Us states where online poker is legal in 2023

The US online poker market has been slower to develop than many had anticipated a decade or so ago, but it has still come a long way since Nevada became the first state to license an online poker site almost 10 years ago.
While there is still no full-scale, open, liquid interstate market, several states have now legalized and regulated online poker and casinos, and players from different states can play against each other.
In this guide to state by state status of online poker in the USA we explain where you stand legally when playing online poker for real money, which operators offer their services in which states, and how close we are to the next state going “live.”

States with Legal Online Poker in the US for 2023

1. Nevada

  • Year licensed: 2011**.**
  • Operators: , , ,
  • Networks: (WSOP/888) & (MGM/Borgata).
  • Players: Around 500 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 82 (mobile): 64 (tablet): 46 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: WSOP.com NV/NJ/DE (for WSOP bracelets & rings & WSOPC. MGM/Borgata for its own events.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $17.6m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 6.75%
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $1.2m. Based on level of activity.
  • Status of sports betting: Licensed.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Liquidity sharing with WSOP/888NV/NJ/DE in other states likely.
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The first state to go live with online poker after Black Friday was Nevada. A bill making online poker legal was passed in February 2013, and the state went live with its first games on CA

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The First domino to fall after Black Friday, Nevada’s online poker market lacks volume – but it still has value due to tournaments and because players from Delaware and New Jersey can compete in the WSOP merged player pool. Overall, however, the Nevada market is too small to support two networks, even with 888poker and WSOP sharing players.

Despite this, the market provides valuable supplementary liquidity to WSOP during its own online series–and also hosts series run by the WSOP and MGM/Borgata. However, with a peak daytime population of only three million, and just 90,000 adults playing poker, table games alone mean Nevada will never rank highly in terms of potential revenue.

Recommended Operator: Despite the fact that there are two skins on both networks, the delineation between the two big groups in Nevada is WSOP/888pokera and MGM/Borgata.

The main reason to choose the second group over the first is the latter offers the excellent , which is unavailable on the WSOP/888 network. On the other hand, the WSOP network offers unique access to WSOP online bracelet events and WSOP Circuit events during the Main Event in Las Vegas.

Both networks offer solid bonuses, with MGM currently offering a 100% deal up to $1,025 and WSOP $50 (with $25 instant). WSOP also stands out through its high-stakes action. During our testing, buy-ins of $100 and above were running on both Hold’em and Omaha at most limits – including the HK ($100/$200) and higher.

Traffic on WSOP/888 is roughly twice that of the MGM network, and in the evenings there are plenty of cash games to choose from — around 200 players at the tables at peak times. This includes some Russian whales who keep things interesting at the top end. There are regular $100 reload bonuses and plenty of satellites for local poker events.

Overall Standard is good, but there are slight lag and stutter issues at times. No proper filter search function is provided, and the avatars are a little naff – but overall WSOP/888 is a solid option for low-stakes grinders.

2. New Jersey

  • Year licensed: 2013**.
  • Operators: , , , BetMGM, , partypoker, Unibet, Betway.
  • Networks: Playtech (BetMGM/Borgata) & (partypoker/Bet365).
  • Player: Around 700 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 190 (mobile): 127 (tablet): 102 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournament / online series: , Borgata, BetMGM.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $107.8m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 51%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $55 Victory Casino Cruises
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About an year after Black Friday, New Jersey became the second state to legalize online poker and casino games. Like Nevada, the state opted for a game by game approach, with individual sites licenses available rather than broader licensing for existing casinos to offer their own or third-party platforms.

Unlike Nevada, however, New Jersey decided to include casino games in its remit. This led to a longer list of operators lining up to get licensed, and more international providers such as Entain getting involved. As a result, New Jersey has become the largest state iGaming market and one of the biggest online poker economies in the world. It also has a strong ecology with five significant networks.

There are signs of saturation among customers, and the recent failure of the online arm of the Trump Plaza suggests not all operators will survive. Nonetheless, New Jersey remains healthy and liquid. It also benefits from liquidity sharing agreements with Nevada, Delaware and – potentially - Pennsylvania.

Recommended operator: The headline battle for New Jersey takes place between industry giants – 888poker’s flagship site , and GVC’s partypoker.

Partypoker got 2019 off to a flyer by securing the exclusive right to use the Tony Bettenodier signature series cards and tournament trophy – a major coup for the brand. Meanwhile, 888poker secured an exclusivity deal to use Hollywood icon George Clooney’s name and face for its marketing material.

So far, partypoker has shaded 888/Poker888 in terms of cash game traffic – especially at mid-stakes and during the afternoon European rush periods. But 888 has the early mornings and late nights covered, with a few more Russians and Asians playing at those times.

However, partypoker recently revitalized its business with innovative new features like the POWER platform, lottery SNGs, and a range of community-driven enhancements. These changes put partypoker among the leading cards rooms online today – and gave us at Pokerlistings good reasons to crown it .

Nonetheless, 888poker is not to be overlooked. Its player-friendly rakeback scheme, $500 welcome bonus and $50 instant sign-up deposit bonus make it popular. Regular bonus dollars can be earned through the excellent Bingo product and feed into the poker site quickly and easily.

Overall, both options are strong. Partypoker gets the nod for skin quality, while 888poker excels when it comes to the related casino product.

3. Delaware

  • Year licensed: 2013**.
  • Operator: (three race tracks).
  • Network: On its own.
  • Players: Around 200 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 48 (mobile): 35 (tablet): 28 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: State-specific WSOP circuit events.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $3.1m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 30%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $930,000 @ $300k per year.
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Stalled.
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Delaware became the third state to legalize poker and casinos in 2013. However, unlike Nevada and New Jersey, the legislation created in Delaware allows for a single statewide network – instead of individual sites for individual casinos. This means Delaware has only one active online poker site - .

888delaware does a decent job, but the downside of a monopoly is obvious when you look at the liquidity and traffic levels compared to New Jersey, Nevada and even Pennsylvania. Even combining with other small state like Rhode Island would make a big difference to the bottom line.

For now, however, Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway share revenues and traffic on 888delaware, which offers solid but not outstanding cash game action on both NLHE and PLO. Most of the action happens at $1-$5 and below, but there is some $10 action for high rollers – including some recreational players from the racetracks.

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Peak evening traffic sees around 200 players, and tournaments – including weekly $5k Sunday events – usually attract around 150 players. The 888 platform is solid, if showing its age a little, and there are good bonuses and easy access to 888’s attached online casino and sportsbook. Overall, there are better options for serious grinders – but if you’re in Delaware, it’s not a bad set-up.

Recommended operator: 888Delaware

4. Pennsylvania

  • Year licensed: 2019.
  • Operators: PokerStars (Mount Airy), partypoker (Fandeuels/Hollywood),
  • Networks: (PokerStars)/(partypoker).
  • Player: Around 300 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 107 (mobile): 63 (tablet): 38 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: PokerStars (MEGA), Fandeuels
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $11.6m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 54%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $64 Victory Casino Cruises

$1.6m (@ $533k per year).

  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Likely to join multi-state liquidity sharing agreement.

It took longer than many predicted, but Pennsylvania finally joined the ranks of US states offering legal online poker in 2019. Initially, the law included a provision for peer-to-peer poker, which allowed 888poker and Mount Airy to strike a deal.

However, PA Governor Tom Wolf vetoed the P2P section of the bill, meaning the state ended up with a similar casino-based model to New Jersey and Delaware. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania’s large population made it an attractive prospect for the remaining operators.

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As a result, PokerStars entered a partnership with Mount Airy and relaunched in 2019 – injecting much needed energy into the market. Soon after, Flutter Entertainment also got the green light for its FanDuel/bet365 brands. While waiting for regulatory approval, 888pulled out of the running, ceding second spot to partypoker.

PA is now a healthy, albeit small, online poker market. However, its true potential may never be realized without P2P poker or some form of liquidity sharing.

**Recommended Operator: **

Currently in third place, is waking up the PA online poker scene with innovative products and pop-up software features.

The FOX Bet-faced site bounced back from a disappointing launch by offering a stellar $500 bonus (with $20 instant plus regular bonus dollars), an excellent VIP scheme based on Chests filled with rewards, and lots of community-focused initiatives.

To be clear, PokerStars still offers more games at varying stakes, including some juicy games during European primetime. Player traffic fluctuates more on partypoker, but the site tends to have slightly lower maximum Buy-Ins on Hold’em and Omaha cash games, and somewhat more variability.

Overall, though, partypoker gets the nod thanks to consistent improvements to the software and a sense the site is moving in the right direction. 

⦿ Michigan

  • Year licensed: 2021.
  • Operators: BetMGM, , Caesars, , Galen, Gracemeadow, , Gun Lake, Island Resort, , Odawa, , Soaring Eagle
  • Networks: (BetMGM/Borgata)/(partypoker).
  • Player: Around 200 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 70 (mobile): 42 (tablet): 30 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: , BetMGM, partypoker
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $10.5m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 20%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $840,000 (@ $280k per year).
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Possible push for P2P poker and East Coast liquidity sharing.
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Following the lead of other Midwest states, Indiana and Tennessee went live with online poker and casinos in January 2021. While neither market looks destined to become a major player, they do provide another couple of options for US poker players.

Like South Dakota and Kentucky, both states opted for a Kansas-style approach, allowing individual casinos to offer remote gaming via a licensed platform provider. Both also opted to set the bar very high for poker contributors to count as professionals – and exempt losing poker players from taxes.

This double whammy of player protection and an unfavorable regulatory environment meant the early entrant, Rush Street Gaming, was the only supplier prepared to pay six-figure license fees. As a result, both states have a single operator in each - with Rush Street’s BetMGM in Michigan and its sibling, , in Indiana and Tennessee.

**Recommended operator: **

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(* Also operating in TN).

The former ACCO umbrella brand replaced the simpler “ACCO Poker” network brand with its own branding in 2021. Running the WSOP/Playtech network cash games are a little sparse, especially at mid-stakes and above, but the site does offer regular braces shots and WSOP Circuit events.

Sit & Go’s and tournaments are artificially boosted using software to combine tables, which is standard practice in the US due to low player liqudiety. Overall, the software is solid and secure, mobile games are included in the download PC client, and the attached casino and sportsbook are first class.

⦿ West Virginia

  • Year licensed: 2019.
  • Operators: BetMGM, BetAmerica.
  • Networks: (BetMGM)/(BetAmerica).
  • Player: Around 100 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 40 (mobile): 22 (tablet): 15 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: , BetAmerica.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $3.6m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 18%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $650,000 (@ $217k per year).
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
    • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Stalled.

(* Also operating in WV)

Following the lead of other Midwest states, Indiana and Tennessee went live with online poker and casinos in January 2021. While neither market looks destined to become a major player, they do provide another couple of options for US poker players.

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Like South Dakota and Kentucky, both states opted for a Kansas-style approach, allowing individual casinos to offer remote gaming via a licensed platform provider. Both also opted to set the bar very high for poker contributors to count as professionals – and exempt losing poker players from taxes.

This double whammy of player protection and an unfavorable regulatory environment meant the early entrant, Rush Street Gaming, was the only supplier prepared to pay six-figure license fees. As a result, both states have a single operator in each - with Rush Street’s BetMGM in Michigan and its sibling, , in Indiana and Tennessee.

**Recommended operator: **

(also operating in WV) is the only game in town and offers solid, reliable cash games at all limits and on both Hold’em and Omaha. Games are a little sparser at non-peak times, but the software is stable, the bonuses are good and the attached casino and sportsbook are strong.

⦿ Connecticut

  • Year licensed: 2021.
  • Operators: FanDuel (Mohegan), DraftKings (Mashantucket Pequot).
  • Networks: (FanDuel)/(DraftKings).
  • Player: Around 150 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 70 (mobile): 35 (tablet): 20 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: FanDuel, DraftKings.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $8.9m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 20%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $1.8 Victory Casino Cruises

Two new regions opened up in 2021 when Connecticut and Maryland joined the roster of states authorizing online poker and casino games.

Connecticut was an unexpected result when two Native American tribes struck a deal with two of the dominant DFS/sports betting brands. Technically, the deal cut across the earlier exclusivity pact between the state’s tribal and non-tribal casinos.

Despite initial resistance, governor Ned Lamont signed the bill in October 2021 and the market went live in the last days of that year.

The small size of the market and the limited reach of the attached sportsbooks and casinos means these online poker sites won’t be on too many radar screens – but they’re worth a look. FanDuel specifically wanted to use this launch to start phasing out its old Epic Poker Network games and players, ready for a planned return to the US through a deal with PokerStars.

Meanwhile DraftKings used its Connecticut poker site to test out its new / Pop-its popup reward system, which seems to be here to stay. CT is unlikely to be extended beyond its tribal confines, but we might see similar systems creep onto other DraftKings sites.

**Recommended operator: **

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(** Also operating in MD)

is the stronger site at this stage, largely because it has stricter stake restrictions that keep recreational players safe. This allows pros like Chris Moorman to ply their trade, but makes life tougher for outright pros like Asi Moshiashvili, who has taken to playing PLO at .

The added value on offer at FanDuel is tempting, but the games are tougher at peak times. In contrast, the games at FOX Bet are softer – although numbers are smaller and variance is higher.

The tournament schedule is better at DraftKings, while FanDuel offers faster, smoother software and direct access to the best online sports betting and casino games in Connecticut. Ultimately, softer games tip the balance in favor of PlayMGM, but we suggest checking in on both sites regularly – and taking advantage of their excellent bonuses and rewards schemes.

⦿ Maryland

  • Year licensed: 2021.
  • Operators: Live! (Scientific Games)/Horseshoe (Evolution) Live! (formerly BetLucky) (** Also operating in CT)
  • Networks: (Live!) ()/(Horseshoe)/(Evolution Gaming).
  • Player: Around 100 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 30 (mobile): 15 (tablet): 10 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: , Live! (formerly Wild Rose)
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $3.6m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 20%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $1.3m (@ $420k per year).
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Stalled.
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(** Also operating in MD)

Like Connecticut, Maryland got its online gaming bill over the line in 2021, despite conflicts with existing deals and competing proposals. For this reason, the law as passed is complex, restrictive and, arguably, flawed.

One positive aspect is that Maryland explicitly permits online poker, in addition to casino games. Another is that two separate licenses have been awarded - one to Scientific Games (one-time owner of WSOP.com) and one to Evolution Gaming (the leading live dealer studio).

Initially, the Live! site went live with WSOP.com cash games and tournaments - but under the “Wild Rose” brand used briefly in another failed market (Iowa). Since then, the site has settled down and started to build a core group of players.

The Horseshoe/Evolution site hasn’t launched yet, which gives Live! a head start. However, Evolution is a world leader in live dealer games, not known for producing mediocre products.

**Recommended operator: **

(also operating in CT)

The (**formerly Wild Rose****) is the only game in town and offers WSOP-branded bricks in what will hopefully become a union Jacks or bespoke Maryland site in the future.

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For now, the focus is on building a network across MD and with its sister site in , which already has a player base. To this end, the Wild Rose site offers periodic MD/WV cross-state bragging rights tournaments - along with decent bonuses, solid software, and an attached casino and sportsbook.

⦿ New Jersey

  • Year licensed: 2013.
  • Operators: (eight skins), (four skins), Betfair Casino for Real Gaming
  • Networks: (Resorts/MPoint/BetMGM/888/Borgata/Pala/Sinclair)- (Oceanside/Tropicana/Golden Nugget/Hard Rock) - (Fantasy Draft)
  • Player: Up to 5,000 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 2,000 (mobile): 1,200 (tablet): 700 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: , (Oceanside), (Fantasy Draft)
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $116.9m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 54%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $1,090,000 (@ $363k per year).
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Full NJ-PA liquidity sharing.
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With the largest population and the longest experience of any US online poker jurisdiction, New Jersey is the most important state in the developing US liquidity sharing network.

The Garden State shares players and liquidi ty with its neighbor, Pennsylvania, which significantly boosts the bottom lines of all operators in both states. Indeed, when traffic watchers add up the number of New Jersey and Pennsylvania ring fences they often arrive at a figure close to 5,000 players. That’s an impressive number - and one rivaled only by New Jersey at its peak after several years of operation.

Of course, the COVID-19 crisis caused traffic to surge - and it remains to be seen whether this translates into similar numbers in the post-pandemic era. However, it’s clear that NJ/PA liquidity sharing provides enough stability for the major operators to invest in software, promotions and staff.

The net result of this investment is that New Jersey has the strongest online poker ecosystem in the US. Although there is room for more operators, the strength of the leaders - PokerStars NJ, partypoker and the WSOP/888 network - means it will be tough for newbies to gain traction.

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**Recommended operator: **

(* Also operating in MI, WV, SC, SD, PA****) is the biggest fish in the NJ pond and continues to innovate with new features and pop-up software ideas inspired by its parent company, Flutter. These include the popular Spin & Gold loyalty jackpot games, occasional Spin & Win Sit & Go’s, and the groundbreaking Bounty Blasts which introduced a new format to the WSOP main event in 2022.

PokerStars is also pushing boundaries with its PokerStars Caribbean Adventure qualifiers, fun challenges, and quirky Twister tourneys. Partypoker focuses on giving players more for their money with generous bonuses, loyalty rewards and soft casual games. Finally, the WSOP/888 network strikes a chord with hardcore grinders attracted by the wristband, bracelet and crown from hosting state and regional finals in both Hold’em and Omaha.

Ultimately, PokerStars has the best software by some distance, but partypoker attracts more recreational players - and PokerStars NJ gets our nod for the best overall online poker experience in the US.

⦿ Nevada

  • Year licensed: 2013.
  • Operators: (MGM/Boyd/Caesars), (South Point/Tiger), (Silver Slipper/Rising Star)
  • Networks: (WSOP.com/Aria)/(Real Gaming)/(EveryMatrix)
  • Player: Up to 1,500 at peak hours.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): 600 (mobile): 300 (tablet): 150 (all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: , (Real Gaming), (EveryMatrix)
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: $72.2m (2022).
  • Tax rate: 6.75%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: $4,9 Victory Casino Cruises
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With its long history of regulated online poker, Nevada could be considered the godfather of the current wave of US online poker sites. Along with Delaware, the Silver State was one of the first two to offer legal games on the internet - long before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) tightened the regulations in 2006.

Back then, the laws were much more favorable to operators and permitted large, diverse networks. For example, Ultimate Poker was able to secure exclusive deals with MGM and Station Casinos to become the largest and longest serving online poker site in America.

Unfortunately, UP ran into technical issues with Software Ideas Modulo’s proprietorial software and had to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars in missed bonuses. Eventually, GTECH discovered a critical flaw in the code and raised concerns about the security of player funds. This forced the ultimate demise of Ultimate Poker - a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on buggy software and proprietorial tech stacks.

Since then, the Nevada Gaming Commission has adopted a more stringent licensing regime and reduced taxes, encouraging bigger, more established companies to enter the market. Initially, the WSOP.com network seemed doomed to follow Ultimate Poker into obscurity when liquidity sharing partner, , quit the US market.

Surprisingly, WSOP.com bucked that trend and continued to grow - benefiting from the weak dollar, strong WSOP brand, and an exclusivity deal with South Point Casino. When New Jersey legalized online poker and wine producer, Bernhard Guenther, convinced 888 to provide software and networks, the action moved east.

Guenther managed to win a bracelet in 2018 and has been a prominent presence at final tables ever since. However, the 888/WSOP.com network couldn’t sustain the volume generated by Bernard “Beyonne” Guenther and, following his fourth bracelet in 2022, his appearances may diminish.

**Recommended operator: **

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() - the oldest online poker site in America. Given its strong ties to the WSOP, this is the logical choice for players wanting to qualify for and win WSOP bracelets and rings online.

Qualifying tournaments cost a few dollars and give you a shot at a gold or silver online wristband. Meanwhile, weekly series like those hosted by WSOP.com offer cheap satellites into expensive live finals at the WSOP in Las Vegas - or online bracelet finals open to players in , , NJ and DE.

On top of these opportunities, WSOP.com runs its own online bracelet events in Nevada - including PL Omaha for the first time in 2022. Add in some juicy cash games with Russians, Swedes and Germans, plus lucrative VIP promos, and WSOP.com is our pick of the Vegas online poker sites.

⦿ New York

  • Year licensed: 2022.
  • Operators: Caesars, Resorts, Rush Street (Run It Once), FanDuel (TomDurrrr), Bally’s
  • Networks: (Caesars)/(Resorts)/(RS)/(FD)/(BL)
  • Player: Yet to launch.
  • Average daily traffic per site: (desktop): N/A ((mobile): N/A ((tablet): N/A ((all figures WPT).
  • Tournaments / online series: TBD.
  • Legal age: 21.
  • Revenue: 0.
  • Tax rate: 54%.
  • Projected tax revenue 2023: 0.
  • Status of sports betting: Legal.
  • Status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal.
  • Next expected move: Potential licensing showdown.

New York is done tinkering with its online poker bill and sent it over to governor Kathy Hochul’s desk in April 2022. However, the governor put the brakes on in May - raising concerns about the exclusivity pacts between RESORTS WORLD and RUSH STREET and the potential loss of revenue for New York state.

The bill requires the two license holders to allow interstate player liquidi ty sharing with their respective networks in Pennsylvania. It also requires other online poker sites to fork over 12% of their NY revenues to the two licensed sites. This “tax” was ruled anticompetitive by governor Hochul and she sent the bill back to the legislature with instructions to remove this clause.

It remains to be seen if the legislature will send an amended version of the iGaming bill or let online poker and online poker die for another session. One thing we know for sure is that New York needs online poker. With the city crippled by record crime rates and rampant gun violence, the state government could really use the $50 million annual windfall estimated by industry analysts.

Recommended operator:

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(_* Also operating in MI, WV, SC, SD, PA, NT**) is the standout name in online poker right now. Run It Once was founded by superstar pro, Phil Galfond, with the lofty goal of being the best online poker site on the planet._