a bunch of tournaments and other forms of poker action. But, if this poker room isn’t near you or live poker isn’t up to your taste at all, you may want to consider going online to play.
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for state-licensed online poker rooms, you are out of luck. Until the Old North State legislation permits internet poker, NC residents must play tournaments through offshore websites.
While these aren’t technically legal or illegal in North Carolina, they’re still accessible to residents, making it possible to scratch that poker itch anytime, anywhere.
There are several options North Carolinians have for playing online and offline poker tournaments, and we’ll go through each.
Poker Tournaments in North Carolina
North Carolina General Statutes and federal law permit only Class III casino gambling within Native American casinos. Class III licenses cover electronic gaming machines, lottery, sports, horse and greyhound wagering, and house banking games. Banked games count the house as one of the participants, meaning it can also lose (pay all winners) or win (collect from losers).
The only NC tribe allowed to own and operate casinos is the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). However, in recent years, the Catawba Indian Nation from South Carolina also signed a gaming compact with the NC government. This tribe is now operating a temporary Catawba Two Kings Casino, with plans to open a permanent venue in 2023.
The EBCI tribe also runs a separate bingo hall and features sportsbooks and pari-mutuel wagering in their casinos. In contrast, the Catawba Two Kings Casino allows only electronic table games and slot machines.
North Carolina has yet to introduce an online poker bill. However, since the state legislation doesn’t directly mention internet poker, we can presume North Carolina residents can still ante up at offshore poker rooms.
Aside from these abroad-based poker websites, North Carolinians can also play at free sweepstakes casinos or social poker sites like Global Poker. While sweepstakes offer free gaming with a chance to win, tournaments at Global Poker have larger prize pools (some require buy-ins, though).
Global Poker serves up a good variety of tournaments. The lineup includes weekly Single- and Multi-Table Tournaments, along with flagship quarterly events like Eagle Cup, Rattlesnake Open, Grizzly Games, and The Goat.
Online Poker Tournaments
North Carolina sharks can shuffle chips on quite a few offshore poker sites.
Remember that these sites may not comply with US regulations, but they do follow the rules of other gambling authorities.
Plus, we do a detailed background check on every poker site to guarantee it is trustworthy and secure.
Land-Based Poker Tournaments
The poker scene in North Carolina leaves much to be desired, as residents lack options when it comes to land-based tournaments.
Only a single casino boasts a dedicated poker room with regular action — it even hosts the prestigious World Series of Poker and World Series of Poker Circuit events.
How to Register for an Online Poker Tournament
If you’re itching for an online poker game, one of our listed offshore poker rooms should be your next stop. Follow the steps outlined below to start playing.
Choose a site from our list
You must tread carefully in the waters of internet poker, which is why we’ve decided to give you a hand by compiling a list of worthy sites to check out.
Signup
You can finish the registration process on these sites in minutes. You’ll need to provide your name, password, address, phone, email, and other info. Once you’re done, click on an email link or complete the Know Your Customer verification.
Deposit & Play
Cryptocurrency and digital wallets are the best payment options for NC residents since American banks usually refuse to issue payments to offshore platforms.
By claiming your welcome bonus, your bankroll and potential winnings will increase. However, you shouldn’t accept incentives without reading the terms and conditions first.
Check the website’s tournament schedule to find what fits your budget and playing style. Best of luck!
North Carolina Land-Based Casinos With Poker Tournaments
| Name | Address | No. Poker Tables | Cash Games | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrah’s Cherokee | 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719 | 32 | Yes | Yes |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Valley | 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906 | 10 | Yes | Yes |
NC’s only poker tournament venue is Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, located at 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719. Its poker room has 32 tables offering classic but fast-paced Texas Hold ’em, player-dealer 3-Card Poker, and the eastern-western mix of Pai Gow.
Harrah’s Cherokee organizes WSOP and WSOPC tournaments and daily Texas Hold ’em events with $80, $140, or $250 buy-ins, plus special events like the April $50,000 Guarantee Tournament.
North Carolina Poker Tournament Schedule
Here’s the schedule of all upcoming poker events in North Carolina so that you can mark your calendar.
Best Poker Rooms To Play Online Tournaments In North Carolina
My list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2025:
- 100% Legal & Licensed
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- Advertiser Disclosure
Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions
- Must be 18+ to participate.
# 1 Poker Site
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- 100% First deposit bonus
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Payout speed 1-3 days
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# 2
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- Increased Poker Crypto Bonus $1500
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Payout speed 1-3 days
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# 3
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- Recreational Player Traffic
- Get a 200% Match on Your Initial Deposit
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Payout speed 1 - 5 days
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Displayed 3 of 8 rooms
All of the North Carolina State online poker site bonuses mentioned on this page are subject to change at any time, should any of them be of interest to you please visit the respective Poker sites website for full terms and conditions of any bonus listed.
Other Resources
Conclusion
Despite the state’s lack of commercial poker rooms, two tribal casinos gladly welcome all poker fans. One of these establishments even hosts thrilling WSOP tournaments where you can test your skills against the very best players.
For North Carolinians who prefer the comfort of their own homes (and pajamas), there are various offshore poker rooms commonly offering better rakes, a wider range of buy-ins, and way better prize pools than the land-based casinos in the state.
FAQs
What are the state and federal laws regarding online poker in North Carolina?
The North Carolina and federal laws don’t regulate online poker or explicitly speak against it, meaning that players can enjoy this card game at an offshore site of their choosing. Nevertheless, they should ask for legal advice before registering with these platforms.
What is the biggest poker tournament in North Carolina?
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is home to some World Series of Poker and World Series of Poker Circuit events, which are the biggest tournaments in North Carolina.
Where can I find poker games in North Carolina?
You can ante up at two Native American casinos in NC: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino, both owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
What is the legal age for playing poker in North Carolina?
If you wish to indulge in online and offline poker in North Carolina, you must be at least 21.