{"id":5835,"date":"2023-04-18T16:29:10","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T16:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/?page_id=5835"},"modified":"2024-02-15T15:45:47","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T15:45:47","slug":"laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/top-10-us-poker-sites\/minnesota\/laws","title":{"rendered":"Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Minnesota has never been a particularly gambling-friendly state, but interestingly enough, it hasn\u2019t been unwelcoming either, at least over the last few decades.<\/p>\n
The most popular forms of gambling, including sports betting and online gambling, are illegal<\/b>, but other forms, like charitable gambling and social games, have been allowed for more than half a century.<\/p>\n
From the \u201880s onward, many popular forms of gambling have found their place within the North Star State\u2019s regulations. Minnesota has also legalized native land-based casinos <\/b>on tribal lands, and the state lottery opened <\/b>in 1990.<\/p>\n
Live poker is also legal, but its online counterpart isn\u2019t<\/b>. Interestingly, home poker games have been protected by state laws since the \u201860s.<\/p>\n
However, with Minnesota becoming more liberal with every passing year, online poker fans from this state have plenty to rejoice about.<\/p>\n
In this article, we will examine what poker players from the Land of 10,000 Lakes can expect. We will also see what the laws say, why some opt for offshore poker sites<\/b>, what the advantages of online poker are, and more.<\/p>\n In short, online gambling is illegal<\/b> in Minnesota \u2014 that is, it\u2019s not regulated,<\/b> and the law considers unregulated gambling activities unlawful. The same goes for all forms of online gambling, including sports betting and casino games.<\/p>\n Minnesota outlaws all online gambling forms through its broad definition of illegal gambling found in Section 609.75 Subdivision 2<\/b> and Section 609.755<\/b> of the Minnesota Statutes.<\/p>\n Section 609.75 Subd. 2<\/a> explains what a bet is, and 609.755<\/a> explains that betting, among other gambling activities, is considered illegal. People accused of illegal gambling face a misdemeanor charge. However, if the amount used is higher than $500, then the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If it\u2019s above $2,500, it\u2019s a felony. This is explained in Section 609.76 Subdivision 1<\/a> and 609.763<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to Section 609.02<\/a>, misdemeanors carry a punishment of up to 90 days in jail or up to $1,000 in fines \u2014 sometimes even both<\/b>. Gross misdemeanors carry a penalty of up to $3,000, and felonies come with more than a year in prison, fines above $3,000, or both.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth mentioning that the sections also explain what doesn\u2019t constitute illegal gambling. Social gambling is included here, meaning online social casinos and poker sites are legal in Minnesota.<\/b><\/p>\n Even though the Minnesota Statutes are clear on what a bet is and what illegal gambling involves, they make no mention of poker<\/b>. They only state that poker as a part of social gaming is allowed<\/b>.<\/p>\n Naturally, live poker isn\u2019t included here, either. Still, this activity is permitted on tribal lands, thanks to the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988<\/a>.<\/p>\n With that in mind, let\u2019s take a closer look at what the laws say about each poker form and which options are available.<\/p>\n Online poker is not regulated; therefore, it is considered illegal<\/b>. However, as the law does not explicitly mention this activity, many believe it to be allowed, at least when played on international or offshore poker sites<\/b>.<\/p>\n US or Minnesota laws do not apply to these operators, and the state doesn\u2019t actively prosecute players<\/b> for using them, which is why many Minnesotans join offshore poker websites. However, since the law doesn\u2019t regulate them, it won\u2019t protect you if issues arise. So, before you decide to use an offshore poker site, consult your lawyer. Also, prior to signing up, make sure you\u2019re using a reputable and licensed website<\/b>.<\/p>\n Naturally, as social gambling is legal in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you can join any licensed online sweepstakes poker site or a social casino offering poker games.<\/p><\/div>\n Even though poker is largely unregulated in the state, live poker in tribal casinos<\/b> is allowed. Many of these venues scattered throughout the state feature live poker games and tournaments. Commercial land-based casinos are not permitted<\/b>.<\/p>\n Currently, there are 10 land-based tribal casinos with poker rooms in Minnesota<\/b>. Unfortunately, most have only a few tables. Only three have ten or more, and by far, the largest two are:<\/p>\n According to the statutes cited in this article, home poker games are legal<\/b>. However, if a Minnesotan wants to host a poker game, they need to fulfill specific criteria for it to be considered acceptable:<\/p>\n After the federal act allowed gambling establishments on tribal lands in 1988, it took only one year for the first state to make a compact with Native tribes and legalize the first casinos of this kind in the country. That state was Minnesota, under the leadership of Rudy Perpich, who signed a deal with several Minnesotan tribes.<\/p><\/div>\n Minnesotan Statutes are pretty clear \u2014 a social bet is not the same as a bet, which is considered a form of gambling and is thus illegal. Consequently, social games of various kinds are allowed, including bridge, cabbage, euchre, skat, gin, and even Texas Hold\u2019em. However, players must be 18 or older, and prizes mustn\u2019t exceed $200. Social gambling has been legal since 1963.<\/p><\/div>\n This includes pull tabs, tipboards, paddlewheels, raffles, and bingo. Interestingly, charitable gambling is the first legal gambling form in Minnesota, having been regulated since 1945.<\/p><\/div>\n The state lottery has been legal in Minnesota since 1990, following a referendum where 57% of voters called for its legalization.<\/p><\/div>\n Legal racetracks have been a part of the Minnesotan gambling landscape since 1983, with the Canterbury Park racetrack opening its doors in 1985. Many tribes in Minnesota own racetracks and are often part of larger gambling establishments with poker rooms and other casino games.<\/p><\/div>\n It is widely believed that online poker is superior to all of its alternatives, especially considering the benefits offshore sites offer. Here are the main advantages of playing online poker in Minnesota:<\/p>\n Sports betting has been on the table<\/b> for a while now. In fact, there is a current push to make the practice legal in Minnesota, just like many states have done in recent years.<\/p>\n This is important because if the state legalizes both retail and online sports betting, it\u2019s highly likely that the legislature will soon follow up with new regulations on online gambling and, consequently, poker<\/b>. However, if or when that happens is unclear \u2014 probably not within a year or so.<\/p>\n Thankfully, if you\u2019re looking for real money online poker games and tournaments, you can always find internationally licensed and reputable poker sites that accept players from Minnesota<\/b>. No law prevents you from using them, while the state does not actively prosecute Minnesota poker players who do this.<\/p>\n Yes, you can. Live poker is available in 10 poker rooms scattered throughout the state. Real money poker is also an option but only on offshore sites that are not regulated in Minnesota.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n No, online poker isn\u2019t regulated in Minnesota. However, like in most other states, the laws aren\u2019t specific about real money poker, so players use offshore sites that don\u2019t have to follow Minnesotan laws. The state is not actively working on prosecuting them, but it\u2019s always best to consult a lawyer if you want to stay on the safe side.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n Yes, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to around 20 land-based casinos, 10 of which have poker rooms. The biggest one is Canterbury Park, with 32 poker tables. Nevertheless, most of them have fewer than 10 tables.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n The legal gambling age in Minnesota is 18, but bear in mind that some land-based casinos require players to be 21 to enter.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n You can play live poker in one of the state\u2019s poker rooms. However, you can also play it for free on social poker websites.You can also use offshore websites if you want to experience the real-money online version of the game. Players aren\u2019t prosecuted for registering on these sites, but it\u2019s essential to know that they aren\u2019t legal either.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Minnesota has never been a particularly gambling-friendly state, but interestingly enough, it hasn\u2019t been unwelcoming either, at least over the last few decades. The most popular forms of gambling, including sports betting and online gambling, are illegal, but other forms, like charitable gambling and social games, have been allowed for more than half a century….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2668,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n<\/i> Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/i> Poker Laws<\/span><\/h2>\n
Online Poker<\/h3>
Land-Based Poker<\/h3>
\n
Home Poker Games<\/h3>
\n
<\/i> Which Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Minnesota?<\/span><\/h2>\nDespite what some skeptics may think, Minnesota is open to various forms of gambling. Here\u2019s an overview of other legal forms, apart from live poker and home poker games:\n
Tribal casinos<\/h3>
Social skill gaming<\/h3>
Licensed charitable gambling<\/h3>
Lottery<\/h3>
Pari-mutuel betting on horse races<\/h3>
Why Should We Play Online Poker?<\/h3>
\n
<\/i> Recent Minnesota Poker Laws<\/span><\/h2>\nThe poker laws in Minnesota are somewhat old, which explains why online poker is not even mentioned. By the same token, there haven\u2019t been any new regulations regarding poker in recent years.\n
<\/i> Future of Poker in Minnesota<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/i> Other Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
<\/i> Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\nEven though Minnesota has been opening up to many forms of gambling, it\u2019s important to know what the current laws say \u2014 and according to them, only live poker and social poker are legal.\n
<\/i> FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n
Can I play poker for real money in Minnesota?<\/h3><\/div>
Is online poker legal in Minnesota?<\/h3><\/div>
Do land-based Minnesota casinos have poker rooms?<\/h3><\/div>
What is the legal gambling age for poker in Minnesota?<\/h3><\/div>
Where can I play poker in Minnesota?<\/h3><\/div>