Many different sites let you play poker for money online, but most of them are sketchy. So, how do you know which ones are safe? You can play on our recommended real-money online poker sites.
new no deposit casino gamesWe recommend those poker sites because they provide a great experience and run fair games. We put each site through a thorough review process before we trust it with a Topspot rating. Our team checks their licensing, security, safety features, game variety, and more. Read this guide to find out where you can legally play poker online with real money today.
Can I Play Real Money Poker Online Legally in the US?
The short answer here is yes, you can. But the longer answer is that the situation in the United States is somewhat convoluted. The main reason behind this is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which was added as an amendment to the SAFE Port Act in 2006.
This act restricts the movement of funds for illegitimate online betting and gaming purposes, making it tougher for players in the US to take part. However, it doesn’t explicitly ban players from . In fact, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) – one of the biggest brands in the industry – has lobbied heavily over the years and is the largest and most reputable site operating within the country.
In addition to this, there are offshore casinos based outside of US jurisdiction that still accept players from within the country. Many of these are unlicensed, unregulated, and risky. As a result, we recommend only playing at trusted, state-licensed casinos if possible.
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State-Licensed Online Poker Sites
At present, just four states and one region in the US have legalized and regulated online poker and issued licenses to operators: New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York via shared liquidity with the Canadian province of Quebec and the Canadian province of Ontario.
These licensed poker platforms are tightly controlled, offering a safe and legal way for local players to enjoy cash games and tournaments online. They feature highly secure software and strict player verification processes. Moreover, they contribute tax revenue to state coffers while providing funds for various organizations that help people with compulsive gambling issues.
If you reside in any of these nine jurisdictions, you should only be able to play against other locals on these state-controlled platforms. This includes WSOP / , BetMGM Poker, and Partypoker via respective agreements between the operators involved.
It’s important to note that Delaware and Rhode Island have also legalized online poker, but they don’t currently share player pools with any other state or region. As such, their player bases are likely too small to support thriving poker ecosystems, so you may want to look elsewhere. If you live in any other US state, you’ll need to use an offshore online poker room at this time.
Offshore Online Poker Sites
Offshore poker sites are based outside of US jurisdiction, and many operate without any licensing or regulation whatsoever. While some have earned a reputation for unfair practices, others have become pillars of the online poker world in America.
Following the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enactment of 2006 (UIGEA), which made banking for online poker sites difficult, several leading operators – including PokerStars, Full Tilt, and UltimateBet – left the American market. That opened the door for offshore rooms like Bovada, Wild Casino, and Tigress Poker to flourish.
As we’ve mentioned, not all offshore poker sites can be trusted. It isn’t always easy for the US authorities to police these operators, meaning rogue platforms could take your deposits and disappear without a second thought. For this reason, you should only consider playing at well-established offshore poker rooms with strong reputations, such as those featured in our list below:
- – The best offshore site for overall performance.
- – A top choice for its impressive range of tournaments and series.
- – A reliable Zion Network room with a long history in the US.
- – Great welcome bonus and regular weekly tournaments.
- – Fantastic mobile platform and soft player field.
Our team has reviewed dozens of offshore poker sites to separate the good eggs from the bad. We focus on safety, security, software reliability, promotional offers, game selection, and bank processing options when grading these operators.
You can see our complete rankings listed above, and you can click through to any of these rooms by using the links in the table. Remember to gamble responsibly when playing on any online poker site, regardless of its location.
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How Old Do I Have to Be to Play Real Money Poker Online?
To play online poker for real money, you must be 21 years old or over. This age restriction applies in all US states and on all online poker sites operating in the country.
Even if you live in a state that allows residents aged 18 and over to play state-licensed lottery games, you won’t be able to access online poker sites unless you are 21 or over. These age restrictions are designed to protect vulnerable people and prevent underage gambling. All of our recommended online poker rooms will ask you to verify your date of birth during the registration process. If you input the wrong details or try to register with a false ID, the poker site will suspend or revoke your account. In severe cases, you could face legal action for attempting to gamble underage.
When you sign up for an online poker account, you’ll normally be asked to send in copies of some form of ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, as well as a document that shows your place of residence, such as a utility bill or bank statement. The poker site will cross-reference your name and address against your date of birth to ensure everything matches up and you are old enough to play.
If you’re unsure whether your details have been entered correctly, check the text at the bottom of the poker client. There, you’ll usually find the account holder’s name and address as confirmed during the registration process. These details should match your own details exactly. If there is an error, you’ll need to get in touch with the poker site’s customer support team to fix it.
Why Not Just Play Free No-Deposit Poker Online?
Playing free, no-deposit poker online can seem very appealing. After all, who wouldn’t love to play Texas Hold’em or Omaha without risking their own hard-earned cash? However, while there are numerous sites offering no deposit poker online, we strongly advise against playing there. Instead, we recommend that newbies use play money to start learning poker. Here’s why we don’t suggest no-dep poker online.
You Cannot Win Real Money
Although you aren’t required to make a deposit at no deposit poker sites, that doesn’t mean you can win cash prizes. All of the popular poker variations – such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud – use real money rules. That means players need a solid hand to win a pot, with the exception of the initial dealer “ante” in games like Pot Limit Omaha. As a no deposit poker online player, you’ll never have anything to gain. In fact, you might even develop bad habits that will cost you plenty once you switch to real money poker.
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Anyone can create a website and install poker software. However, not everyone with the skills to do so has the best intentions. Many no deposit poker sites exist simply to steal your personal information or infect your computer or mobile device with malicious software.
Furthermore, it is unsafe to play on illegal sites. Any online poker room that claims it doesn’t require a deposit and lets you win real cash is breaking the law. Such sites operate without a valid license, and the people behind them have no regard for your safety, privacy, or rights as a player. If you come across a site offering no deposit poker online, you should close it immediately.
You Cannot Develop Winning Strategies
Poker is a skill game. By studying strategy guides, you can learn how to make better decisions at the tables. You can improve your starting hand requirements, hone your ability to read other players, and perfect your bluffing techniques. When you put these strategies into practice, you should start winning more pots and chalk up profits.
However, if you’ve gotten used to making moves and winning pots while playing no deposit poker online, you could end up getting stuck when you move to real cash games. At this stage, you might not understand why you’re losing money. You could throw away all the strategy books in frustration or convince yourself that poker is a game of chance rather than a skill game.
Instead of playing no deposit poker online, we encourage you to use play money. Most online poker sites come with play money modes that allow you to learn the basics without spending any cash. Furthermore, you’ll find countless free-to-play games at social poker apps such as .
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Tips for Playing Real Money Poker Online for the First Time
If you’re new to poker, it is essential to start by playing for free or with very low stakes. And when you do feel ready to play poker for money online, we recommend using our tips below to help you keep your bankroll healthy.
1. Choose the Right Site
Our reviews can point you toward the top real money online poker sites, but ultimately you should pick the one that suits you best. Think about which games you want to play and when, as well as which promotions appeal to you. Consider downloading the free software or playing on your browser to get a feel for the pace of play and the ease with which you can complete actions, like changing tables or buying chips. You could even take advantage of a site’s welcome bonus just to try out some new games for free.
2. Start with Small Stakes
Once you’ve picked your site and created an account, go straight to the low-stakes games. The micro stakes are populated by players of mixed abilities, including some who are willing to gamble with you. Naturally, you should also adopt a similar mindset until you’ve developed a deeper understanding of the game.
For example, at Bovada Poker, the lowest available stakes in No-Limit Texas Hold’em are 0.02/0.04 with a 0.00 blind ante every hand. Cash games topple out around 0.50/1.00, while most tournaments cap buy-ins at $5 or $10.
3. Don’t Blow Your Bankroll
Every time you sit down at a poker table, you should have a clear idea of how much you’re prepared to lose. Setting a bankroll limit and sticking to it is the key to success in online poker. Before buying chips, work out how many you can realistically replace if your run of cards gets the better of you. You shouldn’t spend your rent money chasing a loss, and you shouldn’t buy a year’s worth of chips at once.
It is also important to think about the value of your bankroll in relation to the games you want to play. For example, if you have $50, you should stick to the 0.02/0.04 table rather than the 0.50/1.00 table, even though the latter is a Micro Stakes game. Moving up limits requires bankroll discipline and a solid understanding of good play.
If you suffer a big loss, do not chase it. Accept the defeat, learn from your mistakes, and walk away from the table for a little while. It can be easy to get frustrated after a bad beat, but throwing good money after bad is never a good idea. Instead, wait until you’ve calmed down and returned to the tables with a clear head.
4. Use a Reliable Poker Software
Buggy software and slow connections can cost you money in online poker. If you get disconnected from a table or experience lag that causes you to miss your turn, you could miss out on bets or even time out and lose your stake.
That is why you should play on one of our top-rated poker sites. We only recommend online poker rooms that have passed our security tests and offer reliable software compatible with macOS and Windows PCs, plus Android and iOS mobile devices.
Moreover, you should ensure your internet connection is fast and stable before you start playing real money poker online. Close unnecessary browser tabs and ask other people not to use the internet on your home network to ensure you have all the bandwidth you need.
It is also sensible to invest in a reliable pair of headphones if you’re going to play online poker for money. This will help you hear the action clearly, reducing the chances of you missing your turn or missing an important bet. Headphones will also cancel out any background noise that could disturb your concentration.
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Types of Real Money Poker Games for Players
Now that you’ve decided to play poker for money online, you’ll need to choose the type of game that’s right for you. The beauty of online card rooms is that they cater to all budgets and skill levels.
Cash Game Poker
Cash game poker tables look like tours but work differently. Instead of buying into a specific tournament, you purchase a certain number of chips and exchange real money for them. When you run out of chips, you can buy more. Some online cash game poker tables have set buy-in amounts, while others are more flexible.
One of the biggest benefits of playing poker games online is the flexibility offered by cash game tables. You can buy in for as little as $0.01, and some sites let you reload your chip stack at any point. In theory, you cannot be kicked from a cash game, so you can play for as long as you like.
There are downsides to cash games. Since you need to manage your own bankroll, it is easy to spend more money than you intended or fail to quit while you’re ahead. Good players also have advanced techniques for encouraging you to leave your stack.
Tournament Poker
Tournament poker tables are scheduled events that begin at a specific time with a fixed buy-in amount. Everyone gets the same stack of chips, and play continues until one person has won all the chips.
There are lots of advantages to playing online poker tournaments. Firstly, you cannot spend more money than the initial buy-in. Once the tournament begins, there are no further fees or levies. Secondly, some tournaments come with huge prize pools that can exceed $1 million. Thirdly, you have the opportunity to win major titles or trophypes at offshore rooms.
Ways to Promote Your Online Casino in Michigan (2023)The main drawback of poker tournaments is their rigid schedule. You cannot join a table once it has begun, and if the starting stacks are low and the competition is strong, you could be out within the first few minutes.
Sit & Go Poker
Sit & Go (SNG) tables work like tournaments, but they begin as soon as a certain number of players have joined. Each SNG has a fixed buy-in amount and a set prize pool. When all the spots are filled, the game starts.
Most online sit and go poker tables have between three and ten players. They are ideal for beginners because games are relatively quick, and you can build up your bankroll without committing to lengthy tournaments. Indeed, you can play SNGs for just a few cents at some sites.
Spin & Go Poker
Spin & Go poker games are hybrid contests that combine elements of traditional tournaments and jackpot games. Like tournaments, they begin once three or four players are seated. And like poker jackpots, they come with random prize multipliers.
Before each contest gets underway, a wheel displays a series of prize multipliers. This could include the base prize value and anything from x2 up to x10,000. All players sharing a table will receive the same multiplier. If you win your contest, you will take home your initial buy-in multiplied by your selected multiplier. For example, if you bet $2 and the multiplier is x1,000, you could win $2,000.
Average contest durations tend to be quite short, as it’s all or nothing.
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Fast fold poker games are unique in that you aren’t permanently seated at a table. Instead, you select the cash value you want to play for, and you’ll enter a pool of seats at various tables. As soon as you fold a hand, you’re whisked off to another empty seat, so you always have a new hand waiting for you.
This format keeps the action coming thick and fast, which is ideal if you prefer active poker cash games but dislike waiting for good hands or sitting through long sessions of chicken. Unfortunately, as the action is particularly fast, you’ll get through your bankroll quickly, so be sure to exercise discipline.
Short Deck Poker
Short deck poker is a variant in which the deuces (2s) are removed from the pack, leaving a Short Deck (also known as 32 or Six Plus Deck). It is a faster, more aggressive version of California Homegame Californian Homegame, where Short Deck or BUMP (Big Minimum Poker) was born and developed. BUMP is a simplified version of No-Limit Hold’em where straights and flushes do not count.
While the original Cali rules have not made the translation to global poker success, Short Deock has. Open-ended straight draws are stronger than sets most of the time, so players often Flat Call preflop and get aggressive with middle pair. Additionally, without eights, this is the only variant that has true rock bottom tight poker!
Best Real Money Poker Apps for iPhone and Android Devices
Many of us lead busy lives, which means we cannot dedicate large chunks of time to online poker.
Thankfully, the best real money poker apps have stepped in to fill the void. These mobile-friendly sites and apps offer a wide range of games, bonuses, and features.
You can play on the go by visiting your favorite poker site from the browser on your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you can download dedicated mobile apps to install on your device.
All of the following online poker sites and apps have been tested on both major mobile platforms:
- Bovada Poker – Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad
- Everygame Poker – Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad
- IGBP Poker – Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad
- BetOnline Poker – Available on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad
Payment Methods for Playing Real Money Poker Online
Before you start playing for money, you should consider how you plan to fund your account.
Best Online Casinos in the USA (December, 2023)Most online poker sites accept payments made with major debit and credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. However, you may struggle to make deposits and withdrawals using plastic.
Low poker stake games rarely exhaust your bankroll, so you may find it difficult to use your cards because the minimum deposit amount does not activate the transaction. Similarly, you may struggle to cash out because the minimum withdrawal amount is higher than your poker winnings.
Fortunately, there are lots of alternative payment methods you can use instead of credit and debit cards. These include:
- eWallets: eWallets – such as , , Skrill, Neteller, and Payz – allow you to make instant deposits and receive swift withdrawals. You can link your eWallet to your debit card or bank account, so you can control your spending.
- Bank Transfers: Bank transfers allow you to move money directly to and from your online poker account and savings. It can take several days to process bank transfer transactions, but there are no charges.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards – such as EntroPay, Paysafecard, and – enable you to set a budget and pay for poker games online without entering your bank details. Many prepaid cards can also be used to receive withdrawals.
- Cryptocurrency: Crypto payments – such as those made with , , Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash – are fast, cheap, and anonymous. All of the best offshore sites accept cryptocurrencies, and several top -rated poker operators in the USA also do as well.
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What is the Safest Way to Make Real Money Poker Deposits?
The safest way to make a poker deposit for real money online is to use a secure payment method at a licensed site. Any of the payment methods we mention in this guide will be safe if employed at a properly licensed and regulated casino site.
Another thing to remember is to keep closer watch on your finances, especially since poker involves the possibility of losing money.
By funding your online poker account, you can control how much money you can put toward poker games alone. This helps reduce the risk of overspending, which is one of the biggest threats to online casino players.
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Tips for Maximizing Your Bonus When Playing for Real Money
If you’re keen to claim the , you should read the terms and conditions carefully. Each operator lays out wagering requirements, eligible games, and expiry dates in its promo rules.
In general, you will need to deposit and play through a certain multiple of your welcome bonus to extract the full value. For example, you might need to wager 40x if you receive a $50 freebie. This means you need to place bets totaling $2,000 before you can transfer, withdraw, or delete any bonus funds or winnings.
The best way to clear a poker bonus is to play cash games, as any bets you place will contribute 20% towards wagering requirements. Tournament entry fees only count as 5% towards wagering, and unfortunately you cannot play poker lotteries or Spin & Go contests with a bonus.
Poker Welcome Bonus Tips
Before claiming a welcome bonus, you should check when it expires. Most offers last 30 days, but some can expire in two weeks or less. This means you need to clear the entire bonus within that window.
If you cannot meet the wagering requirement before your bonus expires, you will lose any unused credits. Therefore, it makes sense to work out how much you can realistically wager during the promotion and choose a bonus size that reflects your bankroll.
Poker Loyalty Bonus Tips
Many online poker sites have loyalty schemes that award points based on the volume you play. These points can sometimes be converted into free cash.
Loyalty bonuses typically reward 1 point for every $1 paid in rake or tournament entry fees. It can take several months of regular play to accumulate enough points for a $10 freebie.
Referral Poker Bonus Tips
Some online poker sites offer bonuses for referring friends. Typically, you will receive a $50 bonus if the person you referred makes a deposit and plays the minimum amount within the first 30 days. Your friend will also get a bonus, so it’s worth asking fellow poker fans if their favorite site offers this promotion.
There is not much to taking advantage of referral bonuses other than letting your friends who play know that the site exists.
Freeroll Poker Bonus Tips
Freerolls are free-to-enter poker tournaments. Although you cannot win real money poker bets, you can still win a title or trophy and build your bankroll via secondary wins, such as landing a major hand to knock out an opponent and win your share of the prize pool.
offer plenty of freerolls, along with low-stakes tournaments that won’t hurt your bankroll.
Top Real Money Poker Apps for iPhone & Android
These online poker apps represent the best places to play poker for real money online, and each one offers a generous welcome bonus to boost your bankroll. Just remember to implement bankroll management techniques and to treat the game like gambling, not a way to earn an income.
The best real money poker app for you depends on what variants and stakes you want to play, plus what bonuses appeal to you. We recommend trying out each of the recommended poker apps to see which one feels best for your style of play.
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