Alabama’s rigid stance and refusal to regulate online poker and gambling in general mean that there are currently no state-licensed online poker sites players can play on.
Still, poker fans can sign up with sweepstakes platforms or choose offshore online poker platforms to enjoy their favorite poker variants.
Big welcome bonus
33% rakeback
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Very soft games
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Legal in the US
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Super-soft games
5% instant rakeback
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Great casino offer Both of these options are alternatives to state-licensed online poker sites. However, it is essential to understand the differences between them, primarily in their operating models, before making a choice.
If you’re looking for the best rundown of online poker options in Alabama, you’ve come to the right place. On this page, we’ll provide all the essential information about the current legal landscape, relevant laws and regulations, and discuss the potential future of online poker.
Can I Play Online Poker in Alabama?
Yes, you can play online poker in Alabama. While Alabama legally prohibits any state-licensed operators, poker players can play through offshore poker sites and sweepstakes poker platforms.
| Available options | Sweepstakes operators & offshore sites |
| State-regulated poker sites | Not available |
| Age limit for Alabama online poker | 18+ |
| Best AL poker site | CoinPoker |
Best Online Poker Sites in Alabama
Since players in Alabama can’t access state-regulated sites like in Michigan, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, they have to pick between sweepstakes and offshore operators.
That being said, there are some notable differences in available banking options and operation model, so we will review both of these and help you pick what works best for you.
#1. CoinPoker – The Best Overall Choice
If you’re looking for the best offshore poker site available to Alabama players, CoinPoker is probably your best bet. It allows you to deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrency and supports real-money play.
One of the most significant advantages CoinPoker has over its competitors is its large player base. This means you can enjoy action-packed cash games across your favorite formats, along with various tournaments.
#2 ClubWPT Gold – Great Action From a Trusted Provider
Powered by the trusted and recognizable World Poker Tour brand, ClubWPT is one of the leaders in the sweepstakes poker landscape. Although ClubWPT doesn’t offer a sleek interface like CoinPoker, it makes up for it with an impressive game selection and weaker competition.
ClubWPT is a prime choice for beginner poker players as it offers very soft games across many stakes. With that in mind, the site doesn’t currently doesn’t offer as many games as CoinPoker and isn’t the best pick if you like putting in a large volume of hands.
#3. Stake US – Best for Lower Stakes
Stake is a great all-around platform for poker and casino games. This sweepstakes site features super-soft games and a nice variety of bonuses, particularly a favorable 5% lifetime rakeback offer for all of its players.
One of the main downsides of this sweepstakes poker site is that it only accepts cryptocurrency, unlike many of its competitors, which also support traditional payment methods. Nevertheless, it offers a great web-based software interface.
Free Poker vs Real-Money Games
The main difference between sweepstakes poker and real-money online poker sites that players in Alabama can play on lies in how money is involved. In real-money online poker, players wager actual cash directly on the game, and any winnings are paid out in real money.
Sweepstakes poker, on the other hand, uses a dual-currency system to stay legal. Players use virtual Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins to compete for prizes that can be redeemed for cash. Since participation doesn’t require directly betting money and winnings are technically part of a promotional sweepstakes, these sites operate legally in most states.
While real-money poker offers direct financial stakes and potentially higher rewards, sweepstakes poker provides a legal, lower-risk alternative with cash prizes.
Sweepstakes Model Explained
If you decide to go with the sweepstakes model for your online poker sessions, it’s essential to understand how it works. The sweepstakes sites aren’t anything new in the gambling industry, but most online poker players aren’t familiar with them.
The main thing to remember about sweepstakes poker games is that you use a virtual currency called Sweeps Coins. There are also Gold Coins, purchased for entertainment purposes only and with no real cash value.
You are awarded Sweeps Coins as bonuses when buying Gold Coins or sometimes through promotions, mail-in offers, or social media campaigns. For instance, if you bought 200,000 Gold Coins for $200, you will receive 200 Sweeps Coins.
You can use Sweeps Coins to participate in online poker games, and winnings in Sweeps Coins can later be redeemed for real cash prizes. This is usually handled via bank transfers, PayPal, or gift cards.
Regulation Landscape in Alabama
Online poker is not separately regulated in Alabama. The state has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the U.S., prohibiting almost all forms of betting that involve money or items of value. Since there is no licensing or oversight system for online poker, no real-money sites are authorized to operate within the state.
However, sweepstakes poker sites offer a legal alternative by using virtual currencies rather than direct cash betting. These platforms classify their contests as promotional sweepstakes rather than gambling, allowing players in Alabama to participate. In addition, those wanting to play for real money can explore offshore poker sites.
The regulatory outlook for online poker in Alabama remains uncertain, and the state’s broader gambling landscape is extremely limited. No major bills to legalize or regulate the activity have gained traction in recent legislative sessions.
With no state lottery and only a few tribal gaming venues, the introduction of regulated online poker would likely require a larger political and legal shift toward gambling reform. For now, players who turn to offshore sites do so at their own risk, without any state or federal consumer protections.