If you’re a resident of North Dakota and an avid poker player, you might be wondering if it’s legal to play online poker in your state. The answer to that question is not a simple yes or no, as the legality of online poker in North Dakota is quite complex.
To understand the current stance on online poker in North Dakota, we need to look at the state’s gambling laws. In North Dakota, gambling is defined as “risking any money, credit, deposit, or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of gambling apparatus or upon the outcome of an event, including an election or sporting event.”
Under this definition, it would seem that playing online poker for real money would fall under the category of illegal gambling. However, North Dakota has made some exceptions to this rule.
Firstly, social gambling is legal in North Dakota as long as it meets certain criteria. For example, all players must have a bona fide social relationship with each other and not be playing for profit. Additionally, no one can receive any profit other than personal winnings.
Secondly, North Dakota allows “charitable gaming” which includes bingo and pull tabs. These games are regulated by the state and can only be hosted by licensed organizations.
However, when it comes to online poker specifically, there are no specific laws that address its legality. This means that while it may technically fall under the definition of illegal gambling in North Dakota law, there have been no prosecutions for playing online poker.
It’s important to note that regardless of the current legal status of online poker in North Dakota, players should always exercise caution when playing on offshore sites. These sites may not be regulated by US authorities and could potentially put players at risk.
In conclusion, while there are no specific laws allowing or prohibiting online poker in North Dakota at this time; given that there have been no prosecutions against playing online poker, it is currently considered a grey area. Players should be aware of the potential risks when playing on offshore sites and always follow safe and responsible gambling practices.
