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

You can take part in thrilling and lucrative poker tournaments at specialized offshore online gaming sites from anywhere in the US. Based offshore, these platforms are outside state jurisdictions but safely host poker games for US customers.

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.

BetOnline Poker	100% Bonus up to $1,000	100% Bonus up to $1,000 Daily Play & Win Poker Leaderboards New Bad Beat Jackpots for Stake Levels Multi-Million Online Poker Series	9.8 BetOnline Poker	Claim Bonus
Bovada Poker	100% Bonus up to $500	100% Bonus up to $500 $2 Million in Weekly Poker Guarantees Zone Poker and Anonymous Tables Mobile Poker Client with Multi-Tabling	9.7 Bovada Poker	Claim Bonus
Ignition Poker	100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus	100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus Quick Seat Feature for a Fast Start Complete Hand Histories for 24 Hours Packed Poker Tournaments Schedule	9.5 Ignition Poker	Claim Bonus
Everygame Poker	200% Bonus up to $1,000	200% Bonus up to $1,000 Soft Competition at the Poker Tables Up to 36% Market-Leading Rakeback Poker Freerolls Available Every Day	9.6 Everygame Poker	Claim Bonus
SportsBetting.ag Poker	100% Bonus up to $1,000	100% Bonus up to $1,000 Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker Live New Poker Client Runs Smoothly Variety of Poker Tournaments and Series	9.4 SportsBetting.ag Poker	Claim Bonus
Juicy Stakes Poker	200% Bonus up to $1,000	200% Bonus up to $1,000 Daily Freerolls with Real Money Prizes Variety of Online Poker Tournaments $4,000 Weekly FPP Races Online	9.3 Juicy Stakes Poker	Claim Bonus

List of Legal US Online Poker Sites for Real Money

Reviews of the Best Online Poker Sites

If you want to play poker in the US but can’t decide which of our top-rated sites has the right games for you, here’s an overview. Our experts have tested each of our recommended US online poker sites to give you an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.

1. BetOnline Poker – Big Money MTTs

• Payout time: 24 hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm)
• Established: 2001
• License: Panama Gaming Commission
• Headquarters: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
• Restricted states: NJ

Our Verdict: 9/10

The team behind BetOnline has been in the gambling industry since 1991, and in 2001 they used their experience to enter the online poker space. This led to the creation of a poker app that’s now available via an instant-play platform and downloadable desktop app.

New customers can get a $1,000 deposit match, which is a generous amount of bonus cash. The one slight issue we have is that the wagering requirements are a little high. You’ll need to rake $50 to release $5 of your bonus. Having said that, a four-figure welcome bonus is above the industry norm.

In terms of gaming options, BetOnline Poker covers every major poker variant, including Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha Stud, Draw, and Mixed Games. You can sit down in cash games with blinds starting at $0.01/$0.02 or enter tournaments costing less than a dollar. In our view, there could be a few more high stakes games.

The positive though is that BetOnline runs plenty of big-money tournament series. For example, there was a $3 million series running during our review. Add to this some neat features, including a Bad Beat Jackpot worth upwards of $1 million, all-in cashouts, and $100,000 in monthly leaderboard prizes, and BetOnline is a great place to play online poker.

Features Overview

• Poker Options: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: 

2. Bovada – Unique Features

• Payout time: 24 hours
• Established: 2011
• License: Curacao eGaming
• Headquarters: Costa Rica
• Restricted states: NJ, NY, NV, MD, DE

Our Verdict: 8/10

Bovada is one of the original offshore poker sites in the US. It’s survived through some tough times and evolved in line with the ever-changing US online gambling industry. New customers get a $500 first deposit match which is below the standards set by the likes of BetOnline. However, we love the fact you only have to rake $10 to get $5 of your bonus. That’s an effective rakeback rate of 50%, which means it’s relatively easy to extract value from this welcome bonus, even if you’re a casual poker player.

Bovada’s software isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but it’s impressive from a technical perspective. The instant-play and desktop app give you easy access to a roster of low and high stakes, cash games, MTTs, and SNGs. Hold’em and Omaha are abundant and there are a few Stud and Draw games.

Bovada’s edge in the gaming department comes from its fast-fold variant, Zone Poker. These games are incredibly slick and move you from table to table each time you fold, which speeds up the game dramatically. Adding to this edge are fee-free crypto payments (which are better than debit/credit card payments which incur a 15.9% fee), anonymous tables, and $2 million in monthly MTT guarantees.

Features Overview

• Poker Options: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 7/10
• Customer Support: 8/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: 

3. Everygame Poker – 200% First Deposit Bonus

• Payout time: 48 hours
• Established: 1996
• License: Curacao eGaming
• Headquarters: St Kitts and Nevis
• Restricted states: NJ, NY, WA, MD, LA, MO, KY

Our Verdict: 8/10

The US online poker site, formerly known as Intertops, became Everygame in 2021. Since launching, Everygame has made bonuses its business. For example, the welcome bonus isn’t a straight deposit match. Newbies get a 200% deposit multiplier worth up to $1,000, which means you only need to credit your account with $500 to get the maximum payout.

As well as big bonuses, the wagering requirements are designed to suit players at all levels. Looking at the welcome bonus specifically, you need to earn 83.335 points to unlock $5 of your bonus. You earn one point per $1 raked in cash games, and seven points for every $1 paid in tournament fees. Therefore, if you stick to tournaments, you’ll only need to rake $12 to get $5 in bonus cash.

Everygame’s instant-play and desktop app feature a nice selection of Hold’em and Omaha games. What this online poker operator does better than most is cater to players who want alternative variants such as Stud, Draw, and Mixed Games. MTT players are also well catered to with a strong Sunday schedule that contains a $125 major that boasts a $150,000 guarantee. All of these features are enhanced by a loyalty scheme offering bonus prizes and as much as 36% rakeback.

Features Overview

• Poker Options: 9/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
• Desktop Experience: 9/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 7/10
• Customer Support: 7/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: 

4. Ignition Poker- Crypto Freerolls and $2 Million GTDs

• Payout time: Instant to 24 hours
• Established: 2016
• License: Curacao eGaming
• Headquarters: Costa Rica
• Restricted states: NJ, NY, NV, MD

Our Verdict: 8/10

Ignition Poker’s USP is cryptocurrency payments but, based on our tests, that isn’t its only strength. The first positive makes itself known when you create your first account. New players get a deposit match worth up to $3,000 (split 50/50 between poker and casino gaming).

This offer leads you into a loyalty scheme that’s based on miles. The more miles you clock up (1 mile per $1 raked), the more bonuses, crypto freerolls, and tournament tickets you get. You can use the instant-play and desktop app to play cash games and MTTs with buy-ins starting at $1. In fact, we’d class the tournament schedule as another positive because there’s $2 million in guaranteed prize money to play for every week.

Finally, if you want to make deposits and withdrawals using a variety of cryptocurrencies, you can. Add to this a selection of guides offering poker strategy tips and you’ve got a US online poker site that’s got something for everyone.

Features Overview

• Poker Options: 8/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 8/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Customer Support: 8/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: 

5. SportsBetting.ag Poker – Best for MTT Players

• Payout time: 24 hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm)
• Established: 2011
• License: Panama Gaming Commission
• Headquarters: Antigua
• Restricted states: NJ

Our Verdict: 7.5/10

Sportsbetting.ag Poker gives you two ways to enjoy Hold’em (including Six Plus Hold’em), Omaha, Stud, and Draw variants: instant-play software and a desktop app. Both options are great, but the app is a bit more stable which, in turn, means you don’t have to worry about glitches or the lobby loading so slowly that you miss an open table.

New customers get a 100% deposit bonus up to $1,000 and, despite some less than desirable wagering requirements, it’s a solid offer. The one issue we have with this poker site is the fact you need to wager a deposit before you can make a subsequent withdrawal. Fortunately, this isn’t a fatal flaw in the system because there are plenty of impressive games and features to ease the pain.

For example, you can straddle and use the all-in cashout feature in cash games. You can also take part in MTTs costing between $1.10 and $109. In fact, if you’re a tournament player, you’ve got plenty of guarantees to play for, including a $100,000 monthly SNG leaderboard and tournament series with prizepools topping $3 million.

Features Overview

• Poker Options: 8/10
• Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 7/10
• Customer Support: 8/10

Top Sign-Up Offer: 100% first deposit match up to $1,000

Comparing the Best US Poker Sites

How do the best US online poker welcome bonuses stack up against each other? Let’s take a look…

Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in the US?

The short answer to this is yes. When it comes to playing 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’s 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 the US outlawed online poker through the federal Wire Act in 2011. Since then, six states have passed regulations and made online poker legal within their borders.

In addition to states with poker regulations, international licensing agencies regulate offshore sites that are accessible in the US. These sites are safe and can be accessed from virtually every state. Therefore, if you’re outside of the states offering locally licensed poker rooms, you can use our offshore sites.

Where is Online Poker Legal in the US?

You can currently find online poker available in five states, 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 states:

• New Jersey
• Nevada
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
• Delaware

What’s also important to note is that offshore poker sites are accessible across the US. Even though locally regulated online poker rooms are available in a limited number of states, the game is ubiquitous. No player in the US has ever been prosecuted for using an offshore poker site.

They’re all regulated, safe, and available to players around the world, including those in America. So, even if you’re not in one of the states listed above, don’t think that you can’t enjoy online poker because our recommended sites have you covered.

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 wasn’t 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, when 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 regulate 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 (MSIA) in March, linking through the WSOP/888poker partnership.
• 2017 – New Jersey joined the MSIA.
• 2019 – PokerStars launched in Pennsylvania, and was joined by 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 legislation 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 regulate online poker, but there’s been no action as of yet. They’re 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 was 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 not yet regulated.
• Virginia: It’s highly unlikely that online poker will make any moves toward 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 when 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 an 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 its 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 prize-pool is free money to be won by the participating poker players, which makes it a no-risk poker experience.

Free Tournament Tickets

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 before you can withdraw any bonuses. 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 you’re 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, it’s unlikely you’ll 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’s 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 forcing action. Tournaments can present huge prizes, including a 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 number of players signs up. There is typically just one table, but can be extended to feature more. They’re a good choice if you prefer tournaments to cash games, but want to build up a bankroll while avoiding the variance of huge field poker tournaments.

Freerolls

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

How to Sign Up to an Online Poker Site and Play

Here’s how to join one of our top-rated US offshore poker sites, and play all manner of games, including Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud. We’re using BetOnline for this example, but the steps below can be applied to any of our poker picks.

1. Find your ideal offshore poker site

Read our reviews and choose a US poker site you like e.g. BetOnline. Our reviews give you an honest breakdown of each site so you can find the perfect one.

2. Use our secure sign-up link to start the registration process

Our sign-up links take you directly to the homepage of your chosen site i.e. BetOnline. Once you’re there, hit “Join” to call up the registration form and start the registration process.

3. Complete the registration form

Use the pop-up form to input your name, email address, password, country, zip code, phone number, and date of birth. You may be required to input a promo code at this point, so check the registration form.

4. Tap “create account” then check your emails

You need to verify your account to complete the registration process. Only once you’ve done that can you log in and start playing. You’ll do this by clicking a link sent to you via email.

5. Log into your account and go to the deposit page

Click on the cashier page, choose a deposit method, and enter a bonus code, if required. Once you’ve completed these final steps you’ll receive your welcome bonus, and with funds in your account you can play real-money casino games.

Playing Poker Against Players from Other States

Playing online poker in the US allows you to compete against players from different states, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you’re using a locally regulated poker site, you can play against people from other regions if there’s an intrastate pact in place.

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. If there isn’t a MSIGA in place, you can only play against people in your state when using a locally licensed poker site.

The other way you can play against people in other states is by using an offshore site. These online poker rooms are licensed internationally and, therefore, available in many different countries. If you want access to the biggest prizepools and more players, it’s better to use an offshore poker site than a locally licensed one.

Popular Online Poker Variations Available

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

Table Games

Table games are where instead of playing against a dealer, you play against other players. Here are the most popular kind of table games:

• Three 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 typically played on electronic terminals, and is fun and easy to learn online as well. Here are the most popular variations you’ll 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 poker 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 juicier payout but decreases your chances of 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 can check out your opponents’ tendencies in order to win. See what they do, 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 helping 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’ve reviewed accept credit and debit cards, like Visa, and Mastercard. 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 directly from your bank. It’s a secure method but can take a few days for the transaction to go through.
• E-Wallets: Poker sites won’t support e-wallets anymore and this includes Skrill, Neteller and PayPal. That’s mostly because cryptocurrencies offer a far superior experience.
• 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 than 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 don’t play responsibly.

Poker is a game of skill and chance, and isn’t 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 BetOnline as the best place to play. Whether you’re a fan of grinding online cash games, or playing in big field tournaments, BetOnline has the best games available with the biggest prize pools on offer.

FAQs