You can use this handy guide to find every MTT (tournament) and cash game US online poker room under one roof. Each of the following poker rooms offers new players a healthy sign up bonus, good player liquidity, soft games and secure banking options. And while we cannot call any single one of these sites “the best online poker site” per se, we’ll help you figure out which one is best for you.
No Deposit Required Casino Bonuses in the UK for 2023Best Legal Poker Sites in the United States
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What Is the Best US Poker Site?
There is no simple answer to what the best poker site is since different players have differing tastes and requirements. For some, the size of the player pool is important. For others it's the strength of the opponent or the quantity/standard of poker games offered. Or even payment options. Or software features like multi-tabling capabilities, filtering and search functions etc. It varies widely from person to person.
What we will say is that the US online poker industry has experienced significant growth over recent years and there are now multiple legal and regulated poker sites to choose from with strong security, excellent software and plenty of fish. So players getting in on the action now have lots of choices. We highlight the strengths of each US card room on their review page but here's a quick overview of the leading rooms and who they might appeal to:
- has the biggest US poker tournaments, both in terms of guaranteed prizepools and number of players. If you want to play the most prestigious online events in the USA - from weekly Sunday majors to WSOP online bracelet events and series - then this is the place to be. The site also has the most progressive rakeback system among US poker sites, as well as solid mobile apps and a wide variety of promotions.
- is the best US poker site for an all-round experience. It doesn't have quite as many players as Tsitsipas, but it makes up for it with softer games. During peak hours you won't have much trouble finding full cash game tables even on the highest stakes. Ignition also has the best welcome bonus - i.e. up to $1,000 bonus on your first deposit, plus $50 immediate bonus. To top it off, the site is well known for its anonymous setup and solid range of casino games.
- is great if you're a Texas Hold'em player. This is the pizza with everything on it of online poker sites. While the traffic is lower than the previous two, the games can be incredibly soft - especially at the lower stakes. There are plenty of fish to be found at the cash tables and tournaments. The downside is that because the player volume is lower, you might struggle to find games at less common gaming variants during off-peak hours.
- offers a smooth poker experience with tons of guaranteed tournaments every week. These tournaments draw decent enough fields thanks to the massive marketing power of the MGM and Caesars brands. Additionally, ACR runs the US Client Online Championships, which culminate in a live WSOP Package giveaway. The site also offers the popular Enscape Missions, where you can complete virtual missions by playing real money poker to win instant rewards. And don't forget Anonymous Play - the only US poker site to offer it. You can enter, play and withdrawal winnings without ever revealing your name or personal information.
- is great if you're into short deck holdem which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Short Deck (also called 6+ Hold'em) removes the twos, threes, fives, and fours from the standard deck of 52 cards. This results in a very different math compared to regular Texas Hold'em, and a ton of action. If you want to play this exciting variant, you'll find the most tables and the widest selection of games and stakes on XLVS.
- is the home of fast fold poker in the US. If you hate waiting for someone to leave in Cash Blizzard, you get a new table and opponents whenever you fold. As a result, you're in the action all the time. With the newest software entry Cafe Casino Poker may not have the traffic of its competitors, yet. But the rake is low, the bonuses solid and the play is said to be very soft. Definitely worth a try!
- If you're into non-Hold'em games: If none of the above tickled your fancy, let's face it, you're probably not reading this. But in all seriousness: All the major US card rooms offer a range of mixed games and formats besides No-Limit Hold'em, such as Pot-Limit Omaha, Fast Fold Poker, and Banzai but if you're into more obscure formats like Stud, Draw, Mixed Games, Razz, H.O.R.S.E., and others - Broadway Poker is definitely the place for you. At Broadway you also get a generous 200% deposit bonus (up to $5,000!) and a host of freerolls to get you started. Check out our dedicated review for all the details.
US Poker Apps and Mobile Compatibility
If you want to play on the go, then global leader , BetOnline, Ignition Poker, XLVS and Wild Casino all offer fully fledged mobile apps for iOS and Android that allow you to play most of the cash games and tournaments available on the desktop client. For a deeper look at the mobile poker offerings in the US, check our .
Playing Online Poker in the USA
The federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) put the kibosh on online poker across the United States for a long while.
However, a few states began to buck that trend in Nobember 2007 when Overflow Poker launched a legitimate, licensed and . Yet the economic downturn and bankruptcy of Absolute Poker's parent company, Bodog’s decision to exit the US market in 2016, and Ultimate Poker going bankrupt in 019 was not a good year for online poker in America.
But things were looking up again in 2013 when became the first state to legalize online poker and gambling within its borders. Since then a handful of other states followed suit – although most just opted for online gambling but not poker.
As of 2023, legally play internet poker in the following US states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey.
Meanwhile the three biggest rooms sharing one huge player-pool on are: , , and .
State Specific Options
In New Jersey, the best regulatory body in terms of safety and reputation - both online and offline - is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, which falls under the umbrella of the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.
Virtually all of the world’s biggest online poker operators are active in New Jersey - including , Partypoker NJ, Pala Interactive, Betfair Casino, BetAmerica and BetMGM. The latter two run on the reliable network shared by Bruxelles and Winamax, while the rest run on the industry-leading , which also supplies entertainment to Nevada and Delaware.
Most regulated NJ poker sites offer a healthy mix of multi-table and to cater to recreational players. You'll usually find anywhere from 500-1,500 people on the deluxe version of the software during peak hours. Most of the big international tournament series - like the WCOOP, SCOOP and Spring Festival - are available to players in New Jersey. Meanwhile local operator the Borgata offers their own state based Championship Series with large guarantees.
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas or Atlantic City it’s worth noting that you don’t actually have to be a resident of New Jersey to . Anyone who is physically situated in the state (using a laptop, smartphone or tablet that’s geo-located in New Jersey) is allowed to create an account, claim a sign-up bonus and play for real cash prizes.
Pennsylvania poker players have slightly fewer online options although the ones that are available are highly reputable. The state’s legal poker and gambling website are regulated and managed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board which issues licenses to reputable operators.
are running legal and . You used to also be able to play at but sadly they shuttered their operation in early 2022.
When you to play online you’ll enjoy robust player funds protection, confidence that your personally identifiable information (PII) isn’t being shared with third parties and peace of mind knowing that you can play honestly and fairly with minimal risk of fraud or collusion.
online casinos no deposit bonus codesNew Jersey and Nevada poker players can currently play against each other on WSOP.com, although at this point it ends there. Unfortunately Pennsylvania doesn’t currently have any plans — or liquor lobbies — pushing to share liquidity with any other state.
One benefit to playing legally in PA is that the state doesn’t levy any taxes on prize wins. That’s right - all the revenue collected from rake and other fees is profit. Players taking home thousands of dollars in prize wins won’t have income tax deducted by the site or the state. Of course you'll only be paying taxes in other ways...
Delaware has legal poker too - and in fact was the second state after Nevada to regulate after the UIGEA. However the player pools are very small and you'll rarely find more than 100 players online at any given moment on Delaware Park, Bally's and Dover Downs. Still, if you're located in Delaware, you can at least choose between three sites with somewhat varied poker offerings.
brand new casinos 2024In Michigan, online poker and gambling is legal and the state recently agreed to a player sharing liquidity agreement with neighboring state Michigan. That means partypoker US will merge player pools for partypoker MI and partypoker NJ.
That also means partypoker MI players will see more players and bigger prizem pools for online tournaments and series - including partypoker US’s own epic annual event, the US Poker Open and the premium-quality God of War Live Series.
Can I Use Offshore Poker Sites?
Yes - and no. Using offshore, unlicensed poker sites is technically legal in the USA. Many of the big international operators like PokerStars, partypoker and 888poker left the US market after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act made transactions illegal in 2006. But after several states passed legislation allowing licensed, internal poker markets to operate they returned.
Offshore card rooms that aren't licensed by a US state are considered grey markets and pose certain risks to players. They operate outside US regulations which are in place to protect players' bankrolls and personal information. Plus, because they're not subject to US auditing procedures there are concerns about the integrity of the games, fairness of the software, security of your bankroll and payments and whether your money is even there at all. Chances are your money is safe - but if the company decides to pack up shop or gets raided by local authorities for shady practices you may lose everything.
How Do I Start Playing Poker Online In The USA?
First thing's first: make sure you are based in a state that allows legal online poker. Secondly, you need to be certain you are using an that's licensed by the state you reside in. In practice that means limiting your search to poker sites we recommend on this page.
To get started you just need to click through to a recommended poker site (like ) via one of the links on this page. That ensures that you will receive any sign up bonuses or special deals you're entitled to. (You can also check our for all the latest offers.)
Next you'll need to download the free poker software onto your PC or Mac computer or install the mobile app. Sometimes you can also play poker in your browser without downloading anything which is a good option if you're reluctant to install software on your device. Once you've registered you can either play free "play money" poker or make a deposit and play for real money.
How to Make a Deposit to Your Poker Account?
Before you can start playing you’ll need to make a deposit. To do that simply open the poker client and go to the cashier page. From there select your preferred payment method - credit card, debit card, prepaid card, bank transfer or electronic check depending on the state you play in. Then enter your details and follow the prompts.
How much you can earn from playing online will depend on how often and how well you play. To give yourself the best chance of making profits we suggest working on your game with poker training tools before you start. The stronger you are at the poker table the more money you will make. Period. Check our to get started.
Secret Hacks to Win Big on Casino Slot Games OnlinePlaying Online Poker in the USA Safely
Playing on a licensed, regulated poker site in the USA is already one of the safest ways to enjoy the game online. Firstly you won't have to worry about the site suddenly freezing your accounts or confiscating your bankroll without explanation because regulators would step in if that happened.
Secondly your personal and financial data will be protected so you don't need to worry about identity theft. And finally the games are monitored to ensure they are beaton, aKa free from colluding players using bots or other forms of cheat software.
That said, there are always going to sketchy, unlicensed sites operating outside US jurisdiction. There are several reasons to steer clear of those: Not only are you putting your money at risk but you could also be leaving yourself vulnerable to identity theft.
If you decide to play on an unlicensed site nobody is checking the software for bugs or security holes that could give cheaters an advantage. For example, there have been instances of hackers creating "botting services," where they will control a bot army for a cut of the bankroll. Those armies of bots can take many forms, from multi-tabling micro-stakes to milking bonuses dry to attacking weak players in specific games or tournaments.
MGM Casino Reviews - Is it Worth Playing There in 2023?Some of these botting services are advertised openly on two-chan and other parts of the interwebs while others operate behind the scenes through shadowy backdoors in the software. Either way they present a very real threat to fish on the receiving end.
What’s the Difference Between Free and Real Money Poker?
Even if you’re a veteran of the world’s largest free play-money poker sites there are some essential differences to keep in mind when you make the transition to real-money poker. Forewarned is forearmed.
1. People are playing to win. When you have nothing but play-money at stake it’s natural to take more risks and try moves you’d never attempt when there’s hard currency on the line. Suddenly everyone is a little less reckless and a little more cautious. Because everyone is playing to win (or at least not lose their hard-earned bucks).
2. People still make mistakes. Just because they’re playing to win doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes. After all, most online poker players are amateur players just like you. And amateurs make mistakes. Mistakes you can capitalize on. Like:
- Playing too many hands
- Calling too often (rather than raising, calling and folding to raises too often)
- Not adjusting their play based on the money at stake
- Being too predictable
- Not understanding advanced strategy concepts like pot equity and reverse ferret situations
3. Passive players can be dangerous. On the play money sites passive play will often pay off because someone has to place three and four deep in every hand. Not so on the real-money sites. If you sense weakness in a player you're better off exploiting it with aggressive play rather than giving them odds.
4. Position is even more important. When people are playing tight-aggressive (TAG) style you need to respect their raises and pays close attention to position. You'll want to limp only in when you have position and see a lot of flops cheaply. Out of position against tough players is a good way to bleed your bankroll quickly.
5. Bonuses and freerolls are smaller. OK this one isn't directly related to the play of the game but it's something to keep in mind. Online poker rooms entice new players with hefty sign-up bonuses and a steady stream of free tournaments. The free tourneys keep coming but they're not going to have the same sizable prize pools as you're likely used to. And while there is a sign-up bonus it's probably going to be smaller than what you're used to. That said you can still get a ton of value at the free poker tables and there are always to boost your bankroll.
6. Games can move really fast. Another side effect of people not wanting to lose their money is that action grinds to a halt when play gets tight. If you're used to having dozens of hands dealt per hour you may be surprised at the pace of play on real-money tables. Fortunately the poker software helps keep things moving along with features like straddles, antibot software and timed shot clocks.
7. Everyone speaks 'Merica. Okay, that last one isn't really true. But it could have been.
_Mike McDonald is a former PokerListings contributor. _
Currency Casino Sites in the USA - Best 10 Dollar Deposit Casinos-
Is Online Poker Legal in the USA?
Yes. Several states in the US have legalized and regulated online poker including Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware. You can find a full, updated list on this page.
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Where Can I Play Online Poker in the USA?
If you live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware or Nevada you can play at licensed, regulated online poker sites. Visit this page for a full rundown of the US poker market and reviews of the top card rooms.
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Can I Play Online Poker in California?
Not at this time. Despite being the largest state by population and economy, California lawmakers haven't been able to reach consensus to pass online poker legislation. There have been several attempts over the past decade but none succeeded. However there are ongoing discussions behind the scenes so it's possible we will see regulated online poker in CA in the relatively near future. Stay tuned.
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Can I Play Poker on My Phone in the USA?
Yes! All the regulated US poker sites have fully functional, mobile-optimized websites and apps so you can easily play cash games and tournaments on your phone or tablet. You can find more information about mobile compatibility on this page.
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Can I Play with Friends Right Now Using Third Party Software?
Third party software companies like have developed customizable club management solutions that enable groups to set up and manage their own private clubs / home games. Club owners can set up games in any format their heart desires and specify entry, blind levels and payouts however they wish. And they can do it all from their phone or computer. ClubGopher even has a smart match feature that automatically creates the ideal cash game or SNG based on the availablility of players in the club.
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Do I Have to Pay Taxes on Online Poker Winnings in the USA?
Yes. Any money you make playing online poker in the US (minus any buyins or minimum losses) is considered taxable income and you'll have to declare it on your tax returns.
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Are there any US online poker sistersites for famous casinos like Bellagio or MGM?
Yes. WSOP.com is the online poker site for the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which is owned by Caesars Entertainment. Because of that relationship, players who have an account in Nevadacan access and play on online poker sites for WSOP.com in both Nevada and New Jersey through the 34 Caesars- and Harrah's-branded sites in the Garden State.
And players with an account in New Jersey can access and play on an online poker site for WSOP.com in Pennsylvania through the 7 sites that connect to WSOP.PA: 888Poker (Free Trade & Casino) / WSOP / WSOP.com / Baazi / All American Poker Room / Active Networks / Scientific Games.
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What kinds of bonuses are available for US players?
All the regulated US card rooms have welcoming packages designed to boost your bankroll with either a deposit match bonus or tiered system based on how many awards points you earn by playing in real-money cash games and tournaments. You can compare the current bonuses available on our to learn more.
