By Jerry Smith
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: November 18, 2024
Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.
| Casinos | Welcome Bonus | Type | Slots | All Games | Excluded States | Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | Up to 250 Million Gold Coins + Free 25,000 Stake Cash | Sweepstakes | 1,000+ | 1,020+ | WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except New York, Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, Kentucky, Vermont, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Hard Rock Games | 2,000,000 coins | Social | 200+ | 200+ | ID, MI, RI,TN, WA | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Rhode Island, Tennesse, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| High5Casino | Get Up To 200 GC + 40 SC + 100 Diamonds! | Social & Sweepstakes | 513 | 513 | ID, MI, NV, WA | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| RealPrize | Up to 100,000 Free Coins | Sweepstakes | 300+ | 300+ | NV, WA, ID, MI | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| WOW Vegas | Exclusive Discount Coin Packs | Sweepstakes | 1,330+ | 1,340+ | WA, MI, ID, NV | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Pulsz | 5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Sweepstakes Coins | Social | 556 | 558 | ID, ,NV, WA | Play Now! | Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply. | |
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A top priority for us is always legality, which is why our evaluation starts by checking the credentials of a site. We look for licenses from official state regulators, legal payment providers, and the latest user reviews.
To help us find the best poker sites, we also make comparisons and evaluate each platform from the perspective of a beginner and seasoned player in terms of betting limits, bonus information, availability of poker variations, tournament options, and more.
Every poker player is different, and that's reflected in their poker game preferences. There are plenty of beginner-friendly and casual player favorites to choose from, starting from the classic Texas Hold'em to the simplified 5-Card Draw. More complex variants attract seasoned players, like Razz, where the usual rules are inversed.
| Texas Hold'em poker |
|---|
| The king of poker |
| Omaha poker |
| Loved by high-stakes player |
| Seven-card Stud |
| Slower paced and easy to learn |
| Razz poker |
| Easy to learn at a relaxed pace |
| Five-card Draw poker |
| Great for bluffing and calling bluffs |
As any pokey player knows, live dealer poker games don't have a fixed house edge. Video poker, which is more similar to slots, has a defined RTP, but if you're playing with a live hand, the odds depend on the casino and your skill level.
Texas Hold'em is a poker variation that most people recognize. Two cards, known as the hole cards, are dealt face down to each player, and then five community cards are dealt face up in three stages. The aim is to make the best five-card poker hand using your two hidden cards and the shared ones. It has something for every type of player, from tight to loose, aggressive or passive.
Like Texas Hold 'em, Omaha poker is a 'flop' game. However, in this case, players are dealt four hole cards face down, combined with the five community cards (the flop, turn, and river) to make five-card poker hands. Players must choose two of their four hole cards to build their hand. This adds another dimension to the game, requiring more experience.
Players are dealt seven cards while trying to make their best five-card hand. The first deal is two cards face down and one card face up. Next comes the betting interval, followed by three more face-up cards, a face-down card, and another betting interval. Players looking for variety will find this a good game as there are many 7-card stud variations.
Razz poker is similar to Seven Stud poker in that no flop or community cards exist. However, what makes it different is that the object in Razz is to make the lowest possible five-card poker hand out of the seven cards. The game has quite a few nuances, but it's quite a simple game and easy to learn. However, it does require practice and experience to master.
You can learn to play five-card draw poker in a few minutes, but you'll need to practice to move from being a beginner to a pro. It's one of the simplest poker variants, making it an excellent introductory game. The aim of the game is to make the best five-card poker hand once everyone has paid the ante or the blinds and each player has received their five cards face down.
There is a wide range of poker variants, all following similar rules and hand rankings. However, some variations, such as Badugi, Omaha Hi-Low, and 2-7 Triple Draw, aren't suitable for newbies. Betting limits also tend to differ, which means there's something to suit all budgets.
| Online Poker Game | Play At | Bet Limits | Game Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | WSOP | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Stud Hi/Lo | BetMGM | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| 2-7 Triple Draw | WSOP | $10 - $1,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 2-7 Single Draw | WSOP | $2 - $50 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| HORSE | WSOP | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 8-Game Mix | WSOP | $5 - $5,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Badugi | WSOP | $5 – N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Blast Sit & Go (SNG) | BetMGM | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Not to be confused with the popular online casino game, video poker. It might sound like another poker variation, but it is quite different. While both have their roots in the same traditional card game, they have completely different rules that cater to different player preferences.
Standard poker is a multiplayer game that focuses on strategy, understanding of human psychology, and situational decision-making. Video poker, on the other hand, is more like slot machines, although a small element of skill is involved. With video poker, you're playing against a machine with fixed odds and a definitive paytable.
You'll find a range of different poker tournament types at the best online poker sites. Competing against players in other states makes it more exciting and caters to those with a competitive spirit. Every minute of the day, you'll likely find a poker tournament playing online somewhere.
Our research included playing for real money online in elite tournaments featuring seven-figure prize pools to exciting freerolls. The areas we focused on when reviewing the different options included the buy-in range, game variety, size of the field, and guaranteed prize pools.
Multi-table tournaments are large-scale poker tournaments that can have a virtually unlimited number of players. Everyone buys in for the same fee, and all receive the same number of chips. Thanks to the mix of big prize pools, a longer time spent playing, and a deeper structure, they provide a great place to learn and improve your game.
Sit & Go's are an exciting format of poker that offers the thrill of a regular multi-table tournament, but every game is like you've reached the final table. Another feature is that you can find them 24 hours a day with no set schedule. As soon as enough players have registered, the tournament begins. Multi-table games can last many hours, but an SNG could be over in less than an hour. This type of tournament is ideal if you're pushed for time or don't want to spend hours participating.
Cash Games, also called live action or ring games, are poker games played with "real chips" and money at stake. Often, there is no predetermined end time, and players can enter and leave as they choose, exchanging any chips for cash. Typically, you can buy-in if you lose your chips and continue playing. You'll find cash games to suit all budgets.
Lottery SNGs are SNG tournaments with randomly drawn prize pools that can vary from a couple of times the buy-in to 1,000x or more. These games are typically winner-take-all hyper-turbo format. Various poker platforms have renamed the game. For example, PokerStars calls them Spin & Go games, while at TitanPoker, they're called Twister Poker. These games are perfect for players with a few minutes to spare or those who want fast-paced games.
Online poker is legal in some states but not all. As of 2024, only six states have legalized the game: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. The legality of the online game varies from state to state due to factors such as state laws, gaming interests, and politics.
The primary legal statute in the US regarding online gambling is the Federal Wire Act of 1961. This Act prohibits the electronic transmission of information for sports betting. However, a ruling in 2002 ruled that it doesn't prohibit internet gambling on games of chance. For a short while, internet gambling options were abundant, leading to the creation of UIGEA.
The sole purpose of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) is to prevent gambling companies from partaking in "restricted transactions." This means they can't accept payments related to wagers using the internet if it would run afoul of any federal or state laws already existing. It doesn't ban any form of gambling, but it does ban payments made to unauthorized gambling sites. Licensed online poker sites, casinos, and sportsbooks in the US are exempt.
Another significant event in poker is "Black Friday", a landmark proceeding that significantly impacted the online gambling industry, particularly relating to online poker. The case revolved around the prosecution of the founders and executives of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker. The charges included bank fraud, money laundering, and violating the UIGEA.
Federal authorities took over the domain names, resulting in hundreds of thousands of players unable to play poker on a Friday night. It became known as "Black Friday" and sent shockwaves through the online poker community. The trial took place in 2011 and became a turning point in the country's regulation and legality of online gambling. As a result of the indictments, the three online poker companies suspended their operations in the US market. This led to the freezing of player funds and the collapse of the Full Tilt Poker platform.
Following "Black Friday," the online poker landscape in the US underwent several important changes. Some states began to explore the possibility of legalizing and regulating online poker. New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware were among the first to develop intrastate online poker platforms allowing residents to play poker legally.
Online poker is fully legal and regulated in Michigan. You can choose between several world-class online poker sites, including PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP. Efforts to legalize the online game began in 2016. Unfortunately, the bill was unsuccessful, but it did get the ball rolling. The Michigan Poker Bill was signed into law in December 2019; however, getting poker sites licensed took longer than expected, thanks to the country's focus on the COVID pandemic. PokerStars was the first site to legally operate in the state, launching on January 29, 2021.
Five operational legal poker sites in the Garden State are licensed through three Atlantic City casinos (Borgata, Caesars, and Resorts World). Over the last couple of decades, online poker has been through a lot in the state. "Black Friday" saw the shutdown and restriction of US poker sites following the passing of UIGEA. In 2013, then-Governor Chris Christie signed A2578/S1565, allowing online gambling sites to open in the state through partnerships with Atlantic City land-based casinos. In November 2013, 14 casinos and poker sites opened their virtual doors.
PA players can play online poker using the PokerStars, BetMGM, Borgata, and WSOP platforms. This follows the legalization of online poker, online casinos, and other forms of gambling in 2017. On October 30, 2017, PA Governor Tom Wolf signed into law the bill that legalized online poker. The first site to go live was PokerStars PA, a couple of years later, in 2019.
Nevada was the first state to take a reactive approach to the events of the infamous Black Friday. Shortly after it took place, the Nevada Gaming Control Board drafted legislation regulating online poker in the state. Legally, things progressed quite slowly, and it wasn't until 2013 that Bill AB114 was passed, clearing the way for real money poker sites in the state. Lawmakers then looked at taking it one step further with multi-state online poker agreements, allowing operators to pool players, boosting traffic, and creating better liquidity.
Delaware was the first state in the nation to legalize online poker. The requisite legislation was passed in June 2012, and three Delaware poker sites operated for ten years but closed near the end of 2023. Rush Street Interactive, the parent company of BetRivers, is working on plans to launch an online poker platform in the state towards the end of 2024, although exact launch dates have yet to be provided.
Multi-state online poker refers to regulated real money online poker platforms that connect their online poker rooms. For example, WSOP players in Nevada play alongside WSOP players in New Jersey and Michigan. This concept benefits the poker world because it means more players are in the overall player pool. This leads to bigger tournaments and more cash games, with operators offering bigger guarantees and spreading more game types around the clock. Participants include the three states already mentioned, with Delaware and West Virginia currently waiting in the wings.
Top online poker sites are licensed and regulated, ensuring oversight and easy access to recourse with any disputes. Legal poker sites have a common element: safety. Players can feel safe about their deposits, withdrawals, the people they play against, and the ability to reach out for any issues. They can also be confident that a state regulator has oversight, giving you better peace of mind when you play poker. Find out more below:
You can expect most sites to offer a range of bonuses, but don't expect it from them all. Typically, you'll find a combination of extra cash and free roll tickets. However, the best online poker sites will offer a range of bonus types, including deposit match welcome bonuses, bonus codes, free roll tournaments, reload bonuses, and bonus money on the house.
| Poker Site | Bonus | Top Game | Eligible States | Site Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Texas Hold'em | MI, NJ, PA, NV | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | Omaha | MI, NJ, PA | Play Now! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | Texas Hold'em | NJ, PA | Play Now! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
The bonuses at the best poker sites differ significantly from classic casino bonuses, primarily in their structure, requirements, and purpose. Online poker bonuses are usually released incrementally as you earn points through play compared with casino bonus wagering requirements. Poker bonuses are also exclusive to poker games, while you can use casino bonuses across various games.
We encountered numerous offshore sites offering overly generous bonuses while researching. We compared them with legal poker sites and found they generally had hidden terms and difficult-to-meet conditions. If you're careful, there are many reasons why you should use a bonus. It boosts your bankroll, reduces risk, and maximizes play opportunities, enhancing the gaming experience and potential winnings.
The best poker sites for US players will offer a good selection of well-known and trustworthy payment options. The most popular ones for depositing generally include Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards, PayPal and other e-Wallets. Minimum deposit limits tend to be $10 or $20 and transaction times depend on individual operators and chosen methods.
The safest and most commonly accepted withdrawal solutions include bank transport, Apple Pay, Visa, and PayPal. Withdrawal limits and payout speed vary depending on the payment provider and chosen site.
Something else to remember when making withdrawals is that you can only use some payment methods this way. A good example of such limitations is the payment card PayNearMe. While it's an excellent method for making deposits, as it keeps your personal and financial information safe, you can't use it when requesting a payout.
All the top-rated online poker sites offer players access to their games while on the go. However, they're not all equal, with some performing better than others. To help you find the best one for your needs, we examined various features such as user experience, compatibility, promotions, and gaming functions. Our pick of the best is listed below:
| Poker Apps | Rating | Poker Bonus | Mobile Poker Games | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | 140 | Android, iOs | MI, PA, NJ, NV | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | 91 | Android, iOs | NJ, MI, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | 91 | Android, iOs | NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Using an app to play your favorite poker games means you can take the experience with you wherever you go. The app will be compatible with Android and iOS devices, but if you prefer not to install another app on your device, you can access various sites directly via your mobile browser.
Poker platforms use geolocation software to check your current location. They use it to ensure betting activities remain legal and compliant with jurisdictional rules. It checks that players are in places where they're allowed to bet.
To enjoy the best online poker, you must find a reputable platform and create an account. Once you've downloaded all the necessary software, you deposit some funds. With that part of the process complete, you can browse the available games and start playing.
You play poker with a deck of 52 cards, and your aim is to build the highest-ranking hand possible while using betting tactics to outwit your opponents and secure the pot. Each variation of the game, from HORSE and Texas Hold'em to Omaha, has its own set of rules and gameplay quirks, but some basic elements remain the same.
Jokers aren't used in poker, and all card suits are equal. However, that doesn't mean suits are irrelevant, as you can use them to form straights and straight flushes. The value of the cards is relevant, with Aces being 'high' and 'low' in poker, making them the greatest-value cards.
The best hand you can get in poker is a Royal Flush, made up of an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of all the same suit. You can't beat a Royal Flush, and it's extremely rare. The next best hand is a Straight Flush. This hand involves five of the same-suited cards.
In some poker variations, you'll encounter small and big blinds. They're called this because they're "blind" bets you make before you're dealt any cards. Some games are played with no-limit betting, which means you can bet as much as you like at any point in the hand, including going "all in." Pot-limit betting means the current size of the pot creates an upper limit on how much you can bet. Games with fixed-limit betting have predetermined amounts that you can't vary when you make your bets and raises.
The official online poker site of the World Series of Poker, WSOP, offers a variety of cash games, tournaments, and satellites to WSOP live events. It uses 888poker software, making it a very efficient experience. The linked player pool means you've got a wider range of players against whom to test your poker skills.