{"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

<\/i> Is Online Gambling Legal in Minnesota?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"OnlineIn 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

<\/i> Poker Laws<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Law\"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<\/h3>

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

Land-Based Poker<\/h3>

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