Can You Play Online Poker in Minnesota?
No, you cannot play online poker legally in Minnesota. Although the state has no shortage of land-based casinos, there are no state-regulated internet casinos offering Minnesota online poker. There have been numerous attempts to add online poker to the list of gambling opportunities available in the state, but this has remained unsuccessful.
Why Not? What Are the Online Poker Laws in Minnesota?
As with most American states, the legal status of online poker in Minnesota’s laws remains largely ambiguous. Although the state is currently not regulating or granting licenses to online casinos, there are no regulations addressing the status of online poker directly.
So far, no player has been charged or prosecuted for playing online. This piece of legislation seems to be more focused on preventing gambling by regulating operators or promoters. Prohibiting Minnesota online gambling this way has left poker enthusiasts with limited options.
Offshore sites have stepped in to fill the gaps created by these laws. In the absence of state-regulated sites, players can register on offshore sites domiciled outside the United States. Many of the most popular offshore poker sites, such as Ignition and ACR Poker, allow residents in Minnesota to register and play for real money. However, doing so carries inherent risks.
MyPokerCoaching does not recommend playing on these unregulated offshore sites. These sites are not controlled by local or federal US laws, which makes them risky and potentially unsafe for players.
Players have no guarantees of getting their money from these sites. Reports of stolen funds or delayed payouts are quite common on offshore sites. These sites may also not adhere to the fair play standard practices, which can skew game outcomes significantly. For this reason, it is best to avoid offshore gambling sites when considering where to play online poker in Minnesota.
Potential Minnesota Poker Sites to Launch in the Future
Poker has been popular in Minnesota for many years, but the state is still to regulate online poker sites. There have been several attempts at it over the years, but so far, none have come to fruition.
It is a pretty safe bet that online poker in MN will be regulated at some point in the future, so the only real question is when. While it’s hard to give any definitive answer at this point in time, we continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated with any important developments.
When online poker is finally legal in MN, there are a few sites that we can expect to go live. These are all operators with a major presence in the regulated US market, and they’ll likely jump at the opportunity to expand their presence.
BetMGM Poker Minnesota
BetMGM has established itself as a household name in the regulated US online poker space, and the operator will likely be among the first to stake a claim in such an attractive new market.
We expect BetMGM Poker will bring out a platform similar to that in other states like PA, MI, and NJ. A poker client powered by the PartyPoker technology offers a modern and very reliable solution for all online poker fans, even if it is not as rich in functionalities as some other platforms.
In terms of game variety, players can look forward to a nice mix of online tournaments, a wide range of cash game stakes, and, in all likelihood, BetMGM Poker’s staple SPINS – a hugely popular sit & go variation featuring a random jackpot.
It is also likely that BetMGM Poker MN will come out of the gate swinging, offering a generous welcome bonus. With what’s likely to be heavy competition in the state, all sites will look for ways to stand out, and this is generally a good thing for the players.
PokerStars Minnesota
Although the company couldn’t enter the US before 2016, PokerStars has established itself as a staple name of online poker in the country, just like they have done in the global market.
Once the regulation is finally passed, the launch of PokerStars is pretty much a guarantee. This is especially true if the state passes a law with the expectation of joining the MSIGA, as the operator seems eager to take advantage of opportunities provided by interstate poker.
But even without that particular element, MN is a big enough market on its own.
What PokerStars brings to the table is the operator’s experience in organizing major online series, first and foremost. US versions of ‘COOP events have been hugely successful in all states where the site currently has a presence, and there is no reason to think Minnesota would be an exception.
PokerStars also offers one of the best software solutions for desktop computers and mobile devices alike. This enhances the player experience and certainly helps push the site towards the top of the list when deciding where to play.
WSOP Minnesota
The third MN poker site likely to go live as soon as legal requirements are met is WSOP.com. Right now, WSOP is the only operator present in all regulated US markets with active poker sites, and the company is on the constant lookout for expansion opportunities.
WSOP.com has one trump card that no other operators can match, which is its ability to host bracelet-awarding events and exclusive satellites to live World Series of Poker tournaments. This has helped the operator remain competitive across the country.
A launch in a new state would likely mean an exclusive bracelet series, giving players in the state great opportunities to win some WSOP silverware from the comfort of their home, and if past experience is any indicator, this is an opportunity that players jump on.
WSOP should have no problem claiming its fair share of the new market despite competitors, with the operators’ numbers surging during major live and online events.