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Online Poker in North Dakota | The Best Poker Sites for ND Players

Written by Jennifer Newell
Last updated on

While North Dakota has yet to regulate online poker or online casino gambling, plenty of offshore North Dakota online poker sites are available to players. These sites offer the top poker variants in cash game and tournament formats in a safe environment for North Dakota residents.

In this guide, you’ll learn the laws governing online poker and gambling in the Peace Garden State. If you’re not sure which poker room is best for you, we will help you with recommendations and information.

Online Poker Legality Snapshot

Online Poker:Available
Land Based Poker:Available
Legal Gambling Age:21
Poker Regulator:North Dakota Lottery

Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in North Dakota?

Yes, there are numerous sites in North Dakota where you can play online poker for real money. Offshore poker rooms offer a secure and safe environment where you can play online poker at a variety of stakes.

You'll discover a plethora of cash game options, tournaments with massive guarantees, and lucrative promotions that will help you build a sizeable bankroll.

Top Sites for Online Poker in North Dakota

There are numerous offshore North Dakota poker rooms offering juicy cash games and large tournament guarantees. Picking the best one can be challenging, so to help you get started,  here are our picks for the top online poker rooms for North Dakotans.

  • BetOnline - Best for Poker Promotions
  • Bovada - Best for Beginners
  • Ignition Poker - Best All-Around Poker Room

Comparing  Online Poker Rooms Available in North Dakota 

There are many sites where you can play online poker for real money in North Dakota. Here’s a chart of our top picks to help you decide if one of these sites is for you:

Poker Room  Poker Bonus (+ key T&Cs)  Visit Site
Bovada Poker100% up to $500 ($5 bonus unlocked for every 150 Rewards Points. 30-day bonus expiry.)Visit Bovada Poker
BetOnline Poker100% up to $1,000 + 8 days of tournament tickets ($5 of bonus released for $50 rake earned, 30 Day Expiry)Visit BetOnline Poker
Ignition Poker100% up to $1,000, 150% up to $1,500 for crypto. ($1 of bonus unlocked for every 30 Ignition Miles. 30 day bonus expiry.)Visit Ignition Poker

How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in North Dakota

When reviewing which North Dakota online poker rooms to recommend, we focus on the most important areas to players. We know what to look for because we play online poker as well. Here are the things we look for when reviewing North Dakota poker rooms.

  • Availability in North Dakota - The most important thing we look for is whether the poker room accepts North Dakotans.
  • Player Traffic - We look at cash game and tournament traffic for each poker room offered to ND players, focusing on sites with the most traffic during peak hours.
  • Poker Bonuses and Promotions - We look at all bonuses and promotions, looking for generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions that offer long-term value.
  • Game Variety and Availability - We check which poker variants are offered for ND players and how often they run. The best sites offer the same games for both cash games and tournaments.

Is Online Poker Legal in North Dakota?

Online poker is legal in North Dakota, but only at offshore online casinos. The state has yet to regulate online poker or other forms of online gambling. Live poker is allowed in Native American casinos or by licensed charitable organizations.

When looking at North Dakota gambling law, let's look at how the state determines what qualifies as gambling and what does not. Section 12.1-28-01(1) contains the definition of gambling as

"risking any money, credit, deposit, or other thing of value for gain, contingent, wholly or partially, upon lot, chance, the operation of gambling apparatus, or the happening or outcome of an event, including an election or sporting event, over which the person taking the risk has no control."

However, gambling does not include “Lawful contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or to the owners of entries.” Online poker, particularly online poker tournaments, could qualify as a contest of skill under this section.

Small Stakes Gambling Largely Unpenalized

So, what constitutes a gambling crime in North Dakota? From a player's perspective, it depends on how much money is involved in the activity.

The key phrase in North Dakota law is "hand, game or event." As certain thresholds are passed, the charges escalate in severity.

For example, there's no charge if the total involved in the "hand, game, or event" is under $25. From $25 to $500, you're looking at an infraction. Over $500, and it's a class A misdemeanor (Section 12.1-28-02(2)).

Law enforcement aims the toughest charges at the people behind the operation of illegal gambling activity. In North Dakota, running, profiting from, or owning illegal games can lead to felony charges.

Will North Dakota Regulate Online Poker?

Based on the current legal climate in the state, it is unlikely that North Dakota will regulate online poker or online gambling in the near future. Efforts to regulate online sports betting failed in 2023 and earlier in 2025. Until there is sufficient support in the state Legislature or ample pressure from tribal interests, this position is unlikely to change.

Play Online Poker Responsibly in North Dakota

Online poker is intended to be a fun activity and for entertainment only. When gambling stops being fun, it is time to step away and stop playing.

If you find yourself unable to stop or if gambling is negatively impacting your life, there is help available. Several organizations in North Dakota offer help to problem gamblers and are available 24/7/365. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed, and please gamble responsibly.

GamberND - A comprehensive all-inclusive resource to help players diagnose and treat problem gambling. The site offers self-assessment tools, counseling resources, and even an online course to help treat problem gambling.

FirstLink 2-1-1 - FirstLink 2-1-1 is a confidential service available 24/7, giving referrals and links to help resources for North Dakotans. Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit the website.

Gamblers Anonymous - Nationwide peer counseling organization that helps problem gamblers and those suffering from addiction. Local and virtual meetings are available.

  • GamblerND Helpline - 1-877-702-7848
  • National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-800-273-8255
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline - Dial 988

Poker Players from North Dakota

North Dakota isn't known as a hotbed of live poker, but there are a few notable players from the state, including Mitch Schock, who became the state's first, and so far only, WSOP bracelet winner. Here's a look at the top live poker players from North Dakota.

  • Tom McCormick - $2,397.920
  • Rodger Johnson - $1,994,206
  • Mitch Schock - $1,506,835
  • Chad Himmelspach - $762,449
  • Brook Lyter - $732,477
  • Harlen Miller - $608,088
  • Daniel Ryan - $559,202
  • Corey Dodd - $484,482
  • Curtis Vierstraete - $460,515
  • Jesse Haabak - $418,929

North Dakota and Online Poker

North Dakota may not have regulated online poker yet, but players can still access offshore sites offering secure and competitive gameplay. While lawmakers continue debating regulation, poker enthusiasts can continue to enjoy a diverse range of cash games, tournaments, and promotions.

We've provided a list of the best poker rooms and information to help get you started. Bovada is the best option for beginners, while Ignition Poker provides the best all-around poker experience.

If you’re ready to get started, register today at one of our recommended North Dakota online poker rooms and start enjoying safe and secure online poker.

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Jennifer Newell

Jennifer Newell

Editor in Chief
View All Posts By Jennifer Newell

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.

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