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If ever there was a state that’s in a constant state of change in relation to
gambling, it’s Alabama. Over the past 10 years there’s been a huge amount of
change in relation to the law and its interpretation when it comes to gaming.
A Native American tribe located within Oklahoma says that it has made history by receiving an internet gambling license from the Isle of Man, located some 4,500 miles away from its sovereign lands. The Native American Indian Tribes own a lot of the Montana casino resorts. However, there are 7 federally-recognized Indian tribes. Ultimately they own 10 casinos in Montana. Also, will find four small Native American Indian Tribes that have gambling businesses on the lands.
Numerous court cases and appeals have been run and while you’ll be able to
find some gambling in certain casinos in the state presently, this could all
change quickly if the political leaders decide once again to flex their muscles.
The one certainty is at this time you won’t find any legal or regulated live
Texas holdem poker action anywhere in the state. Moreover, no table games are
permitted at all so this also rules out blackjack, craps, roulette and all your
other favorite luck based games. This is a real shame as there’s certainly an
appetite for these types of games in the state, but the overwhelming majority of
people and politicians seem not to want to support them at all. Based on our
experience all this results in is lost tax revenue for the state which
disappears to bordering states or internationally.
So What Can You Play?
Bingo Slot Machines
The few exceptions to the state’s intolerance for gaming comes in the form of
class 2 bingo style slot machines and off track betting. The slots can be found
in a handful of casinos around the state. They only exist through hard fought
battles in the Supreme Court though and the green light for operators to run
these types of games only came in late 2016.
These games are presented to the player like a normal slot machine, however
they aren’t weighted or balanced to play individually, instead they’re linked to
a central computer that is running a non-stop bingo game and awarding wins to
random machines throughout the establishment. This means the reels and graphics
you see on the slot that you’re playing are purely for entertainment purposes.
This is different from class 3 slots which are like the ones you find in Las
Vegas. These are independent machines which are weighted to result in lower pay
outs in the long run and as such retain a fixed percentage, usually around 95%,
of the amount of money placed in to wager by the player.
It’s amazing that these types of games can be played in states that don’t
allow games such as poker. When you break it down what’s worse for the state, a
luck based game which is essentially hood winking the player into thinking
they’re playing a standard slot, or a skill based game which involved social
interaction, skill, some luck, and a whole lot of fun?
Most importantly in poker, the odds aren’t stacked against you mathematically
and you can win in the long run or from time to time. Unfortunately, the states
don’t see it that way and poker’s dark past is still coming back to haunt us.
Off Track Betting
Off track betting is also available in Alabama through a handful of casinos
and establishments including Victoryland. This casino, or racino, as they like
to be known as is the main protagonist in respect to taking on the state in the
Supreme Court. Whilst they have a greyhound track it’s usually dormant and they
only offer wagers on simulcast racing from around the United States.
The other three casinos in the state that offer class 3 slots are all located
on native American land and are therefore exempt from some of the state laws and
issues that face Victoryland. These are all Wind Creek casinos and are in
Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery.
Based on all the issues that Victoryland went through just to offer class 3
slots, we most likely won’t see live poker in Alabama for a long time. We’ll
need some serious lobbying from players and the poker industry to make this
happen, and this will need to be sustained over several years until new
generations of lawmakers and politicians arrive in the right positions. If
you’re holding out for live poker action in the state then your best bet would
be to pack up your bags and move somewhere else, as you could be waiting a long
time.
Lottery
Unlike the hypocrisy of some other states that offer no gambling and still
allow lotteries. You can’t participate in these in Alabama either. So, if you
want to take a chance to win it all in Powerball you’ll need to cross the border
to get a ticket.
Online poker is illegal in Alabama as well, but we’ll cover it anyway. Since
being outlawed in all the US on black Friday some states have opened their own
territory locked online poker rooms to offer their residents some virtual poker
action. Alabama certainly hasn’t done this and most likely never will. The only
way you’ll be able to play online poker in Alabama is by breaking the law and
the terms and conditions of the relevant poker site by using a VPN and peer
block application, or you must wait for the game to be allowed again at the
federal level, which may happen one day, but not for quite some time.
If one day poker is allowed in casinos then this will be a huge step towards
online poker being allowed, but it’s just one step at a time in this respect and
even live play will be a long way off, and may never happen at all.
Some online casinos do offer other games for US residents, and you can sign
up to these and participate in Alabama. Although legally this is a bit of a grey
area and is most likely illegal, there’s been no record of anyone being
persecuted for doing so now. Now we certainly aren’t recommending that you jump
on Bovada or 888 Casino and play some roulette or blackjack, but we are merely
pointing out the fact that no one has been reprimanded in Alabama for doing so.
The same is true for the few online poker rooms that offer games to players
in the state. You can find a place to play Texas holdem online, but it isn’t
licensed or regulated so you have no protection.
Texas Holdem Live Options
If you live in Alabama and have no intention of leaving but still wish to sit
down at the felt and play poker every now and then you’ll need to do some
travelling. By far the best place to go for Texas holdem poker in the immediate
surrounding of the state will be Florida. Poker is still flourishing in Florida
and you’ll be able to find dozens of rooms across the state with a good variety
of games and limits running all the time.
Florida is only matched by California and Nevada when it comes to the sheer
number of rooms and players. If you don’t want to travel down to the sunshine
state, then your next best option is Mississippi. Unlike Alabama, Mississippi
has embraced the history of poker and allows casinos and poker rooms to operate.
You’ll find several good options in casinos along the Mississippi river and
elsewhere in the state. If you’re in the south of Alabama, then Biloxi is just
across the border and offers a great poker room with several games and varying
stakes.
Texas Holdem Online Gambling
Conclusion
While you won’t be able to play Texas holdem poker in Alabama there’s some
light at the end of the tunnel, mostly in respect to the fact you can drive for
a short amount of time and play poker in another state. As we discussed earlier,
this is a massive loss for the state in relation to missed taxes, and it never
ceases to amaze us that states still have draconian laws like this and miss out
on so much money that’s exiting the state.
With religion playing such a prominent part in the negativity towards gaming
and poker, there’ll be no change in this respect soon and poker may never happen
in the state. If you do live in Alabama and wish to play poker, make some noise
about it. You may well find that there are plenty of others out there who feel
the same way and if you join as one we just may see some changes soon. Until
then, enjoy your poker action in Florida and Mississippi.
If you live in Kansas your options in respect to live Texas holdem poker are
somewhat limited. While many surrounding states offer a larger number of rooms,
you’ll only find three in Kansas, with one in Kansas City, one in Mulvane, and
one in Dodge City.
Just over the border in Kansas City, Missouri you’ll find poker rooms at the
Ameristar Casino and Harrah’s. These rooms are much larger than the three you
find in Kansas, and have a much more vibrant poker community supporting them.
The main game in Kansas is no limit Texas holdem with two of the casinos
offering only cash games, while only Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
offering some tournaments throughout the week. You can also find some limit
holdem and pot limit Omaha being played in these poker rooms during the peak
periods and when there’s player demand for it.
If you have a decent game you should be able to do quite well in Kansas. The
standard of play is pretty consistent with other smaller states and you
certainly won’t come up against a large professional player pool like you can in
Florida or California. That being said, the standard is still quite good and
you’ll notice a lot of the same faces at the tables in all three poker rooms if
you frequent them enough.
Similarly to many other states in the US you’ll receive cocktail service, and
have to pay for drinks, while you play. Kansas Star casino also provides food
service at the table. You can earn comps in cash games at varying rates, so make
sure you sign up to the players club before you commence your session.
Gambling in Kansas is permitted on Indian reservations and in state owned and
operated casinos. These state owned casinos are those which have poker rooms and
are listed below. Since 2007 most forms of gambling are legal in Kansas,
including charity games and lottery.
The state has taken a somewhat logical and sensible approach to gambling by
legalising it and offering state run casinos in order to receive the benefits in
respect to tax revenue. If they didn’t offer casinos and poker, players would
simply drive to another state resulting in a loss of potential revenue. Some
other states in the US should follow suit in this respect.
The poker scene in Kansas is quite small in comparison to other larger
states, however you’ll still find a lot of poker being played and there are
options in neighbouring states such as Missouri as well.
If you’re a keen player you should be able to get your fill at one of the
three poker rooms in the state, as they are geographically spread out enough so
you’ll never need to travel too far. The game has hit its peak in the state and
they don’t seem to be moving towards legalising online poker any time soon, so
you’ll need to stick to live play.
If more states start regulating online poker Kansas may follow suit, but that
will still be some time off. Once New York and Florida regulate online play
larger states will follow, and then only after this will we see it become the
norm with smaller states. In the meantime enjoy your time playing in Kansas and
be sure to hone your skills in the soft low limit games before you move up in
stakes.
List of Kansas Poker Rooms
Here is our compiled list of all the poker rooms you can find
in the state of Iowa:
Boot Hill Casino
- Location: Dodge City, Kansas
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from 5pm until 12am, Friday from 12pm and Saturday
and Sunday from 11am. - Tables: 5
- Games: Only cash games are offered in this poker room with $2 / $5 no limit
holdem being the main game most of the time. - Ambience: This poker room features light brown felt tables and black chairs
amongst a white and beige decor on hardwood floors. Plenty of native Indian
decorations are placed across the walls, along with TVs to keep you entertained
while you play. The room is complete no smoking for your comfort. - Hospitality: Comps can be earned while you play through the Real Rewards
program and you’ll also be provided with cocktail service while you play so you
need never miss a hand. - Players: You’ll come across mostly local regulars in this poker room and the
play will be of a decent standard. Dealers are knowledgeable and friendly and
the poker room staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. All in all
it’s a nice place to play some recreational poker.
Hollywood Casino Kansas Speedway
- Location: Kansas City, Kansas
- Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
- Tables: 12
- Games: This poker room spreads $1 / $3, $2 / $5 and $5 / $10 no limit holdem,
$2 / $5 pot limit Omaha high, $2 / $4 and $20 / $40 limit holdem and $10 / $25
mixed tables. If you are looking for tournament play you will find no limit
holdem events on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The buy in for these
tournaments ranges from $65 up to $235. - Ambience: Red felt tables sit against a brown and gold decor in this well
designed and modern poker room. The chairs are comfortable and the room is
separate from the main casino floor and completely no smoking for your comfort.
You’ll also find TVs across the walls to keep you entertained between hands. - Hospitality: While playing in a cash game you can earn comps at 75 cents per
hour through the Marquee Rewards program. On top of this they provide cocktail
service to players at the table and run a monthly free-roll, bad beat jackpot
and hourly high hand prizes. - Players: This room is considered one of the best in Kansas City and you’ll
quickly realise why once you enter. The room is designed well and is much more
like a Las Vegas style poker arena. The play is generally quite lively and
you’ll find plenty of action to keep you going for hours on end. The room
features a good mix of local regulars and strong amateurs, which is always a
nice thing as you want players to be thinking about moves more than just always
gambling. Dealers and staff are welcoming and friendly and will ensure you are
looked after when you play here.
Diamond Jo Casino Northwood
- Location: Kansas Star Casino
- Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
- Tables: 13
- Games: Only cash games are available to players in this poker room. You will
find $1 / $3 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem and $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha high. - Ambience: The Diamond Jo poker room at Kansas Star casino features bright
yellow felt tables and red chairs against a colorful carpet which is enticing
for the senses. The dark walls ensure that the lighting is soft in the room
which is ideal for a long session. TVs are placed around the room so you can
stay entertained between hands and the room is entirely no-smoking. - Hospitality: Comps can be earned in cash games at a rate of 50 cents per hour
through the Lucky Star Players Club. On top of this you’ll receive food and
cocktail service at the table so you will never miss a hand. All cash players
are also in the running for the progressive bad beat jackpot. - Players: You will come across a good mix of players here with the skill level
being a few levels above average. Play will loosen up on evening weekends so
visit then if you want more of an edge. We’ve had some reports that management
is quite unprofessional here which is a real shame. Hopefully senior management
in the casino sorts this out quickly as the poker room is otherwise great.
Conclusion
While Kansas doesn’t offer as many options for Texas holdem players as many
states, they do have three legal poker rooms. If you live close enough to the
state line you might be closer to a larger poker room out of state, or you can
try to find a private game.