Best Online Poker Sites – Play Legal Online Poker for Real Money in the US

Playing online poker in the United States can be legally done in five states – New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Delaware. Some of the best online poker sites have shared liquidity within this online poker space to provide better traffic and action between states.

This guide will give you the perfect overview of online poker USA, including the best sites to play on, the current legal situation, and tips and tricks on getting started today.

List of Legal US Online Poker Sites for Real Money

Reviews of the Best Online Poker Sites in the US

Playing online poker for real money in the USA can be done safely and legally using the sites below. We have created reviews and a ranking for reach, helping you find the best online poker site.

1. partypoker – Massive Tournament Series with Large Prize Pools

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.partypoker.com
• States: New Jersey
• Payout time: 1 to 3 days
• Established: 2001
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Headquarters: Isle of Man

Our Verdict: 4.8/5

When it comes to the biggest online poker sites in the world, partypoker always comes up in the discussion. It has been around for over two decades, held some of the biggest online and live poker tournaments, and built up reliability and reputation to match.

Partypoker has broken into the US online poker market with smart partnerships and licensing to help US online poker players have a trusted, legal and safe site to play on. With a range of promotions, bonuses, and great online poker games, it has certainly done that so far.

Poker Options at partypoker: 4.8/5

Partypoker has a fantastic and broad range of poker games, ranging from a huge array of online poker cash games to massive MTT (multi-table tournaments) online. You can find games like Pot-Limit Omaha, Short Deck, and Limit Hold’em. Partypoker boasts various features, from using real-life names to having antes in online cash games.

Payment Options: 4.5/5

Regarding payment options, it is hard to get better than partypoker. Many legal and safe USA real money poker sites avoid using crypto, so that will not be an option for most of this list, but you can find many options ranging from PayPal to Maestro. The deposit and withdrawal times can be from 24 hours to three days.

Customer Support: 4.7/5

The premier options in online poker will always have excellent customer support, and the same can be said for partypoker. You can usually get in touch with a team member within a day, and this can be done quicker with options like live chat, email, and a toll-free phone number. If you have an issue with partypoker, you will find a quick resolution.

Current Available States

Partypoker is currently available in New Jersey as the only state where it is legal. Still, the partypoker network is expanding across Michigan and Pennsylvania as the BetMGM and Borgata online poker sites use the partypoker software.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.7/5

Partypoker has a host of bonuses and promotions available for US online poker players, including some of the best rakeback you will find in US online poker, leaderboards and a generous welcome bonus.

partypoker poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

2. Borgata – Easy-to-Use UI and Loose Cash Games

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.poker.borgataonline.com
• States: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
• Payout time: 3 to 5 days
• Established: 2013
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Headquarters: New Jersey

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

Borgata joined the New Jersey online poker sites in 2013 when it appeared in the partypoker US network, building a shared liquidity pool with BetMGM and partypoker NJ. It also launched in Pennsylvania in April, 2021. The site is an online extension to one of the most notable casinos in the USA, the namesake Borgata, which is situated in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Borgata has some amazing online poker features, whether it is a great daily MTT schedule or the fast-fold poker cash games which allow grinders to get a huge volume of hands in. It also holds some of the biggest Sunday majors in all of US online poker, which puts Borgata with one of the best online sites out there.

Poker Options at Borgata: 4.6/5

By using the partypoker online software, Borgata has some of the best user interfaces and experiences in US online poker. You can find everything easily, and Borgata has all the poker options you could want, ranging from great static cash tables fast-fold, SNGs and MTTs. The player pool is smaller and more reg-heavy than most, but the MTT scene has lots of recreational involved.

Payment Options: 4.4/5

Borgata follows the same payment methods and processing systems as the other sites on the partypoker US network. There are no fees for putting money or taking money off Borgata, which is very appealing to players wanting to move their bankroll around. You can also sign up for a Borgata Online Prepaid Play+ Card to get depositing quickly, and you can also use it anywhere where Discover cards are allowed.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

You can find 24/7 customer support at Borgata, which has a live chat running around the clock for online poker players to get assistance. There is a Borgata Online phone line, but this is only available from 12pm to 8pm ET. Customer support is very reasonable, although email support might be needed for more complex issues.

Current Available States

Borgata Online Poker is available in New Jersey, where it shares the liquidity pool of partypoker and BetMGM. This allows for more boosted MTTs and Sunday major online tournaments. The poker skin also went live in Pennsylvania, but it is not looking like Borgata Online will expand into other states unless the US partypoker network grows into other legalized states for online poker.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5

You can find some great welcome and repeat bonuses at Borgata Online, some of the best promotions for a USA online poker site. Typically, Borgata Online will have similar promotions to the other sites on the partypoker US network, the only difference coming in the rakeback which comes in the form of Borgata Rewards Points.

Borgata Poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

3. BetMGM – Running Satellites to Huge Live Poker Series

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.poker.betmgm.com
• States: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania
• Payout time: 3 to 5 days
• Established: 2017
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Headquarters: New Jersey

Our Verdict: 4.6/5

Ever since its inception in 2017, BetMGM has proven itself to be one of the top online poker sites in the US, holding its own on the partypoker US network. There are some amazing cash games running 24/7, huge MTT series, and even the opportunity to satellite your way into a World Poker Tour event.

BetMGM has a fantastic online poker cash game scene thanks to an incredibly generous rakeback scheme that rewards grinders. They also run regular satellites to the BetMGM Poker Championship held at the Aria in Las Vegas, giving recreational poker players the ultimate online poker dream.

Poker Options at BetMGM: 4.6/5

BetMGM have a great selection of poker games online, ranging from juicy cash games and MTTs. The formats include the two most popular games in Texas No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. You can also find other mixed games on BetMGM, with multiple poker options in both tournaments and cash games.

Payment Options: 4.3/5

When it comes to playing on US online poker sites, you will want to be certain your funds are safe and secure. Thanks for legal and secure online poker sites like BetMGM, you can find a host of reliable and safe payment options for withdrawals and deposits. The minimum stars at $10 and take up to a week, and you can find all popular options like Visa, PayPal, American Express and more.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

BetMGM has a great customer support available for an online poker site, with a round-the-clock support service that operates in multiple channels. For quick issues, you can connect to the BetMGM live chat and get it solved. For more complex or detailed problems, there is a phone number and a support email, with additional social media channels for you to get in touch with.

Current Available States

You can play on BetMGM in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan thanks to the interstate shared liquidity of the partypoker US network. This allows for bigger tournament series like the BetMGM Poker State Championship, which raised $2 million in guaranteed prize money. The shared player pool also builds up better cash games pools, especially for the fast-fold format.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5

Following suit from the other partypoker US sites, BetMGM has some of the best bonuses, promotions and rakeback in all of US online poker. You can find a welcome bonus that goes up to $1,000, with an extra perk of up to $75 in the form of online poker tournament tickets.

BetMGM poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

4. PokerStars – Best Zoom Poker Cash Games

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.pokerstars.bet
• States: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania
• Payout time: 2 days to 1 week
• Established: 2016
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Headquarters: New Jersey

Our Verdict: 4.6/5

PokerStars is arguably the biggest online poker operator in the world, and is one of the most recognizable poker brands. Ever since it dealt it’s first hand, it has gone on to dominate the poker world, and has made a resurgence since the infamous Black Friday event, which turned off online poker in the US in 2011.

PokerStars have three US online poker rooms in the form of PokerStarsNJ, PokerStarsPA, and PokerStarsMI. As of 2023, PokerStars USA have created a shared liquidity between PokerStars NJ and MI, with the hope of PA joining soon. This has created some bigger tournament series and better cash games for online poker players.

Poker Options at PokerStars: 4.8/5

When it comes to the best tournaments, it might be hard to look past PokerStars as an online poker site in the US. If you live in Michigan, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, you can take part in some huge tournament series. This includes the Winter Series, COOP and SCOOP series for each player pool.

Payment Options: 4.3/5

Just like the other US online poker sites, PokerStars has multiple payment methods and have built a safe and reliable process for online poker players to get their money on and off the site. You can use methods like MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Skrill, and bank transfer to move money around.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

PokerStars has a top of the line customer support function that can resolve any problem extremely quickly. Firstly, poker players can use an in-depth FAQ resource to find solutions, and then turn to an automated chat bot for any problem. After that, you can find a 24/7 chat, support email or contact their social media channels for help.

Current Available States

PokerStars is available in New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania, under the online poker rooms PokerStarsNJ, PokerStarsMI and PokerStarsPA. As of now, we are not aware of any likely states that are going to add PokerStars to the fold in the form of legalized online poker.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.3/5

PokerStars has a lack of promotions and bonuses compared to the other online poker sites in the USA. However, new players can choose between two offers. You can go for $100 in bonus play tickets and credits released over five days, or a 100% match bonus on the first deposit that is released as you play.

PokerStars Poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

5. 888poker – Famous BLAST Sit & Go’s

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.us.888poker.com
• States: New Jersey, Delaware
• Payout time: 1 to 3 days
• Established: 2013
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Delaware Lottery
• Headquarters: New Jersey

Our Verdict: 4.5/5

888poker has been one of the premier names in poker, right from being created in 2002 up until landing the vaunted sponsorship deal of the WSOP in 2015. In that same year, 888poker signed a shared liquidity deal with WSOP.com, creating a joint poker network that has been sharing player pools.

Due to sharing its player pool with WSOP.com, 888poker has built up some great big tournament series and cash games that run throughout the week. 888poker was also able to be one of the few online poker sites that could give away a WSOP bracelet on its site, doing so for Delaware in 2022.

Poker Options at 888poker: 4.6/5

When it comes to different poker games, 888poker lags behind in the US online poker market due to a lack of players. There is fast-fold poker available, as well as No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, but you will be hard done to find running games. If you are a mixed games fan, you will be very limited if you play on 888poker.

Payment Options: 4.1/5

888poker has very fast payment times but has had many issues when it comes to different payment options. A good example can be found in the way people have issues with MasterCard or Visa, with the cards declining deposits on many occasions. People can still find deposit methods through PayPal, Neteller, or more local banks.

Customer Support: 4.3/5

Online poker players looking for support on 888poker can get help 24/7 through so many options. There is not a live chat, which is disappointing, but there is a very helpful Support Center resource that has articles to help with a lot of problems. If this hasn’t helped, you can create a ticket through a support email or get in contact with a phone number.

Current Available States

888poker is available in New Jersey and shares the WSOP.com player pool in Delaware and Nevada, built upon a shared liquidity signed in 2015. As of now, there has been no movement in 888poker becoming legal in any other states, but there is potential for 888poker to move into Pennsylvania and Michigan in the future.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5

888poker has a sweet bonus for first-time depositors, rewarding them with a 100% bonus up to $1,500. The bonus comes in $10 increments, and this gets paid when you clear $50 in rake each time. The rakeback is not as good as on the best online poker sites, but the maximum deposit size is great for high rollers.

888poker poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

6. WSOP.com – Online WSOP Bracelet and Ring events

Online poker site facts:

• Website: www.wsop.com/online-poker/
• States: New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania
• Payout time: 1 to 3 days
• Established: 2013
• License: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Delaware Lottery, Nevada Gaming Control Board, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Headquarters: Nevada

Our Verdict: 4.4/5

WSOP.com might be the most prestigious online poker site for Americans. When it comes to poker, it really doesn’t get bigger than the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Now, there is WSOP.com which can bring the aspect of real money online poker to people’s homes across the USA, and even give them a chance to win a prestigious golden WSOP bracelet or circuit ring.

When it comes to online poker sites in the US, you will not find any that allow you to battle against the very best in online poker for a WSOP bracelet. On top of this, WSOP.com has great MTTs that run every week, with some high-stakes cash games running all the time.

Poker Options at WSOP.com: 4.4/5

WSOP.com has huge online tournaments that run every Sunday and great cash games that run from low-stakes up to $25/$50. If you are a mixed game fan, you can find PLO, Stud, Triple-Draw and other mixed games to have fun with. On top of all this, you can find satellites to the World Series of Poker.

Payment Options: 4.1/5

WSOP.com has multiple payment options available for online poker players, all of which starting at a $10 minimum deposit. You can get money deposited through an online eCheck, Visa, and Mastercard, PayPal and even depositing at the cage of the Rio, Bally’s Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood, Paris, and Caesars Palace.

Customer Support: 4.2/5

WSOP.com has a solid range of customer support options, with email, phone and live chat all available. It has been found that opening an email support ticket can be quiet slow compared to other US online power sites. For quick solutions, you can use their live chat as the best support option.

Current Available States

You can play WSOP.com in multiple states, playing in Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. WSOP.com has allowed people in these states to play for WSOP bracelets, and there are signs that the expansion can continue into other states through a long-lasting partnership with Caesars, giving them a foothold in new states through land-based casinos.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5

You might find some of the blandest promotions and bonuses on WSOP.com, as the rakeback is fairly poor for grinders and the rake is very high on tournaments and cash games. Players can get a $1,050 bonus when they first deposit, but after that it dries up significantly.

WSOP.com poker bonus:

Pros & Cons:

Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in the US?

Playing online poker in the US is not against any laws, and it is not illegal. When it comes to playing legal and regulated online poker, however, this can only be done in certain states that have passed litigation through the federal Wire Act.

When it comes to the best online poker sites in the US, the country is slowly battling to bring different states back to having online poker that is legal and regulated. Pre-2011, the United States had online poker in every state and had a shared liquidity pool with the entire world.

Black Friday eventually came, which was a day when then US outlawed online poker through the federal Wire Act in 2011. Since then, six states has passed regulations and made online poker legal within their borders.

Where is Online Poker Legal in the US?

You can find online poker available in five states currently, with West Virginia still not having any real money poker rooms online despite making them legal in 2019. Multiple online poker sites are now operating in the following:

• New Jersey
• Nevada
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
• Delaware

Legal Online Poker USA: State-by-State Guide

New Jersey

Online poker sites available in New Jersey:

• WSOP.com
• 888poker
• BetMGM
• partypokerNJ
• PokerStarsNJ
• Borgata Poker

New Jersey online poker is arguably the central market in the United States, right now, as it has the most sites available and the biggest player pool. It created a breakthrough after Black Friday when it brought in legal online poker sites in 2013, and since then has welcomed the best online poker sites for US players.

New Jersey is home to Atlantic City, where you can find many of the most famous live poker rooms. You can take part in huge online tournament series and even win a gold WSOP bracelet online in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania

Online poker sites available in Pennsylvania:

• BetMGM
• WSOP.com
• PokerStarsPA
• BorgataPoker

Pennsylvania has had a big impact on online poker in the US, making a huge splash in the online market after legalizing poker in 2017. PokerStars reached a partnering with live poker venue Mount Airy to bring online poker to they Keystone State.

Since then, BetMGM and WSOP.com have entered the state, bringing satellites to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and the BetMGM Poker Championship, also held in LV.

Michigan

Online poker sites available in Michigan:

• PokerStarsMI
• BetMGM
• WSOP.com

After introducing a bill that legalized online poker in Michigan in 2019, PokerStars became the first operator to bring online poker back to the Wolverine State in 2021. The global poker giant partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, similar to their partnership with Mount Airy Casino in Pennsylvania. Since then, BetMGM and WSOP.com entered the fold bringing WSOP bracelets to MI online poker.

Nevada

Online poker sites available in Nevada:

• WSOP.com

Whenever you think of poker, it’s hard not to imagine the bright lights of Las Vegas and the famous World Series of Poker. Unfortunately, online poker has not quite taken off the same way live poker has, with WSOP.com being the only legal online poker site.

WSOP.com utilize a partnership between Caesars Entertainment and 888poker as they carry out the only online poker offering in the state of Nevada.

Delaware

Online poker sites available in Delaware:

• 888poker

A lesser-known and interesting fact of online poker sites in the US is that Delaware was the first state to legalize online poker, having done so in 2012. 888poker is the current sole operator, having partnered with three land-based casinos to bring online poker to DE. 888 Holdings partnered with Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs, with each casino having it’s own poker site but the software and player pool remaining the same.

Delaware only has a population of around one million, but it fortunately benefits from the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. This has allowed the Delaware online poker liquidity to partner with the WSOP.com sites in Nevada and New Jersey, bringing huge MTT fields and better cash game offerings.

West Virginia

It might come as a total shock to most US readers that online poker is actually legal in West Virginia. The status in WV is confusing, but online poker has been allowed since 2019, with online casino following swiftly in 2020. The biggest reason for no online poker in West Virginia at this point is a lack of interest from operators.

If an online poker site cannot generate a big player pool, it will cause overlays in MTT prizepool guarantees (where the total buy-ins did not cover the amount given away as prize money) and the online site will not make much from online cash games. If West Virginia joins the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, then it could partner with states like Nevada and New Jersey, which will likely cause online poker operators to set up in the state.

Timeline of Poker Legalities in the US

Poker is an American pastime, ranking up there with baseball. While it has been around for centuries, it actually was not legalized or regulated until 1997. Below is the timeline of US poker legalities and the biggest timestamps on the journey of regulated US online poker.

• 1997 – Planet Poker dealt the first real-money poker hand in the United States, but would then drop off to superior competition.
• 2006 – The introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) saw the end of unregulated online poker, which helped PokerStars become the dominant force in US online poker.
• 2011 – Black Friday occurred, where the three biggest US online poker sites were sized due to sites using player funds illegally. The Wire Act was passed, leaving each state to legalize online poker.
• 2013 – Delaware becomes the first state to achieve legal online poker in 2013 followed by Nevada and New Jersey in the same year.
• 2015 – Nevada and Delaware join the Multi-State Internet Agreement in March, linking through the WSOP/888poker partnership.
• 2017 – New Jersey joined the MSIA.
• 2019 – PokerStars launched in Pennsylvania, and was joined by BetMGM and WSOP.com within a few years.
• 2019 – West Virginia legalizes online poker, but has yet to launch an online poker room yet.
• 2021 – Connecticut passes legislature to legalize online poker but has yet to launch any operators.

When will Online Poker be Legal in My State?

• Connecticut: Online Poker is currently legal in the state of Connecticut per The Public Act 21-23, but the biggest problem is attracting poker operators. This is likely due to the small player pool in Connecticut.
• Illinois: The state of Illinois has yet to pass a law for online poker as licensed gambling in the state, and because of this many Illinois residents seek unregulated online poker instead.
• Kentucky: Kentucky is one of the few states that consider gambling to be illegal, and this extends to online poker. Section 528.010 gives an insight into what gambling is in Kentucky.
• Massachusetts: Back in 2019, Massachusetts seemed like one of the most likely states to legalize online poker, but there has been no action as of yet. They are poised to consider it again in 2023.
• New York: New York has a gray legal battle with online poker, as it made significant progress in 2016 but stifled in 2019. It seems like once mobile sports betting is introduced and successful, online poker can follow.
• Tennessee: Online poker is looking very unlikely in Tennessee, as the state follows the same approach as Kentucky where gambling is illegal.
• Virginia: It’s highly unlikely that online poker will make any moves towards legalization, but if West Virginia or other neighboring states can show real success, this might push the needle.

Types of Online Poker Bonuses

Welcome Bonus

This is the most common bonus and promotion available at the best online poker sites. It usually involves a deposit match, but can often expand into online poker tournament tickets. You usually have to sign up and deposit, and you will have your deposit matched. An example of an additional bonus could be where PokerStars give you a $109 SCOOP ticket after depositing $100.

When you deposit, you can often use a poker bonus code to trigger an offer. Sometimes it’s an abbreviation or combination of letters and numbers and this will give you an extra bonus when the deposit goes through.

No Deposit Bonus

This bonus is pretty self-explanatory. When an online poker player creates and account, they activate a bonus without even making a deposit – this is one of the best ways to build a small bankroll for free in online poker.

Deposit Bonus

A deposit bonus is one of the most common forms of an online poker bonus. It works when you deposit a certain amount to a poker site, and then you will gain bonus money based on the promotion. You can get a certain amount matched, giving you a big boost when you sign up.

Rakeback

Rake is how a poker room makes it’s money. It takes a small percentage of the money from cash game pots and tournament buy-ins. Rakeback is the way some of this is given back to the player pool, often rewarding participation or hands played.

Freerolls

An online poker freeroll is a tournament that has no entry fee, where tickets are usually distributed as a bonus. The prizepool is free money to be won by the participating poker players, which makes it a no-risk poker experience.

Free Tournament Entrees

Some poker sites will give you free online poker tournament tickets when you sign up, which could be in the form of Sit’n’Go events and huge field multi-table tournaments. They present a great way for new poker players to experience the game while providing value for existing players.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs work in online poker by awarding player points based on the number of cash hands played or tournaments entered. You can later exchange them for cash bonuses, tournament tickets, or even poker merchandise and goods.

How to Scan Poker Bonus T&Cs Fast

Taking advantage of online poker bonuses is a smart way to boost your bankroll and begin grinding online poker. Sometimes, players can trip over the terms and conditions (T&Cs) because they have not read the long and complex copy. This quick guide will help you scan over the bonuses effectively:

• Wagering Requirements/Rollover: This basically means the amount you need to wager a bonus before you can withdraw it. You will find a rate of the number of points you need to earn to release a part of the bonus.
• Payment Restrictions: A lot of bonuses will have restrictions on the method you can use to deposit or withdraw, so check to see if your preferred option is eligible.
• Time Limits: Pretty much every bonus comes with a time limit, which has a deadline by which you must fulfill the wagering requirements.
• Minimum Deposit: Some bonuses need you to deposit a certain amount to qualify, so make sure you can deposit this amount before going after the bonus. The standard minimum deposit limit is $10.
• Maximum Bet: You might have a cap on how much you can bet each round with your bonus funds. If you go over this, you might lose your bonus amount.
• Geo-Restrictions: Some bonuses are limited to certain states, so make sure that you are viewing the best online poker sites from the right location.
• One Bonus Per Player: Most online poker sites only allow a bonus per person or household. If you have already qualified for a bonus, you will be unlikely to get another.
• Bonus Codes: Some bonuses need you to enter a specific code to get the full amount during the deposit process. Make sure to not miss this part.

Poker Basics

Online poker is still the classic card game we love, but incorporates multiple variations and games. Take a read below and see which format is most appealing to you.

Poker Cash Games

Cash game poker is the most traditional form of poker, where the chips you play with have a direct monetary value. In online poker cash games, you can sit down and leave whenever you like, the blinds remain the same and you can bet any limit you like on any street. Online real money cash games are a smart way to build up a bankroll and begin to study the game.

Poker Tournaments

Poker tournaments are games of poker where the field can range from a few opponents to thousands. There is a pre-fixed period of registration and late registration, and the aim is to be the last player standing. The blinds will start small and steadily increase, making the game tougher and force action. Tournaments can present huge prizes, including 1,000x return on investment for your initial buy-in, but incur a lot more variance than cash games.

Sit ‘n’ Go’s

Sit ’n’ Go’s (SNGs) are a type of tournament that starts when a fixed amount of players sign up. They are typically just one table, but can extend to more. They are a good choice for poker players that prefer tournaments to cash games but want to build up a bankroll and avoid the variance of huge field poker tournaments.

Freerolls

Freerolls are poker tournaments that require no buy-in but have prizes available to win. They will usually require a ticket to enter and are full of beginners that are learning the game. They are a smart way to build up a bankroll from scratch.

How to Sign up to an Online Poker Site and Play

1. Choose a Poker Site: Pick a poker site that is reputable and has what you want in terms of poker games and online poker bonuses. For the purpose of this guide, let’s choose partypoker.

2. Download the Software: On the homepage, you will find a link to download the software.

3. Create an Account: While the software is downloading, you can click on the “Sign Up” button and create an account by providing your personal information.

4. Deposit Funds: Once you have downloaded the software and made your account, you can then deposit funds into your account.

5. Start Playing: You can now start playing poker! Pick your favorite poker game and enjoy!

Playing Poker Against Players from Other States

Playing online poker in the US allows you to complete against players from different states, but this is not the case for every region. New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows different states to combine player pools as part of shared liquidity.

When you are in a state like Nevada or New Jersey, you gain the benefit of playing from bigger player pools and winning more money. This can come in the form of bigger tournament prize pools, better cash game action, or more rakeback due to the success of the poker operator.

Popular Online Poker Variations Available

Online poker can come in many varieties, and below we will cover the casino variations that you can play and enjoy.

Table Games

Table games are where you do not play vs other players but against a dealer instead. Here are the most popular form of table games:

• 3-Card Poker: This is a very basic form of Texas Hold’em where you and the dealer get three cards instead of two. You follow similar poker rules and try to bet and make the best possible hand, with extra payouts based on the strength of the resulting hand.
• Caribbean Stud Poker: This is a five-card poker game where each player gets five cards, and only the dealer has their cards exposed. The player must then decide whether to raise or fold, and the dealer must have at least Ace-high to qualify. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win money on the ante bet and your raise is returned.

Video Poker

Video poker is played on electronic terminals typically and is fun and easy to learn online as well. Here are the most popular variations you will find:

• Jacks or Better: This game pays out when you have Jacks or better, and is very self-explanatory and easy for new video poker players to take part in.
• Deuces Wild: one of the most fun video poker games, in this one all twos are wild, meaning they can be any card needed to make the best possible hand. It creates an interesting twist for players who are chasing the jackpot.
• Bonus Poker: This is quite similar to basic video but gives higher payouts for quads (four-of-a-kind). This heightens the variance but gives a higher payout.
• Double Bonus Poker: Similar to the last explanation, it gives an even juicer payout but heightens the likelihood of you not winning.

Tips & Strategies for Playing Poker Online

Online poker requires a mixture of strategy, skill, and emotional discipline in order to succeed. Here are our top five strategies to help you win online.

1. Start with Small Stakes: A lot of players make the mistake of playing too big too early, not learning any poker lessons and losing all their bankroll. Start small, learn, and grind your way up.
2. Learn to Manage Your Bankroll: Your bankroll is your online poker lifeblood, and if you go bust you cannot play. Therefore, learn about variance and swings and play in stakes where a loss will not wipe you out.
3. Exploit Your Opponents: When you play at smaller stakes, you will be able to pick up on your opponents tendencies in order to win. See what they are doing and maximize your earnings by exploiting them.
4. Use Software: Tools like HUDs and range converters can help you learn about your own leaks and areas to improve while also keeping you disciplined and help you increase your winnings pre-flop.
5. Boost Your Mental Game: Do you get angry easily or tilt? Learn how to manage your emotions, detach from the result and play your A-game every time.

Payment Methods at Top Poker Sites

Different poker sites utilize different payment options, so it’s a good move to double check what each site uses as a payment method before you play on it. Here are some of the most commonly accepted payment options at the best online poker sites in the US:

• Credit/Debit Cards: All the online poker sites we have reviewed accept credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, while others will also accept Discover and American Express. This is a quick, easy and reliable method of payment.
• Bank Transfer: This is when you pay the online poker site direct from your bank. It is a secure method, but can take a few days for the transaction to go through.
• E-Wallets: Options like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are commonly used at online poker sites, which allow you to store currency on a wallet online and manage where it goes. They are incredibly quick and easy compared to traditional banking options.
• PayNearMe: This is an option where you put cash at a local store and then get a barcode to enter on the online poker site, and this will then transfer the money onto your account. You can do it at your local 7-Eleven, CVS, and other locations.
• Prepaid Cards: Some sites allow you to purchase prepaid cards where you can add the funds onto your account, and can be used when withdrawing as well.

How to Play Land-Based Poker

Playing poker in a “brick-and-mortar” casino can be a great poker experience, and will incorporate the aspects of poker, like table talk, live-reads, and chip-shuffling, that you cannot get online. The main aspect of live poker is that it is more social and fun then online, and all poker fans should experience it.

To play in a land-based poker room, you should aim to understand poker etiquette and the rules of the game, know how much the buy-in is for a cash game or tournament you want to play, learn the betting structure, pay attention to the dealer and action, play your hand, and show your cards if you need to when you get to showdown. Don’t forget to tip the dealer and staff too.

Gambling Responsibly

When playing poker, you should have fun and enjoy the American pastime. Playing online or live poker can become a problem if you do not play responsibly. Poker is a game of skill and chance, and is not a viable source of income for most players. You need to be in control when you play or it can become a real issue for fun players. Here are some resources to maintain responsible poker play:

• National Council on Problem Gambling
• Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/

The NCPG offers a range of resources for anyone struggling with a gambling problem. You can use a 24/7 helpline, text service and online chat to get support and help.

• Gamblers Anonymous
• Website: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

GA has created a 12-step program to help players get away from problem gambling and get control back.

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

SAMHSA gives treatment for mental health issues across America, which includes problem gambling.

• American Gaming Association (AGA)
• Website: https://www.americangaming.org/responsible-gaming/

The AGA has created a guideline for responsible gaming and has a detailed resource for individuals who might be suffering from problem gambling.

Best Online Poker Site

After reviewing all the legal US online poker sites, we went with partypoker as the best place to play. Whether you are a fan of grinding online cash games or playing in big field tournaments, partypoker have the best games available with the biggest prize pools on offer.

The software and poker client takes it above the others, coupled with a partnership with BetMGM, which allows their poker players to win satellites to the World Poker Tour and BetMGM events in Las Vegas. Partypoker is the most exciting and fun online poker site in the US.

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