Minnesota Real Money Online Poker Rooms & Top Poker Apps in MN

Find the best online poker rooms in MN and learn about gambling laws in The North Star State

Hero image
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars
$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

18

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#1 Best poker room
ignition_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

Top features:

  • Exclusively for US players
  • Broad selection of tournaments
  • Fixed, NL, and pot limit games

Bonus:

$1,500 Crypto Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
18

What we like:

  • High traffic 24/7
  • Monthly Millions tournament
  • Quick payouts
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars
200% up to $1,000

4

Overall Rating

29

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#2 Rakeback deals
everygame_poker_room
4 stars

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000
#2 Rakeback deals

Top features:

  • Satellites and qualifiers to live events
  • Stakes start at $0.02/$0.04
  • Supports credit cards and cryptos

Bonus:

200% up to $1,000

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • 25+ years on the market
  • Great tournament selection
  • Easy to clear bonus
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars
100% up to $500

4.5

Overall Rating

31

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_poker_room
4.5 stars

Bonus:

100% up to $500
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Guaranteed tournaments
  • Freerolls and SNGs
  • Micro to high stakes

Bonus:

100% up to $500

4.5

4.5 stars
31

What we like:

  • Reliable customer support
  • Recreational player pool
  • Online since 2004

Key Things You Need to Know 

  • Online poker is not legal in Minnesota, but it’s unregulated by the state itself.
  • You can play land-based poker at some of Minnesota’s Native American-owned casinos.
  • Playing at our recommended Minnesota offshore poker rooms is not illegal, and you cannot be punished for it.
  • Choose from a range of poker variants online, including Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud.
  • Texas Hold’em Poker is the most popular online poker game among Minnesotans. You’ll find the highest traffic numbers and the best selection of games online.
  • Minnesota is not currently planning to legalize and regulate its own online poker industry, despite extensive research showing its benefits to players and the state.

List of the Top Online Poker Rooms in Minnesota

  • Ignition – Best poker room overall in Minnesota
  • Everygame – Best rakeback deals in Minnesota
  • Bovada – Best native mobile poker app

Reviews of the Top Three Online Poker Rooms in Minnesota

Ignition Poker

Ignition Poker presents a robust platform for Minnesota poker aficionados, offering a variety of games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Fast-Fold Poker, and Seven-Card Stud. With stakes starting at a modest $0.01/$0.02, it caters to casual players, while also providing a range of high-limit tables for the more seasoned players.

Although it doesn’t host a tournament as grand as the Monthly Millions, Ignition Poker has an engaging tournament scene featuring knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs, offering a diverse and competitive environment.

New players can start their journey with a welcome bonus of up to $1,000, claiming a 100% match on their first deposit using the bonus code IGNITIONCASINO. The platform supports various payment methods including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and a spectrum of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, ensuring seamless transactions.

Ignition Poker stands as a viable choice for Minnesota players, blending a variety of gameplay options, a vibrant tournament scene, and a rewarding welcome bonus, making it a compelling destination for both novice and seasoned poker enthusiasts.

Everygame Poker

Everygame Poker is the ultimate destination for Minnesota’s poker enthusiasts, offering an outstanding online gaming experience. This well-established poker site boasts a rich history and delivers an extensive selection of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Fast-Fold Poker, Seven-Card Stud, and more.

Minnesota players will appreciate the flexible stakes, with games starting as low as $0.01/$0.02, catering to both novice and casual players. For those seeking higher stakes and greater challenges, Everygame Poker provides an array of high-limit tables.

One of the standout features of Everygame Poker is its captivating tournament lineup, including the Monthly Millions with a remarkable guaranteed prize pool of $1 million. In addition to this flagship event, players can dive into thrilling knockout games, bounty tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos to showcase their skills and compete for substantial prizes.

To kickstart your poker journey, new Minnesota players can enjoy a generous 100% match bonus of up to $500 on their first deposit by using the provided bonus code. Funding your account is convenient, with various payment options accepted, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker is a notable platform for poker enthusiasts in Minnesota, having been established since 2004. It hosts a variety of poker games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Fast-Fold Poker, and Seven-Card Stud, catering to a wide range of poker tastes.

With stakes beginning at a friendly $0.01/$0.02, it’s a welcoming venue for casual players, while also offering a substantial range of high-limit tables for the more daring gamblers.

The Monthly Millions tournament is a highlight at Bovada Poker, boasting a guaranteed prize pool of $1 million, along with a variety of other competitive options like knockout games, bounty tournaments, and SNGs, ensuring a lively and rewarding tournament scene.

New players can kickstart their Bovada Poker journey with a welcome bonus of up to $500, availing a 100% match on their first deposit using the bonus code PWB500. The platform supports a myriad of payment methods including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and a range of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, facilitating smooth transactions.

Online Poker Laws & Regulations in Minnesota – Is It Legal?

Minnesota is a state that is relatively friendly when it comes to gambling. Land-based tribal casinos are legal in the North Star State (with around 20 to choose from). You can wager on charitable gaming events, pari-mutuel horse racing, and play cards at the Canterbury Park racetrack. There is even a lottery conducted in Minnesota.

While no commercial casinos exist in the Gopher State, you can still play in tribal venues, which regulate themselves according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

As for online gambling and the ability to play poker online, that’s a different story. Minnesota’s gambling law, specifically Section 609, states that you cannot “operate” unregulated gambling sites.

Because neither tribal casinos nor commercial sites can offer online gambling games like poker to Minnesotans, players in the state have no choice but to turn to offshore casinos and poker rooms to play online. Fortunately, there are many that accept them, as you’ll see here. 

How to Play Online Poker in Minnesota

For those in Minnesota eager to embark on their online poker journey, here’s a step-by-step guide using Ignition Poker as an example:

1. Choose Your Preferred Poker Site

Minnesota players looking for an exceptional online poker experience can turn to Ignition Poker. While there are various reputable poker platforms available, Ignition Poker is recognized for its quality and player-focused approach.

2. Create an Online Poker Account

Begin by visiting Ignition Poker’s website and locating the “Join” button. Click on it to initiate the registration process. You’ll be prompted to provide essential personal details, including your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. Ensure that your information is accurate and matches your identification documents. After completing the registration form, submit it, and confirm your account by clicking the verification link sent to your email inbox.

3. Deposit Funds and Choose a Sign-Up Bonus

Once your account is verified, log in to your Ignition Poker account. Head to the cashier or deposit section. Here, you can select your preferred payment method, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies. Specify the deposit amount and follow the on-screen instructions.

Ignition Poker frequently offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to enhance your bankroll. Some bonuses activate automatically upon deposit, while others require a unique bonus code. If a code is necessary, you can usually find it on the promotions page or in the terms and conditions.

4. Start Playing Real Money Poker

With your account funded, it’s time to dive into the world of online poker. Navigate to the poker lobby, where you’ll find a range of games, including cash games, tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos. Before making your selection, review the table limits, tournament details, and buy-in requirements.

If you’re new to online poker, consider starting with lower-stakes games or freerolls to gain experience and confidence. Ignition Poker offers various poker variations and formats to cater to both beginners and experienced players.

When Will Minnesota Legalize Online Poker?

At the start of 2021, it didn’t look as though there would be much movement to legalize online gambling of any kind in the state, never mind sites that facilitate playing online poker in Minnesota.

In 2022, a bill materialized that would have given Native American tribes the right to offer online sports betting options. That didn’t pass, but was considered again in 2023.

So far, Minnesota legal gambling enterprises with casino-related games are run by Native American tribes. Currently, they remain opposed to the idea of Minnesota online casinos and poker, despite the potential of a direct financial benefit.

How to Choose the Right Minnesota Poker Site for Your Play Style

Let’s look at what each of our top online gambling rooms is notable for when it comes to poker: 

  • Cash game variety: BetOnline Poker
  • Betting limits: SportsBetting Poker
  • Freeroll availability: Ignition Poker
  • Poker welcome bonus size: America’s Card Room
  • Tournament variety: Bovada Poker
  • Mobile betting: Ignition Poker
  • Rakeback: Everygame Poker

What Varieties of Poker Are Available Online in Minnesota?

Every good Minnesota online poker site offers a good mix of real-money gambling options. Let’s look at the most popular poker variants you can find in Minnesota today. 

Texas Hold ‘em Poker

Texas Hold’em is the most popular Minnesota poker game. It’s easily the biggest game at the best poker sites and in land-based casinos. You can play it as a cash game, tournament, or SNG. You can even play Texas Hold’em bounty tournaments and or a satellite to win your entry into a larger tournament.

It is relatively straightforward to begin playing poker, especially Hold’em, which deals two “hole cards” to each player. You form the best five-card poker hand with your two hole cards and any of the five community cards which are shared by all players. The pot goes to whoever has the best poker hand at showdown.

Many online poker sites offer a mix of Pot Limit and No Limit games. You can also play tournaments with guaranteed prizepools.

Omaha/Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha is available in High and Hi-Lo variants. Instead of two hole cards, you receive four hole cards. You must use two of your hole cards and any three community cards to form the best poker hand.

Every good online gambling site offers Omaha cash games and tournaments. In Omaha Hi, the highest hand wins the pot, as in most standard poker games. However, in Omaha 8/Omaha Hi-Lo, you may win half the pot by having a qualifying low hand (five cards of 8 or lower) when the other player wins the high hand.

Stud Poker

Stud used to be the dominant game across Minnesota and the rest of the US, but it has been replaced by Hold’em over the past few decades. That said, you can still find quality games like 7-Card Stud in our top recommended offshore poker rooms, while 5-Card Stud is a favorite amongst many first-time poker players coming from Minnesota.

Windfall Poker

Windfall Poker (also known as Jackpot Poker/Blitz Poker), is a game regularly found at one of our most trusted rooms, BetOnline Poker. It’s a form of a jackpot SNG with a preset prize pool, which goes to the winner. Windfall Poker is a game played three-handed and with a turbo structure. They move fast but you can increase your game volume and play multiple games every hour as long as there are players.

Boost Poker

Boost Poker is ideal if you like quick cash games. It’s a form of fast-fold poker found at BetOnline, wherein you move tables after every hand. It keeps the tables fresh and helps you avoid playing online poker against the same players every time.

A History of Online Poker Legislation in Minnesota

Minnesota has a colorful history when it comes to online gambling.

  • 1945: Charity bingo is legal in Minnesota. Despite many attempts to add more, no other games are legal until 1981.
  • 1982: Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Minnesota. 
  • 1984: The Minnesota Gambling Control Board forms, then known as the Charitable Gambling Control Board.
  • 1989: The first tribal casinos are now legal in Minnesota. Around twenty exist today. At the same time, the state launches the Minnesota Lottery, and the Department of Gaming has jurisdiction over gambling.
  • 2022: A bill that allows the casinos located on tribal lands to offer online sports betting to Minnesotans appears.
  • 2023: Minnesota attempts to pass the aforementioned sports betting bill. While horse racetracks can offer sports bets, online sports betting on any gambling device is effectively blocked after the bill fails.

Can You Play Online Poker for Free in Minnesota?

It is simple to play free-play poker games at Minnesota’s online poker tables. Just load up with play-money tokens and enjoy Hold’em or Omaha with zero risk to your bankroll. You can also play casino games for free with no risk.

Alternatively, you can play freerolls on MN poker sites such as America’s Cardroom and Everygame. Freerolls cost nothing to enter and you have a shot at winning a share of a set prize pool. Check out Ignition Poker and its weekly $2,500 freerolls.

Mobile Online Poker in Minnesota

Mobile gameplay at a typical Minnesota poker site won’t be an issue. You can either install an iOS or Android app for your smartphone or tablet or gamble online through your smartphone browser.

Poker software is perfectly designed these days to work on any gambling device. The tables are tailored to fit smaller touch screens. Plus, you can make bets and reload your funds with a few taps and swipes on an Android or iOS gambling device.  

What Online Poker Tournaments Are Available to Minnesota Poker Players?

After joining one of our top Minnesota online poker sites, you can begin tinkering with a host of tournament options, like these: 

Freerolls 

Freerolls are online poker tournaments that are free to enter. Online poker sites may assign a specific freeroll value ($2,500 in weekly freerolls at Ignition Poker), and anything you win is deposited into your account as real money.

Freezeout Tournaments 

These are poker tournaments where you can buy in initially, but once you’re out of chips, you’re out of the game. There are no reentries or rebuys allowed.

Re-Entry Tournaments 

In re-entry tournaments, you are permitted to buy back in if you run out of chips. The re-entry period normally has a strict end time, so always check the terms before you start playing. If you do re-enter, you will be reassigned to a new table with your new chip stack.

Rebuys 

Rebuys, despite their name, only allow you to rebuy into a tournament during the early blind stages of a competition, not indefinitely. You will be allowed to rebuy without moving seats, usually for around 90 minutes of play.

Guaranteed Tournaments 

Guaranteed (GTD) tournaments have set prize pools determined by the poker room. The prize pool is guaranteed as a minimum, regardless of how many players buy in. It’s possible that there will be “overlay,” which means the online poker site adds the difference to meet the guarantee. This adds value for anyone who plays the game.

Online Satellites 

Satellites are tournaments that give every player a chance to qualify for tournaments online or major events at live poker rooms. Satellites cost a fraction of the buy-in for the events themselves, so there is value to be found.

Bounty Tournaments

In bounty tournaments, you win a cash prize via bounty chips for every player you eliminate. In Progressive Knockouts (PKOs), you split your bounty – half paid out to you and the other half added to the bounty on your head for anyone who eliminates you.

Banking Methods at Online Minnesota Poker Sites

For almost every one of the top poker sites, the payment methods for Minnesota players are the same. For instance, you can expect to see VISA, MasterCard, checks, and wire transfers are standard, and American Express is offered by some poker sites. Cryptocurrencies such as BTC, BCH, DOGE, ETH, LTC and USDT are becoming more readily available as well.

That’s not the only similarity between sites that offer poker. Most permit deposits are worth as little as $20, while withdrawals start at around $25 to $50. Similarly, transaction times can vary from one day up to five business days with most methods. Checks, however, can take up to two weeks.

That’s where the similarities end, though. When it comes to withdrawal limits, deposit limits, and fees, the options vary. We strongly suggest you check out our specific online poker site reviews to find out the specific banking terms for the one you choose.

Rakeback at Minnesota Online Poker Rooms

If you play at some of our selected poker sites, you may encounter rakeback. This is where the casino offers you a small chunk of their fees (“rake”) from hosting games as a cashback bonus. This may come as comp points or cash. Similarly, it may be wager-free or have terms and conditions attached. 

Top 4 Brick-and-Mortar Poker Rooms in Minnesota

Besides the online poker sites in Minnesota, there are some brick-and-mortar poker rooms in the state. Not all offer live poker, such as Shooting Star Casino, but these are among the best of those that do:

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel 

Located in Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel is the largest casino in Minnesota. Owned by the Sioux tribe, it spans 125,000 square feet and has over 100 tables. However, it is worth noting that many of the poker games at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel are electronic video poker terminals. There is also a high-limit room for VIPs.

Treasure Island 

Treasure Island is another tribal casino and the second-biggest casino in Minnesota. It’s run by the Prairie Island Indian Community and offers casino games like slot machines and table games, as well as a poker room.

Treasure Island is known for its poker action, especially in promotions such as the Royal Flush Always Wins. You’ll find something to enjoy in the 45-table cardroom, whether you’re into Hold’em or Seven Card Stud.

Running Aces Casino & Racetrack 

Columbus’ Running Aces Casino & Racetrack supports Mississippi Stud Poker, Three-Card Poker, Four-Card Poker, Aces Live 5-Card Draw, Pai Gow Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em tables. Those are table games, however, and do not fall into the social skill game category.

Those playing poker in Minnesota will also find a genuine poker room, too. There are also weekly tournaments and 24/7 cash games.

Canterbury Park Racetrack 

The oldest racetrack in Minnesota (located in Shakopee) for horse races also offers a cardroom and supports Hold’em poker tournaments. There are also cash games covering Omaha, 7-Stud, and mixed games. Look out for the Bad Beat Jackpots, too, for unlucky cash players. The poker room opened at Canterbury Park in 1999, making it one of the state’s best-established cardrooms.

Land-Based Poker Rooms Planned in Minnesota

We haven’t heard of any new land-based poker rooms being constructed or planned in Minnesota right now. Native American tribes seem content with the venues already established.

As far as Minnesota’s gambling law concerning online poker sites, lawmakers have yet to propose a substantial bill to regulate those sites on the state level. 

Poker Promotions in Minnesota

After joining a top poker room, you can start claiming promotions and bonuses, some of which include:

Welcome Bonus 

The first promotion you will encounter is the welcome bonus. In most cases, this is a cash bonus tied to the amount you deposit. You receive a percentage of at least 100% in matched funds and must complete wagering requirements to declare your winnings.

Freerolls 

Freeroll bonuses allow you to enter tournaments and competitions for free. You may win a share of the guaranteed prize pool if you finish in the top percentage of players.

Rakeback

Rakeback is a form of cashback in poker site promotions. Not all sites offer it, but it can reward cash or points based on the amount of play. You receive a portion of your cash game rake or tournament fees as a refund.

Why Play at Minnesota Poker Rooms Online? 

If you’re still not convinced, allow us to showcase the benefits of playing online poker in Minnesota today. They include:

Dedicated Bonuses 

Minnesota’s online poker sites offer larger, more valuable bonuses and promos than land-based venues. A deposit bonus may even be dedicated to specific poker games.

Multiple-Table

Play multiple tables at once. Increase your hand volume online by playing several cash games or Sit ‘n Gos at once. Moreover, there are no waiting times to play your favorite games.

Poker Tournaments

Online poker tournaments run throughout the week and can guarantee some big prize pools. You can also choose from SNGs, heads-up tournaments, or any options from a tournament schedule that continues to grow as poker becomes more popular.

24-Hour Access

There are no closing hours in Minnesota’s online poker rooms. You can play around the clock and on any gambling device. That’s handy for skeleton shift workers, night owls, and many others without “normal” business hours.

Play Poker Online Anonymously 

Enjoy anonymous poker games online without anyone knowing your name. And you’ll never give off physical tells if your opponents can’t see you.

Famous Minnesota Online Poker Players 

Have you heard of the most famous Minnesota poker players? Here are some names you should recognize:

  • Blake Bohn: Blake Bohn was inducted into the Minnesota Poker Hall of Fame in 2015 and holds two Mid-States Poker Tour championship titles.
  • Jim Meehan: Meehan achieved a second-place finish in the 1997 WSOP and went on to win a gold bracelet in 2003. He cashed in 21 WSOP events since 1997.
  • Lyle Berman: The Minneapolis poker legend is now retired but remains a winner of three WSOP bracelets.

Minnesota Real Money Online Poker FAQ 

Is Online Poker Legal in Minnesota? 

Online poker is not licensed in Minnesota, and there is currently no gambling law overseeing poker sites. However, you can play at offshore gambling sites that accept players from the US.

Can You Play Real Money Poker in Minnesota?

Yes. You can play real-money Hold’em and Omaha at live poker rooms across Minnesota. Offshore sites also offer poker to players in MN.

Where Can I Play Live Poker in Minnesota? 

You can play poker in live poker rooms at casinos on some tribal lands and at licensed racetracks across Minnesota. Those rooms may spread a mixture of cash games and tournaments.

What’s the Largest Cardroom in Minnesota? 

The Mystic Lake Casino Hotel found in Prior Lake is easily the largest legal land-based casino. However, Running Aces’ cardroom boasts the widest range of poker games.

Can I Play Online Freerolls in Minnesota? 

Yes. Minnesota online poker rooms offer freerolls that guarantee a prize pool shared among the top finishers. Live tournament poker doesn’t prohibit tournaments for free, but they are very rare.

Are There Comp Points at Minnesota Poker Sites? 

A good Minnesota online poker site offers comp points every time you play for real money. Redeem your points for cash or earn cashback on rake and tournament fees.

Can You Predict the Results of an Online Poker Game?

No. Though online poker uses random number generators to determine the shuffle of the cards, games are played peer-to-peer among real players.

Are There Any Famous Poker Players from Minnesota? 

Yes. Former players like Jim Meehan and Lyle Berman are household names, but modern pros like Blake Bohn are also worth mentioning.

Is Ignition Poker Legal in Minnesota? 

Ignition Poker is unregulated on US soil, but it does accept players from Minnesota. You can sign up for an Ignition Poker gambling account and play games and tournaments for real money.

Can You Play at BetOnline Poker from Minnesota? 

Yes, BetOnline accepts real-money players from Minnesota. You can choose from a range of cash games and tournaments, play satellites, or enjoy SNGs.

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