North Carolina does not currently offer regulated real‑money online poker, even though the state launched legal online sports betting in March 2024. Players in North Carolina cannot access licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

In the absence of regulated online poker, players typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play poker apps. These options operate under different legal frameworks and allow residents to play online 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 North Carolina would first need to legalize online casino gaming before regulated online poker could launch. Any expansion would likely involve negotiations with tribal gaming partners and updates to existing agreements.

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

Is Online Poker Legal in North Carolina?

Online poker is not legal or regulated in North Carolina. 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.

North Carolina legalized online sports betting in 2024, but it has not authorized online casino gaming. Gambling expansion in the state has historically centered on tribal casinos and negotiated compacts rather than commercial casino models.

Because online poker is generally regulated as part of an online casino framework in US markets, North Carolina would first need to pass legislation permitting online casinos before regulated online poker could be introduced. Until state law changes and a regulatory framework is established, regulated real‑money online poker remains unavailable.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in North Carolina

While North Carolina 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 state gambling regulations and provide 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina State Lottery Commission or any dedicated gaming authority. 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 North Carolina

Because North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina

North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

North Carolina currently has no framework for online casino gaming, and lawmakers have not advanced proposals to legalize online poker. The state’s recent gambling expansion focused on sports betting rather than broader casino legislation.

In most regulated markets, online poker is authorized as part of a broader online casino framework rather than through standalone legislation. That means North Carolina would first need to legalize online casinos before regulated online poker could become a possibility.

Any future expansion would likely involve tribal negotiations, legislative approval, and regulatory development before online poker could launch. For now, players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker options.

North Carolina Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in North Carolina?

No. North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

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

Does North Carolina allow online gambling?

North Carolina allows online sports betting but does not permit online casino gaming. Online poker has not been legalized.

Will North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

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