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Are you curious about the poker laws in Minnesota? Whether you’re a resident of the state or just visiting, it’s important to be aware of the gambling regulations here.
In this article, we’ll explain all you need to know about poker in Minnesota, including what is and isn’t allowed under the law.
So whether you’re looking to brush up on your knowledge or are just starting out, keep reading for all the details!
Where to Play Online Poker in Minnesota
Looking to play online poker in Minnesota? Check out our top recommended sites below!
BetOnline Poker
Ignition Poker
Everygame Poker
Is Online Gambling Illegal in Minnesota?
Online gambling is not illegal in the state of Minnesota. There are several online poker sites that are based in Minnesota, and they are all legal.
The only form of online gambling illegal in Minnesota is online sports betting. This is because there are no online sportsbooks in Minnesota, and it is illegal to bet on sports online.
If you are looking to gamble online, you will need to find an online poker site based outside Minnesota.
Minnesota Poker and Gambling Laws
Poker is a game of chance that is enjoyed by many people around the world. In the United States, poker is legal in most states. However, there are some states where poker is not legal. One of these states is Minnesota.
In Minnesota, poker is only legal if it is played in a private home and no one is making a profit from the game. This means that you cannot play poker in a public place, such as a bar or restaurant. Additionally, you cannot play online poker for real money.
You could be charged with a misdemeanor if you are caught playing poker in a public place or online for real money.
This is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Despite the strict laws against playing poker, there are still some ways that you can enjoy the game. For example, you can play social games with friends in your home.
You can also play free online poker games for fun. Just make sure not to gamble any real money!
A Detailed Look at Minnesota Gambling Laws
Minnesota has some clear laws against gambling, which include making bets, except where authorized by law. In essence, any betting, or gambling, that isn’t permitted by law specifically constitutes illegal gambling. Let’s look at the specific law related to participating in gambling and see how it reads:
“Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor:
- makes a bet;
- sells or transfers a chance to participate in a lottery;
- disseminates information about a lottery, except a lottery conducted by an adjoining state, with intent to encourage participation therein;
- permits a structure or location owned or occupied by the actor or under the actor’s control to be used as a gambling place; or
- Except where authorized by statute, possesses a gambling device.
Clause (5) does not prohibit possession of a gambling device in a person’s dwelling for amusement purposes in a manner that does not afford players an opportunity to obtain anything of value.” (1)
So making a bet is illegal, so now we have to look at what is meant by making a bet in Minnesota:
“Subd. 2. Bet. A bet is a bargain whereby the parties mutually agree to a gain or loss by one to the other of specified money, property, or benefit dependent upon chance, although the chance is accompanied by some element of skill.
Subd. 3. What are not bets? The following are not bets:
- a contract to insure, indemnify, guarantee or otherwise compensate another for a harm or loss sustained, even though the loss depends upon chance;
- a contract for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or other commodities;
- offers of purses, prizes, or premiums to the actual contestants in any bona fide contest for the determination of skill, speed, strength, endurance, or quality or to the bona fide owners of animals or other property entered in such a contest;
- the game of bingo, when conducted in compliance with sections 349.11 to 349.23,
- a private social bet, not part of or incidental to organized, commercialized, or systematic gambling;
- the operation of equipment or the conduct of a raffle under sections 349.11 to 349.22, by an organization licensed by the Gambling Control Board or an organization exempt from licensing under section 349.166,
- pari-mutuel betting on horse racing when the betting is conducted under chapter 240; and
- the purchase and sale of state lottery tickets under chapter 349A.” (2)
Minnesota Gambling Law Resources
- 2013 Minnesota Statutes, 609.755 Acts Of Or Relating To Gambling
- 2013 Minnesota Statutes, 609.75, Gambling, Definitions
Short History of Gambling in Minnesota
- Limited gaming for charitable causes was permitted in Minnesota from 1945 through 1993; no other sort of gambling was legal.
- In 1982, the Minnesota Legislature suggested a constitutional amendment that would enable pari-mutuel betting throughout the state.
- The amendment passed with the general public’s approval in 1983, and pari-mutuel horse racing was legalized.
- The Minnesota Legislature created a state lottery in 1989, which is governed by Chapter 349A of the Minnesota Statutes. The Lottery is operated and controlled by a director appointed by the governor with Senate approval.
- In 1999, the state granted Canterbury Park permission to run a card club in addition to horse racing.
The Future of Gambling in Minnesota
The future of gambling in Minnesota is looking very bright. Many new casinos and racetracks are planned for the state, and the existing ones are doing very well.
The only thing that could hold back the growth of gambling in Minnesota is the state’s current poker laws.
Poker is currently only legal in Minnesota if it is played in a private home or at a licensed casino. There are no public poker rooms in the state, and online poker is also not currently legal.
Minnesota residents who want to play poker must either travel to a nearby state where it is legal or play on one of the many illegal online poker sites.
While the current poker laws in Minnesota are not ideal, there is a lot of hope for the future.
Final Thoughts
That’s all for now on Minnesota poker laws. While things are not perfect at the moment, there is a lot of hope for the future of legal online poker in the state.
Be sure to check out our online poker room in Minnesota and other guide and tips about poker and poker laws–we will continue to update this information as new developments arise. Thanks for reading, and good luck at the tables!
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