North Carolina online poker is easy to access through reputable offshore sites that accept players from the state. The state doesn't regulate or license real money poker platforms, residents can still safely play online without legal risk by choosing trusted offshore operators.
With few local options for real money poker, more and more players in the state are turning to online alternatives, and many land right here to explore their choices. This page simplifies the process by highlighting your top poker site options, how North Carolina law applies, and what to expect when playing online from the Tar Heel State.
State of Online Poker in NC
While North Carolina law (§14-292) prohibits most forms of unlicensed gambling, enforcement targets illegal operations within the state—not individual players accessing offshore poker sites. These offshore platforms operate outside state jurisdiction and legally welcome US players, including those in North Carolina. So, while online poker isn't state-regulated, North Carolinians can still play real money games safely through trusted offshore sites. These options are widely used and remain the most practical alternative to in-person poker.
The Top Legal Poker Sites for North Carolina
Not all offshore poker sites offer the same quality of experience. Some stand out for fast-loading software, others for tournament variety, soft competition, or smooth mobile play. That's why we test and vet platforms based on how they perform specifically for players in the state. The poker rooms listed below were selected for their reliability, consistent traffic, and strong gameplay across formats.
Ignition – Best NC Site to Play Poker for Real Money
BetOnline – Best North Carolina Poker Site for Beginners
America's Cardroom – Generous Online Poker Bonuses for NC Residents
Bovada – Variety of Tournaments for NC Poker Players
Ignition is a dependable choice in North Carolina for smooth, low-stress poker. Anonymous seating keeps the game fair by limiting tracking and long-term reads, while the interface runs equally well on desktop and mobile. Zone Poker, daily MTTs, and soft cash games ensure steady traffic. Deposits via Bitcoin are quick, and withdrawals usually process within 24–72 hours. For both short play sessions and daily grinding, it delivers consistent value and performance.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Poker Site for Beginners
BetOnline is a strong starting point for anyone new to poker in North Carolina. The layout is easy to follow, the app is responsive, and soft competition at low stakes makes for a smoother learning curve. Quick formats like Sit & Gos and Windfall jackpots let you get in and out without much pressure. Add crypto-friendly banking and helpful support, and the overall experience feels welcoming without being overly simplified.
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
Generous Poker Bonuses
Rake races, reload offers, and a generous deposit match bonus make ACR a long-term value pick for poker fans in North Carolina. Traffic is steady across Sit & Gos, MTTs, and Blitz Poker, so it’s easy to find action without committing to nosebleed stakes. The platform rewards volume without requiring high-stakes play, appealing to grinders building a bankroll. Reliable software and a deep tournament calendar round out the offering for committed players. Crypto withdrawals are processed within 24 hours.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best for Tournament Variety
Bovada Poker is a great fit for tournament enthusiasts in North Carolina. It offers over $2M in weekly guarantees, including the Sunday $100K and GSPO series with $10M+ GTD. The platform features daily MTTs, progressive knockouts, and softer fields. Anonymous tables ensure fair play, while mobile optimization allows for seamless participation on the go. With a high-traffic player pool from a larger poker network, Bovada provides a diverse tournament lineup without a steep learning curve, making it perfect for Tar Heel grinders seeking variety.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best for Tournament Variety
Bovada Poker is a great fit for tournament enthusiasts in North Carolina. It offers over $2M in weekly guarantees, including the Sunday $100K and GSPO series with $10M+ GTD. The platform features daily MTTs, progressive knockouts, and softer fields. Anonymous tables ensure fair play, while mobile optimization allows for seamless participation on the go. With a high-traffic player pool from a larger poker network, Bovada provides a diverse tournament lineup without a steep learning curve, making it perfect for Tar Heel grinders seeking variety.
Online Poker in North Carolina Overview
Online Poker
Available - Offshore Only
Commercial Poker
Available at Tribal Casinos
Legal Gambling Age
18+
Poker Regulator
North Carolina Education Lottery / Tribal Gaming Commissions
Recent Gambling Happenings in North Carolina
North Carolina has slowly expanded its gambling laws, most notably by legalizing retail and online sports betting in 2019 and 2023. However, there have been no serious efforts to regulate online poker. Lawmakers have shown little interest in introducing bills focused on real money internet poker, and the state’s attention remains on sports wagering.
With no legislation on the table and limited public discourse around poker, offshore poker rooms remain the only viable option for players in North Carolina seeking legal access to real money games online. Meanwhile, live poker continues to thrive at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, which regularly hosts major events like the WSOP Global Poker Championship.
North Carolina Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized
North Carolina residents often wonder whether online poker is legal. While the state doesn’t regulate it directly, there are still safe, accessible ways to play.
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
14.37.289-309; 16.1-2; 18C
Definition of Gambling
Any person or organization that operates any game of chance or any person who plays at or bets on any game of chance at which any money, property or other thing of value is bet, whether the same be in stake or not, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Online Poker/Gambling
There have been no efforts to legalize and regulate any type of online gambling in North Carolina.
Live Poker
Poker is offered in the one fully-functional tribal casino in the state, with both cash games and tournaments available there.
Casinos
One tribe in North Carolina secured a gambling compact with the state to operate gambling establishments on its land, and of those, only one is a casino operated with Harrah’s to offer everything from slots to poker.
Sports Betting
There have been no proposals via the legislature to legalize any type of sports betting.
DFS
A bill introduced in 2017 to legalize paid-entry fantasy sports games did not make it to the legislature floor for a vote. There was no follow-up bill put forward in 2018.
Other Forms of Gambling
Bingo and raffles for charitable organizations, lottery.
Is Online Poker Legal in North Carolina?
Online poker is accessible to North Carolina players through reputable offshore sites that accept US customers. While the state does not regulate these platforms, residents can legally enjoy real money games without fear of prosecution.
Under North Carolina General Statute §14-292, most unlicensed gambling is prohibited, but the law is primarily enforced against operators—not individual players. So far, there have been no known cases of North Carolinians being charged for playing online poker through offshore platforms. As always, sticking with trusted sites and following responsible gambling practices is wise.
Could North Carolina Potentially Regulate Online Poker?
North Carolina has shown little political interest in regulating online poker. While other states have moved forward with legislation in response to federal shifts like the DOJ's 2011 Wire Act clarification, North Carolina hasn’t taken any formal steps toward online poker regulation. Lawmakers have occasionally discussed gambling expansion, particularly around sports betting, but poker remains off the radar. With more prominent gambling issues likely to take legislative priority, the odds of regulated poker platforms launching in the state remain slim for the foreseeable future.
Famous North Carolina Poker Players
North Carolina has produced a strong lineup of professional poker talent, many of whom got their start in home games and online before venues like Harrah’s Cherokee opened a live poker scene in the state. Greg Raymer, best known for winning the 2004 WSOP Main Event and earning $5 million, remains one of the most iconic poker figures from NC. Chris Hunichen built his reputation online and transitioned successfully to live tournaments, while Mark Newhouse gained notoriety for reaching back-to-back WSOP Main Event final tables in 2013 and 2014.
As of 2025, the top 10 live tournament earners from North Carolina are:
Greg Raymer – $7.8 million
Chris Hunichen – $7.0 million
Mark Newhouse – $3.5 million
Mike Sowers – $3.4 million
Anthony Spinella – $3.4 million
Chris Bell – $3.2 million
Mike Gracz – $3.1 million
Carter Phillips – $2.7 million
Randal Flowers – $2.2 million
Nicholas Maimone – $2.1 million
Responsible Gambling in North Carolina
Online poker should be fun, not stressful. North Carolina players can keep it that way by setting personal limits, taking breaks, and recognizing when to step away. Free, confidential help is available through NC Gambler Help and national resources like the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. For additional tools and guidance, visit our Responsible Gambling page. Poker can remain an enjoyable part of your routine with support and balance.
Start Playing Online Poker in North Carolina
Real money online poker is accessible in North Carolina through reputable offshore sites that accept US players. The state doesn’t regulate these platforms but also doesn’t prosecute individuals for using them. While in-person options remain limited, players can enjoy poker legally and safely online. This page outlines your best options, explains how state law applies, and highlights trusted platforms offering secure banking, solid traffic, and mobile-friendly play. For North Carolinians, real money poker sites remain the most practical and risk-free way to enjoy the game.
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.
Sources & Citations For This Article on North Carolina Online Poker
