From backyard deal-a-cards to church-hall fundraisers and Friday-night wagers that bring neighbors together, Alabama’s poker tradition runs deep. Even without licensed poker rooms or state-regulated sites, online poker in Alabama is thriving nonetheless.
Since finding real-money games locally isn’t an option, offshore poker sites have become the go-to choice for Alabamians who still want to play cash games, tournaments, and sit-and-gos from anywhere. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best platforms that feel as welcoming as a Friday night game in Birmingham or Mobile, plus smart tips for choosing a site and how to play responsibly.
Online Poker Legality Snapshot
Online Poker
Available (Offshore Only)
Land Based Poker
Not Available
Legal Gambling Age
18
Poker Regulator
N/A
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Alabama?
Yes, you can access real-money online poker sites from Alabama through platforms like BetOnline and Ignition Poker. These sites have welcomed players from across the U.S., including Alabama, for many years. To get started, you need to create an account, verify your details, choose a payment method, and make your first deposit. Most sites support mobile play, so you can join cash games and tournaments easily from your phone, tablet, or desktop, often without needing to download extra software.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Alabama
If you’re in the Heart of Dixie and ready to play online poker, you have several trusted sites to choose from. Each site has its strengths, whether you’re looking for fast games, big tournaments, or flexible payment options. We’ve narrowed it down to the top picks to help you find the right fit without the guesswork.
ACR Poker – Best for Innovative Security Features and Player Tools
Black Chip Poker – Best for Unique Game Formats
Everygame Poker – Best for Soft Competition
Best for Innovative Security Features and Player Tools
Massive daily & weekly tournament schedule with high guarantees
Daily freerolls & leaderboards for casual players
Fast Bitcoin withdrawals (1-8 hours)
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1-24 hours
Best for Innovative Security Features and Player Tools
Advanced features like the ACR Reshuffle and built-in staking system make this platform stand out for those in Alabama who prioritize security and game control. You can buy or sell action directly on-site, while the option to reduce potential collusion via reshuffled decks is a thoughtful addition. HUD compatibility and deep tournament traffic round out the appeal. It’s not the most modern interface, but it earns its reputation by focusing on gameplay depth and user utility, with crypto withdrawals processed within 24 hours.
Black Chip Poker stands out in Alabama with formats you rarely see elsewhere. Bomb Pot tables generate massive pre-flop action by forcing all players to contribute, leading to wild, loose hands. For quick hits, Jackpot Poker sit & gos offer the chance to win up to 2,500x your buy-in in minutes. High-stakes grinders also have plenty of action, with regular games running up to $100/$200. While the interface isn’t the slickest, the variety and volume make it a strong choice for players looking beyond basic Hold’em.
Everygame Poker is a great option in Alabama for low-stakes, low-stress play. The platform is full of recreational users, so tables tend to be soft and easygoing, especially at micro-stakes. With three daily freerolls totaling $1,750 weekly and moderate traffic, it’s easy to play without feeling overwhelmed. The interface is user-friendly, and bonuses like a 200% match up to $1,000 are achievable. It’s a comfortable spot for casual players who just want to enjoy the game.
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in Alabama
Choosing the right poker room can make a big difference in your experience. Below, we’ve compared the top sites available to Alabama players based on essential features including minimum deposits so you can quickly find the one that fits your style.
To recommend the best poker sites for Alabama players, we closely evaluate each platform across the factors that matter most for a smooth, secure, and enjoyable experience. Here’s what we consider:
Availability in Alabama: Our list only includes poker sites that accept real-money players from Alabama. While these platforms are often based outside the state, they must offer full access, whether you’re logging in from Mobile or somewhere rural like Monroeville.
Player Traffic and Competition Levels: Alabama players deserve access to busy poker rooms that cater to all skill levels. We prioritize sites with consistently active lobbies, especially during U.S. peak hours.
Poker Bonuses and Promotions: We assess the value of welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, rakeback deals, and loyalty rewards. Our team also checks the fine print: wagering requirements, bonus expiry, and eligibility for different poker formats.
Game Variety and Availability: We look for sites offering a full suite of options from Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games to sit & gos, multi-table tournaments, and fast-fold formats.
Is Online Poker Legal in Alabama?
As of 2025, online poker remains unregulated in Alabama. The state’s approach to gambling is among the strictest in the nation. There are no licensed real money online poker operators within the state, and no legal framework exists to support such activities. Residents seeking to play online poker must turn to offshore platforms that accept U.S. players, as they operate outside Alabama's jurisdiction.
Alabama’s constitution broadly prohibits “staking or risking something of value” on games of chance, and the state’s laws and Criminal Code codifies that ban. Under Alabama Code Title 13A, Chapter 12, Article 2, most gambling activities, whether live or online, are unlawful and carry misdemeanor penalties, including fines and potential jail time.
At the heart of the law is Section 13A-12-20, which defines “gambling,” “contest of chance,” and “gambling device.” Any device used to facilitate wagering, such as slot machines, card tables, or even specific software, falls under this prohibition unless expressly exempted. Possession of such a device is a Class A misdemeanor under Section 13A-12-27, punishable by up to one year in jail and hefty fines.
Promoting or profiting from gambling, beyond simply playing, is also illegal. Section 13A-12-22 makes it a misdemeanor to “advance or profit from unlawful gambling activity,” meaning that running or marketing an online poker site in Alabama could expose operators to criminal liability. This legal stance has kept state-regulated poker rooms off the map, leaving only charitable bingo and pari-mutuel horse and dog racing as the sanctioned forms of wagering.
However, there are limited exceptions. Social games conducted on private property—think kitchen-table poker among friends—are not prosecuted, thanks to an explicit carve-out in the statute. Likewise, daily fantasy sports and horse-race betting operate under separate rules (Title 11, Chapter 65), giving Alabamians a narrow path to legally wager online without facing enforcement.
In 2015–16, legislators even debated expanding gambling. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh championed a bill to establish a state lottery and allow casinos at the four existing racetracks, projected to raise $400 million annually and create 11,000 jobs. The Senate ultimately voted it down. High-profile supporters like Coach Pat Dye and Charles McCrary kept the issue alive, yet no lottery or online-poker provisions ever passed.
Today, Alabama still has no regulatory framework for online poker. Playing on offshore sites remains a legal gray area. Alabama authorities generally focus on large-scale operators rather than individual players, so you’re unlikely to face enforcement action for logging into an offshore poker site. However, because the state doesn’t regulate these platforms, you won’t have the consumer protections or dispute resolution mechanisms that come with a licensed operator. If something goes wrong, whether it’s a delayed payout or a fairness concern, you can’t turn to the state’s board for help.
What is the Legal Age to Play Online Poker in Alabama
Since Alabama does not have state-regulated online poker, there is no official legal age specified for online poker within the state. However, offshore online poker platforms that accept U.S. players typically enforce age checks, and most require you to be at least 18 before you can deposit or play.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Alabama
Even though offshore sites let you play from anywhere in Alabama, it’s important to treat poker as entertainment, not a way to make money. Set a budget before you log in and decide how much you’re willing to spend (and potentially lose) each session. Use the site’s responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits or self-exclusion, to keep your play in check. Take regular breaks, and never chase losses. If you’re not having fun, step away.
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, there are resources available to help:
Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling (ALCCG): A statewide, non-profit organization offering free education, referral, and support services. ALCCG runs a 24/7 helpline staffed by trained volunteers who can connect you with local counselors, peer-support groups, and treatment programs in Alabama. Visit alccg.org to learn more.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: A free, confidential service you can reach 24/7 by phone, text, or chat. Call 1-800-GAMBLER, Text 800GAM, or chat online at 1800gamblerchat.org
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A peer-run, 12-step fellowship where members share experiences and strategies for staying gambling-free. Meetings are held both in person and online. Find a meeting at gamblersanonymous.org
One Degree: An online directory that aggregates social services in Alabama, including gambling-addiction counseling, financial assistance, and mental-health support. You can search by location or service type to find programs near you.
Poker Players from Alabama
Alabama has produced some impressive live tournament pros, from World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winners to high-stakes regulars. Here are the top three all-time money leaders born or based in the Crimson State, according to The Hendon Mob database:
Shannon Shorr - $15,651,884
Hoyt Corkins - $6,092,620
Donovan Dean - $2,256,738
Sandeep Pulusani - $1,992,347
Mark Davis - $1,800,597
Billy McBrayer - $1,661,170
Steven McKoy - $1,582,484
Johnny Landreth - $1,252,968
Luther Tran - $1,052,323
Levi Carden - $862,437
Alabama and Online Poker
Online poker gives Alabama players a chance to join a broader community of enthusiasts and pros, even without local venues or state regulation. You’ve learned how to pick secure offshore sites, join games legally, and manage your bankroll responsibly.
Whether you’re chasing tournament glory or just looking for a friendly game after work, Alabama’s poker spirit lives on in every digital deal. Check out our top-recommended sites to find the right fit for your style, and deal yourself in today.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
