Online Poker in North Carolina
North Carolina, fondly known as the Tar Heel State, has a rich tapestry of traditions and a vibrant culture. When it comes to poker, the state presents a unique landscape shaped by stringent laws and limited legal avenues. Despite these restrictions, poker enthusiasts in North Carolina have found ways to indulge in their favorite game, both online and offline. Let’s navigate through the intricacies of online poker in North Carolina, its regulations, available platforms, and the notable players hailing from this southeastern gem.
| Status | Online Poker is Illegal |
| Start Date | N/A |
| Legal Poker Rooms | None |
| Shared Liquidity | N/A |
| Legal Sweepstakes Poker | Stake.US, Clubs Poker, ClubWPT, GlobalPoker |
| Minimum Age | 18+ |
| Regulator | North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSLC) |
| State Tax | 4.75% |
Status of Online Poker in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the realm of online poker is largely uncharted territory, entangled in a web of restrictive laws. According to Chapter 14-292 of the North Carolina General Statutes, online poker is prohibited, categorizing it as a Class 2 misdemeanor. This legislation leaves little room for interpretation, firmly placing online poker outside the state’s legal gambling framework. Consequently, residents seeking to play poker online must navigate through legal loopholes or opt for sweepstakes-based platforms that operate under different regulations.
Legal Poker Rooms
While online poker remains off-limits, North Carolina does offer limited legal poker options through tribal casinos. Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel are the only two operational casinos in the state, both situated on Indian reservations in the western part of North Carolina. These establishments provide live poker games, including cash games and tournaments, adhering to the regulations set forth in their compacts with the state. Harrah’s Cherokee, in particular, has gained fame as a popular stop on the World Series of Poker Circuit since 2013.
Sweepstakes Poker in North Carolina
For North Carolina players eager to engage in online poker without breaching state laws, sweepstakes poker offers a viable alternative. This format leverages a different legal framework, allowing players to enjoy poker through virtual currencies and free-to-play models without directly wagering real money.
Stake.us
Stake.US operates as a legal sweepstakes poker platform in North Carolina. By utilizing virtual currencies, Stake.US provides residents with a compliant avenue to engage in online poker. Players can participate in various poker games and tournaments, enjoying a secure and regulated environment that aligns with state laws.
Clubs Poker
Clubs Poker serves North Carolina enthusiasts through its sweepstakes format, offering a diverse array of poker games and tournaments. By operating under the sweepstakes model, Clubs Poker ensures that players can indulge in their favorite pastime legally and safely, adhering to the state’s gambling laws.
GlobalPoker
GlobalPoker is another sweepstakes-based platform accessible to North Carolina players. It employs the sweepstakes model to offer online poker games that comply with state regulations. Residents can enjoy a range of poker variants and competitive tournaments without the legal risks associated with real-money online gambling.
clubWPT
clubWPT provides a reputable sweepstakes-based online poker experience for North Carolina residents. Backed by the World Poker Tour, clubWPT offers a trustworthy and regulated platform where players can enjoy online poker within the bounds of North Carolina law, ensuring a fair and enjoyable gaming environment.
The Scoop on Regulations and History
North Carolina’s journey with online poker is marked by resistance and limited progress. Since the early 2000s, the state has maintained a cautious stance towards gambling expansion. The introduction of the state lottery in 2006 and the establishment of tribal casinos in 1997 were significant milestones, yet online poker remained unregulated and largely illegal.
In 2012, the compact between Harrah’s Cherokee and the state was expanded to include table games with live dealers, including poker. However, efforts to legalize mobile wagering in 2022 were unsuccessful, and no substantial momentum exists for online gambling legislation as of 2023.
Taxes
Residents must pay both state and federal taxes on their gambling winnings, with North Carolina imposing a flat tax rate of 4.75%.
Help If You Need It
North Carolina is committed to addressing problem gambling through the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP). The NCPGP offers a range of resources, including treatment services, training, and outreach programs aimed at preventing and mitigating the effects of problem gambling.
- North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline: 877-718-5543
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: morethanagame.nc.gov
Live Poker in North Carolina
While online poker faces significant restrictions, North Carolina’s offline poker scene, though limited, offers residents opportunities to engage in their favorite game legally.
Harrah’s Cherokee is the cornerstone of North Carolina’s legal poker landscape. Located on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ land, this casino provides a variety of poker games, including both cash games and tournaments. Since expanding to include table games with live dealers in 2012, Harrah’s Cherokee has become a prominent venue for both local and visiting poker players. Its regular World Series of Poker Circuit events especially draw a large crowd.
Another key player in North Carolina’s offline poker scene is Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. Situated in the western part of the state, this establishment offers a range of gaming options, including poker. While similar to its counterpart on Cherokee land, the Valley River Casino boasts a slightly different atmosphere and game selection, catering to diverse player preferences.
Notable Players from North Carolina
North Carolina has produced several renowned poker players who have made significant marks in the poker world. Let’s take a closer look at some of these talented individuals.
Greg Raymer
Greg “Fossil Man” Raymer, hailing from Raleigh, NC, is best known for his impressive live earnings of over $8.2 million. He made a massive splash in the poker scene by winning the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, where he famously defeated David Williams heads-up. Balancing his career as a patent attorney, Greg’s unique hobby of collecting fossils even earned him his nickname, as he uses fossil-inspired card protectors during games.
Chris Hunichen
Chris “Big Huni” Hunichen stands out as North Carolina’s top earner in live poker tournaments, boasting over $16 million in live earnings. Currently residing in Playa del Coco, Costa Rica, Hunichen secured his first WSOP bracelet by winning the $100,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold’em event in 2024, taking home a whopping $2,838,389.
Mike Sowers
Mike Sowers, from Thomasville, NC, combines his role as a high school football coach with his passion for poker, amassing live earnings of over $3.8 million. Inspired by the movie “Rounders,” Mike decided to pursue poker full-time, leading to a successful career highlighted by a second-place finish in the 2014 WSOP $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed event.
Mark ‘Newhizzle’ Newhouse
Mark “Newhizzle” Newhouse, born in Chapel Hill, NC, has made a significant impact in both live and online poker arenas with live earnings nearing $3.7 million. Despite a rocky start, including dropping out of Appalachian State University, Mark found his calling in poker, achieving notable success under the screen name “Newhizzle.” His victory at the 2006 Borgata Poker Open and multiple deep runs in the WSOP Main Event highlight his resilience and strategic prowess.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in North Carolina?
No, online poker is illegal in North Carolina. The state prohibits all forms of online gambling, including poker, under Chapter 14-292 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Can I play online poker on sweepstakes platforms in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina residents can engage in online poker through sweepstakes-based platforms like Stake.US, GlobalPoker, Clubs Poker, and clubWPT, which comply with state regulations.
What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina?
The legal gambling age in North Carolina is 18. However, specific exceptions may apply to certain forms of gambling, such as charitable raffles.
How is gambling taxed in North Carolina?
Gambling winnings in North Carolina are taxed at a flat rate of 4.75%. Both state and federal taxes apply to all gambling income.
What resources are available for problem gambling in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers several resources for problem gambling, including the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline (877-718-5543) and the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program, which provides treatment and support services.
Are there any legal online casino options in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina does not currently offer legal online casino options. All online gambling, including casino games, is prohibited.
How are sweepstakes poker platforms regulated in North Carolina?
Sweepstakes poker platforms operate under a different legal framework, utilizing virtual currencies and free-to-play models to comply with North Carolina’s gambling laws.
What offline poker options are available in North Carolina?
North Carolina hosts two main tribal casinos—Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel—that offer a variety of poker games and tournaments for enthusiasts.
Can I use credit cards for online poker in North Carolina?
Direct use of credit cards for online gambling transactions is illegal in North Carolina. However, sweepstakes platforms may offer alternative banking options that comply with state laws.
Who regulates gambling in North Carolina?
The North Carolina State Lottery Commission oversees all regulated gambling activities, including tribal casinos and authorized sweepstakes platforms, ensuring compliance with state laws.