Online Poker in Alabama: Gambling Laws & Legality

Legal Poker Rooms

Currently, there are no legal online poker rooms operating within Alabama for real-money gaming. The state has not seen any serious legislative efforts to legalize and regulate online poker, making it a challenging environment for players seeking legal platforms to wager real cash. However, sweepstakes poker provides a legal alternative for those looking to enjoy the game online without violating state laws.

Stake.US

Stake.US offers a unique sweepstakes poker experience where players can earn and use tokens to play games. This platform stands out for its user-friendly interface and variety of game options, making it a popular choice among Alabama players. While it doesn’t involve real-money gambling, Stake.US provides an engaging way for Alabamians to enjoy poker online. The platform ensures compliance with Alabama’s regulations by utilizing sweepstakes mechanics, allowing players to participate without the legal complications of real-money betting.

Stake.US Poker

$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins

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T&Cs Apply | Play Responsibly | GambleAware

18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply

Clubs Poker

ClubPoker rounds out the options for sweepstakes poker in the state, offering accessible and enjoyable games that adhere to Alabama’s stringent gambling laws. This platform focuses on creating a social and interactive poker environment, where players can connect with friends and compete in friendly matches. ClubPoker’s commitment to compliance ensures that all games operate within the legal framework of Alabama, providing peace of mind for users. Additionally, the platform frequently updates its game offerings to keep the experience fresh and engaging for its player base.

Clubs Poker

2,500 Gold Coins + 0.50 Sweeps Coins

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T&Cs Apply | Play Responsibly | GambleAware

18+ | Play Responsibly | T&C Apply

GlobalPoker

GlobalPoker operates similarly to Stake.US, offering sweepstakes-style poker games that are fully compliant with Alabama’s gambling laws. Players can join tables, participate in tournaments, and enjoy the competitive aspect of poker without risking real money. GlobalPoker prides itself on its secure and fair gaming environment, using advanced encryption technologies to protect user data and ensure game integrity. This makes it a trusted option for those looking to enjoy poker in a legal and safe manner.

clubWPT

ClubWPT provides a variety of sweepstakes poker games, allowing players to enjoy the thrill of poker without the legal complications of real-money gambling in Alabama. Affiliated with the World Poker Tour, ClubWPT offers branded tournaments and events that bring a professional touch to the sweepstakes format. Players can earn free entries and tokens through promotional offers, enhancing their gaming experience without any financial risk. ClubWPT’s association with a well-known poker brand adds an extra layer of credibility and excitement for Alabama players.

Legislative Attempts to Legalize Gambling

In May 2015, Alabama State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh pushed for a state lottery and the introduction of casino gaming at racetracks. Proponents argued that a state lottery could generate $400 million annually for the Treasury and create 11,000 new jobs. The Tourism & Marketing Committee approved the bill by a 5-3 vote, which would have allowed the state’s four racetracks to incorporate casino gaming. However, the State Senate ultimately killed the bill in a wider vote, despite strong support from groups like the Alabama Jobs Coalition and the Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

A proposal in late 2016 for a constitutional amendment to allow a lottery in Alabama passed through both the Senate and the House but died in the Senate when amendment agreements couldn’t be reached. The House had proposed changes to the bill, including an amendment to allow existing gambling facilities to offer the same games as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, provided a compact was created between the governor and the tribe. However, Alabama Sen. Jim McClendon, the bill’s sponsor, was voted against when he sought final approval, as Senate Democrats wanted to make changes and Republicans were unwilling to set up a conference committee to resolve differences. Alabama remains one of the least likely states to consider online gambling in the near future. The state’s leaders have traditionally opposed gambling expansion, and the likelihood of passing a lottery or online poker remains low, especially if federal legislation continues to oppose iGaming. We’re willing to bet that online poker won’t be legal in this state for the next 10 years.

Shannon Shorr

One of Alabama’s most notable poker players is Shannon Shorr from Birmingham. Born on June 7, 1985, Shorr has amassed impressive tournament winnings exceeding $13 million, including two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets. His journey in poker began before he turned 21, forcing him to compete internationally. Shorr’s dedication to the game led him to achieve significant success, making him a prominent figure in the poker community.

Shorr was a baseball player at Shades Valley High School before transitioning to a professional poker career. He scored his first major payday with a fourth-place finish at the 2006 Aussie Millions tournament in Melbourne, Australia, where he won over $200,000. During much of this time, Shorr was a civil engineering student at the University of Alabama, showcasing his ability to balance academics and competitive poker.

In December 2013, Shorr was honored at #7 on GPI’s “Poker Player of the Decade” list. He has amassed multiple tournament cashes worldwide each year, including 70 World Series of Poker cashes, with ten of them being final tables. Additionally, he has made four World Poker Tour final tables. Shorr withdrew from The University of Alabama to play poker professionally in 2006 but returned for the fall semester of 2008 and graduated in 2010. His live tournament winnings exceed $12,000,000, with 54 cashes at the WSOP accounting for $1,594,564 of those winnings.