Minnesota does not currently offer regulated real‑money online poker. While the state permits tribal casinos and certain charitable gaming activities, it has not authorized online casino gaming, and licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, and BetMGM Poker are not available to Minnesota players.

In the absence of regulated online poker, residents typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play poker apps. These operate under different legal frameworks and allow players to access online poker without a state‑licensed casino model.

Across the US online poker market, poker is typically treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate legislation. That means Minnesota would first need to legalize online casino gaming before regulated online poker could launch. Any expansion would likely require negotiations with tribal gaming operators and legislative approval.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Minnesota, the sweepstakes options available today, and what would need to change for regulated online poker to become a possibility in the North Star State.

Is Online Poker Legal in Minnesota?

Online poker is not legal or regulated in Minnesota. The state does not license real‑money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw funds on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Minnesota’s gambling industry is primarily centered around tribal casinos and charitable gaming. Although there have been discussions about legalizing sports betting in recent years, lawmakers have not authorized online casino gaming.

Because online poker is generally regulated as part of an online casino framework in US markets, Minnesota would need to pass legislation permitting online casinos before regulated online poker could be introduced. Until that happens, regulated real‑money online poker remains unavailable.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Minnesota

While Minnesota does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are accessible to players in the state. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than Minnesota gambling regulations and offer a way to play online poker for prizes that can be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes poker platforms use a dual‑currency system. Players purchase gold (free‑play) coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible poker games and may be redeemed for cash prizes, subject to each platform’s terms and verification process.

Because sweepstakes poker is structured as a promotional model rather than traditional gambling, it is available in Minnesota even though online casinos and regulated online poker are not permitted.

It’s important to understand that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board or tribal gaming authorities. Game formats, liquidity, prize redemption rules, and player protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Minnesota

Because Minnesota does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Minnesota players.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform designed to resemble a traditional online poker room. Players purchase gold (free‑play) coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash‑game‑style tables and tournaments. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms in the US and is available to players in Minnesota. It uses a dual‑currency system separating gold coins for social play from sweeps coins that can be redeemed for prizes.

Global Poker offers ring games, sit‑and‑go tournaments, and multi‑table tournaments. See our Global Poker review for more details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It combines elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes‑style prize redemptions and focuses on tournament‑friendly No‑Limit Texas Hold’em action.

Players purchase gold coins and can enter games that award prizes redeemable for cash. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes casino platform that includes poker alongside other casino‑style games. Players purchase gold coins and typically receive sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins can be used in eligible games and redeemed for cash prizes.

Poker is a smaller part of the overall offering compared to dedicated sweepstakes poker platforms, but it may appeal to players who want a broader social casino experience. For more information, see our Stake.us review.

Free‑Play Poker in Minnesota

Minnesota players can also play online poker for free through a variety of free‑play and social poker platforms. These sites do not involve real‑money wagering and are designed for entertainment and practice rather than cash prizes.

Popular free‑play poker options include Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, Governor of Poker, and Poker Patio. Free poker games are also available on social media platforms and through major poker brands’ free‑to‑play apps.

Because there is no real money at stake, free‑play poker is best suited for new players who want to learn hand rankings, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Minnesota?

Minnesota currently has no framework for online casino gaming, and lawmakers have not advanced proposals to legalize online poker. Discussions around gambling expansion have largely focused on sports betting rather than broader iGaming legislation.

In most regulated markets, online poker is authorized as part of a broader online casino framework rather than through standalone legislation. That means Minnesota would first need to legalize online casinos — likely through negotiations with tribal partners — before regulated online poker could become a possibility.

At this time, there is no active legislative effort to authorize online casino gaming in Minnesota. For now, players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker options.

Minnesota Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota does not regulate real‑money online poker. Licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars and WSOP Online are not available.

Can you play online poker for money in Minnesota?

Regulated real‑money poker sites are not available. However, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms allow players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules.

Does Minnesota allow online gambling?

Minnesota permits tribal casinos and charitable gaming but does not allow online casino gaming. Online poker has not been legalized.

Will Minnesota legalize online poker?

There is currently no active legislation to authorize online casino gaming. Because online poker is typically regulated as part of an online casino framework, the state would first need to legalize online casinos before poker could be considered.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Minnesota?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Minnesota, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.