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Online poker North Carolina

Today at BettingNC.com, you will learn everything you need to know about online poker in North Carolina, including its legal status, when North Carolina might legalize online poker sites and much more.

Johnny Covers By: Johnny Covers
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Table of contents

As with most states in the southern part of the United States, online poker in North Carolina is not yet legal as state lawmakers have yet to agree on legislation. Though there are sweepstakes and social websites where North Carolinians can play online poker for free, no real money sites have yet been granted permission to set up shop in the state.

Fans of in-person poker, however, have an option in the state, as Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC has a poker room. In fact, the casino hosts a World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit event a couple of times throughout the year. With more than two dozen poker tables, Harrah’s is a must-stop for any poker fans in the state looking to get their fix.

Continue reading for the current status of online poker in North Carolina.

Top North Carolina online poker sites

Though there are not yet any legal online poker sites in the Tarheel State, many gamblers expect there to be in the not-too-distant future. Below are the top North Carolina online poker sites to expect when they become available in the state.

No, online poker is not yet legal in North Carolina, though the state does offer social and sweepstake poker sites where you can play the game for free. According to Chapter 14-202 of the North Carolina General Statutes, online poker is listed as a form of gambling strictly prohibited.

While you might be tempted to play at offshore poker sites in North Carolina, they are unregulated and fall in direct conflict with North Carolina gambling laws. Despite what some sites may claim, offshore poker sites present a plethora of risks, and we strongly discourage you from signing up for accounts.

When could North Carolina legalize online poker?

With Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and online lottery games long-operating in North Carolina legally, many expect online poker in North Carolina to just be a matter of time. The Tarheel State took another positive step in that direction in 2023, legalizing NC online sports betting that is planning to launch in March of 2024. 

Seeing the tax revenue generated from in-person casinos from nearby states, North Carolina lawmakers have publicly acknowledged the possibility of adding more in the state as well. Unfortunately, however, there are currently no bills in motion that would legalize online casinos, the category of which online poker in North Carolina would fall.

How will you be able to sign up at a North Carolina online poker site?

Despite there being no legal online poker in North Carolina, it is likely just a matter of time before we see legislation pass in the state. When that day comes, we here at BettingNC.com have your back in making sure you know what to expect. Below is how you will be able to sign up at a North Carolina online poker site.

  1. Get Bonus: Return here to BettingNC.com for a full list of the online poker sites operating in North Carolina. Find the site on our list that makes the most sense for your needs, and click the ‘Get Bonus’ link. From here, the welcome offer will automatically be applied to your account as you begin the signup process.
  2. Choose Login Credentials: With the North Carolina online poker site’s welcome offer applied to your account, you’ll first be asked to enter your chosen login credentials such as email, username, and password. Fill in any security questions that the site asks for here as well.
  3. Enter Legal Information: After your login credentials are entered, the North Carolina online poker site will verify your identity by asking for your first and last name, phone number, home address, and last four digits of your social security number.
  4. Deposit Funds: With the backing of the state of North Carolina, online poker sites in North Carolina will offer their customers a host of payment options to deposit funds. Choose the option that works best for you, and deposit your initial funds into your account keeping in mind the terms and conditions of your welcome offer.
  5. Pick Your Online Poker Game: Now fully signed up for the online poker site in North Carolina, the time has come to start playing. Pick the game you wish to play, including the limits you want to play for and join the table. Continue reading below for the types of online poker games that could be available in North Carolina on day one.

North Carolina casinos with poker rooms

There is currently only one casino in North Carolina, the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC. It does offer a poker room, which boasts 20 poker tables and hosts WSOP satellite events each year.

  • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719

Which online poker games could be available in North Carolina?

There is a common misconception that Texas Hold’Em is the only poker game out there available to play online. While it is certainly the most popular, online poker sites in North Carolina will have more to offer than just Hold’Em. Let’s take a look at which online poker games could be available in North Carolina when the industry launches.

  • Texas Hold’Em: Made mainstream by movies such as Rounders and ESPN televising the World Series of Poker, Texas Hold’Em is the most popular type of poker game in the United States by a wide margin. To start each game, each player at the table receives two cards face down, followed by a round of betting. The dealer then flops three cards, as another round of betting ensues, followed by two single card flops, each with its own round of betting. The object of the game is to make the best five-card hand with your own two cards and three of the dealers.
  • Five-Card Draw: One of the classic forms of poker, each player is dealt five cards face down to start. From there, they can swap as many cards as they want with the dealer, with one round of betting included.
  • Omaha: More commonly referred to as Omaha High, the game is nearly identical to Texas Hold’Em, except each player is dealt four cards to start instead of two.
  • Badugi: One of the lesser-known online poker games, Badugi offers players a fun twist at the end. Similar to five-card draw poker, each player is instead dealt four cards face down, with three rounds of betting in total with cards drawn in between. Unlike other forms of poker, the winner of a Budugi hand is the player who has the worst hand made up of four cards.
  • Crazy Pineapple: To start out, each player is dealt three cards face down followed by a round of betting. The dealer then flops three cards, with another round of betting, before each player has to discard one card of their own. The dealer will then flop two more individual cards, using the Texas Hold’Em betting cadence, until the game is finished.

Expert advice when playing online poker in North Carolina

If you have played at the Harrah’s Casino and Resort in Cherokee, NC, you might know a thing or two about poker. There are some similarities and differences to consider when playing the game online, however. Based on more than a decade of playing online, here is some expert advice when playing online poker in North Carolina.

  • Use Bonuses: Unlike brick-and-mortar casinos, online casinos, and online poker sites offer players welcome bonuses in an effort to win business from their competitors. Oftentimes, these bonuses will come in the form of bonus bets, which is money you can use to then learn how to play online poker, without risking real funds at first.
  • Play Micro-Stakes: Another advantage to playing online poker in North Carolina is that you can play for very low stakes. Most online poker sites will have blinds as small as $0.05/$0.10, giving you the opportunity to get a feel for the game without breaking the bank.
  • Stable Internet: As you begin playing online poker, you’ll want to make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable. Games can move fast, especially tournaments, and your internet going down at an inopportune time can be the difference between winning and losing a tournament.

Pros and cons of a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website

When online poker in North Carolina hits the internet, each of the sites will offer both a desktop and mobile version of their services. Below are a few of the pros and cons of a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website to think of.

Pros

  • Play On the Go: When mobile poker apps go live in North Carolina, you’ll be able to use them anywhere within state lines. This will allow you to pop into cash games from wherever you are, as long as you are in North Carolina.
  • Cash Games: Each North Carolina online poker site will have two sections; cash games and tournaments. While tournaments might not be great for when you’re playing on mobile, cash games give you the freedom to pop in and out, meaning you can get a few hands when you’re in the waiting room of the dentist or sitting in traffic.
  • Mobile-Specific Promotions: Each North Carolina online poker site will also have a promotional page that features all of their bonus offers. Some might be mobile-specific, giving you a bonus simply for using your Android or iOS device.

Cons

  • No Multitasking: If you’re like me, you have no less than a dozen tabs open on your desktop browser at any given time. That luxury goes away when playing online poker on a mobile app.
  • Using Data: When playing online poker on your mobile device, unless you are connected to wifi, you’ll have to use your cellular data. In addition to potentially racking up a steep bill, cellular mobile data often tends to be less stable than wifi connections.

FAQ

Do all casinos in North Carolina have poker tables?

Yes, all casinos in North Carolina (though, there is just one, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC) have poker tables.

Is it safe to play at offshore poker sites in North Carolina?

No, it is not safe to play at offshore poker sites in North Carolina, as they are unregulated and offer you no protection as a player.

Why is online poker not legal in North Carolina?

Online poker is not legal in North Carolina because state legislators have not yet passed legislation to allow for NC online casinos. They have, however, recently passed laws to permit online sports betting, which many hope will pave the way for online poker in the near future.

What are the penalties for playing online poker in North Carolina?

According to North Carolina state law, any person who participates in a game of chance (poker) with a chance of winning money is liable to be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. This includes any form of online gambling, including online poker in North Carolina. While prosecution may be rare, do know that offshore poker sites fall under this category.

Is it possible for North Carolina to legalize online poker in the future?

Yes, it is possible North Carolina will legalize online poker in the future, as the state already permits online lottery game purchases, Daily Fantasy Sports, and online sports betting (March 2024).

How can I stay updated on changes in online poker laws in North Carolina?

You can stay updated on changes in online poker laws in North Carolina by keeping up to date on all press releases coming from the state’s Attorney General Office. You can also check back here at BettingNC.com for the latest updates to gambling laws in the Tarheel state.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers is a researcher and author at Betting NC. For nearly ten years, Johnny has been analyzing sports betting markets and providing handicapping insights. During this time, he has contributed to various publications including All-In Magazine, Blitz Predict, FantasyPros, Betting Pros, Sportsbook Review, Golf Monthly, and OddsChecker.