Just as poker players can compete and win big money playing at casinos and cardrooms, the same is true of online poker, which continues to show steady growth and is creating a new generation of players.

Six states now offer legal online poker, with Michigan being the most recent to come on board in January 2021, joining West Virginia, Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Several other states are considering various forms of poker legislation. More licensed online poker venues mean more options for players, who no longer have to travel to a casino to find a game. Gambling.com evaluates and reviews all U.S. online poker sites and can help players determine the best sites to play.

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How We Pick the Best Online Poker Sites

Gambling.com has spent years independently reviewing real money online poker sites around the world. We know what to look for as players seek the best possible online and mobile experience from U.S. poker sites. Among the key factors we consider:

Safety: We only recommend online poker sites that are legal, licensed and regulated by their respective states. We never recommend offshore poker sites, which are unregulated and not subject to the same level of oversight, if any.

User experience: We sign up and play on these sites to determine which websites and mobile poker apps offer the best overall feel, speed and ease of navigation.

Bonuses: New players can expect a selection of welcome and promotional sign-up bonuses. We read the fine print because bonuses have specific terms and conditions that make some more lucrative or restrictive than others.

Game selection: No-Limit Texas Hold’em is the No. 1 game of choice for online (and land-based) players. What other games does each site offer? What is the average number of players available at each site? And some sites may offer more poker tournaments and fewer cash games than you prefer, or vice versa.

Is Online Poker Legal in the U.S.?

Playing online poker for real money is legal and available in four states: Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Three of the four – Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey – are part of a multi-state compact, which allows them to share players, thus increasing player liquidity. New Jersey offers the most legal online poker sites.

A breakdown of each state:

Delaware

888 is the single provider for online poker in Delaware online casinos. Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway each offer online poker, but 888 powers all of the platforms and Delaware players are all part of the same online poker network.

Nevada

• WSOP.com Nevada
• Real Gaming Online Poker

WSOP.com is by far the major player among Nevada poker sites, with a huge selection of online cash games and tournament play, as well as satellite events in which players can earn entry into the World Series of Poker main event.

New Jersey

• 888/WSOP.com
• BetMGM/Borgata Poker/PartyPoker
• Pala Poker
• PokerStars

There are seven online poker sites in New Jersey that operate over four networks. 888 and WSOP share one network, share players from Delaware and Nevada, and is generally the state’s most trafficked site. BetMGM, Borgata and PartyPoker also share a network. PokerStars and Pala Poker each have their own network of players, with PokerStars generally the second-most trafficked site in the state. You can check these online NJ sites out bu clicking on the name below:

Pennsylvania

PokerStars in November 2019 became the first online poker site to launch in Pennsylvania, with its software considered the best in the industry. PokerStars is partnered with Mount Airy Resort and Casino. Other PA partnerships have already been announced, including WSOP/888 with Harrah’s Philadelphia; and PartyPoker with Valley Forge Casino, which both could go live later in 2020. Several other casinos have licenses to launch online poker sites in PA, including Parx, Hollywood and Rivers.

Michigan

PokerStars and BetMGM MI casino are two real money poker sites in Michigan. Players can access the sites by signing up and using a promo code from one or both of the above – just follow our link for more info. If you already have an account to a sister site, such as BetMGM Sportsbook, you should use the same login details.

West Virginia

Although online poker has been legalized in West Virginia, regulators are still putting the finishing touches on the rules. Real money poker sites were expected to go live in early 2021; however, this has been delayed. The new expected launch is between the end of 2021 or early 2022.

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Differences Between Online Poker and Land-Based Poker

Online and land-based poker share the same rules, but each requires a slightly different strategy.

In land-based games, poker players can develop skills to read opponents, either through a form of body language or their reaction to cards. In online poker games for real money, no players are physically present, so there are no “tells” to discover. Instead, players must judge others at the table by their betting patterns.

Another significant difference is pace of play. Online poker is a faster game – estimated as three times as fast as land-based games – with no shuffling and less time to make decisions.

Depending on the number of players available, you are likely to find better game selection at online sites. It’s easy to find Texas Hold’em games and usually Pot Limit Omaha. The most trafficked online sites are likely to include more poker variants, such as 7-Card Stud and Razz.

Another difference: Experienced online players often play at multiple tables at once. That’s hard to do in land-based poker, where players can only physically sit at one table at a time.

Of course, some players prefer the social experience of land-based poker. There is the interaction between players, you can sit at the same table as friends or make new ones. Online poker is a more solitary experience.

Why Should I Play Online Poker?

Playing online poker has its share of advantages. Among them:

Convenience: There is no casino or cardroom to drive to. You can log onto your online poker account and play any time, any day.

Lower stakes: In addition to more tables available, many online poker games can be played with low minimums bets, sometimes as low as pennies. That’s especially helpful for players just learning the game.

Less intimidating: Many players simply find it more comfortable to play online, where there is no judgment or criticism from other players. It also allows players to experiment with different strategies without having to offer explanations.

Table selection: There is less waiting for a table when playing online. Often, there are dozens of seats available, each with different stakes and buy-in levels.

Bonus offers: Online poker sites offer new players a range of sign-up bonuses, including deposit match bonus offers, that are not available to retail players.

Social distance: Social media is popular, but some players prefer to play online without distractions or social interaction.

Can I Play Online Poker for Free?

All online poker sites allow players to compete for free and not for real money. There is no registration necessary for many of the games, which allow players to learn the rules and hone their skills before risking their own funds. It’s also a good way to learn poker variants (other than Texas Hold’em), with games available on both desktop and via a mobile poker app. Some sites with free games even offer prizes.

Keep in mind, however, that free games do not always offer an accurate snapshot of games played for real money. For example, players are far less likely to fold their hands in free poker since they have nothing financially to lose.

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How to Play Online Poker for Real Money

After testing software, getting a feel for the game and playing for free, the next step is to play online poker for real money.

Players should select a licensed site where online poker is legal and sign up for an account. You will need to complete the registration process and then fund your account. After that, select a table that offers betting limits of your choosing, claim the poker bonuses you are offered and you’re ready to play.

Most online poker sites offer a large selection of cash games, Sit & Go events and daily tournament play, so it’s not hard to find the format you want.

Be aware that while you can set up an account from anywhere, you must be physically located within the state lines of a regulated state to legally play online poker for money in the U.S. Online casino operators use geolocation technology to track your location.

Signing Up for Online Poker Sites

Online poker sites make the sign-up process simple.

Select your site of choice, visit the website and you will be asked to complete a registration process to set up a real money account. Generally, you will need to provide your name, address, username, password, cell phone number and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify identity and ensure that you are of legal age (21 or older) to play. Some sites will ask for the last four digits while others will require the entire SSN.

Licensed online poker and casino sites are required to ask for this information by regulators, and all of your information will be safeguarded. If your identity does not match your Social Security number, an account cannot be created for you.

Once your account is created, you can download the site’s poker app, either from the operator’s site itself or the App Store of Google Play. After completing the registration process, the final step is to fund your account.

How to Deposit Funds on an Online Poker Site

All online poker sites offer a range of deposit options to fund your account. Some of these same options can also be used to make withdrawals.

PayPal: PayPal for poker online is the most popular e-wallet (electronic money) option. You can set up an account with a credit card or bank account and transfer money from a PayPal account to your online poker account with little or no deposit fees. Other popular e-wallet options are Neteller and Skrill. Typically, if you deposit with an e-wallet you can withdraw winnings back into that same account.

Play+: A casino-branded or poker site prepaid card with no fees. Can also be used at multiple casino sites, winnings can be withdrawn at an ATM and is a breeze to sign up for and use.

PayNearMe: An easy way to use cash to fund your account. When you click on the PayNearMe deposit option, you will be sent a barcode, which you take to a 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy or Family Dollar Store in your state. The barcode is scanned and your cash will be transferred to your online poker account.

E-checks/bank transfer/wire transfer: A connection is made between a player’s online poker account and checking account, either directly or through a third party.

Credit/debit cards: The most popular deposit method, with Visa and Mastercard the most widely accepted options. Funds are deposited instantly. Be aware that some credit cards companies still may reject legal gambling deposit requests, and others treat these transactions as a cash advance and charge fees.

Online Poker Bonuses to Claim

Online poker sites offer different types of poker bonuses to attract new players. The most common are welcome bonuses and deposit matches for new signups, and reload bonuses for existing players. It’s important to read the terms and conditions because bonus offers generally include wagering requirements that must be completed before the bonus money can be redeemed. Many online sites have offers exclusive to poker players and will require a certain amount of play to cash, and will release the funds in stages as you complete those play requirements.

No deposit bonus: A bonus paid to a new player who simply completes the registration process without having to make an initial deposit. The bonus cash is generally subject to wagering requirements before it can be cashed.

Deposit match: Make an initial deposit and your online poker operator will match that amount up to 100%. So, if you deposit $500, you are eligible receive an additional $500. Generally, the higher the deposit match, the more action required to redeem the bonus money.

Reload bonus: Offered as a way to keep existing or inactive players who may have depleted their bankroll.

Freeroll tournaments: Entry into tournaments with guaranteed prizepools with no buy-in required.

Online Poker Software Options

Players have the choice to download their poker software and play from anywhere using their mobile app. Or they can choose not to download and play poker on a browser, either on computer or mobile device.

Download: The best option for online poker players who will enjoy better graphics, more features and a more functional overall experience. Downloading and installing the software is free of charge and available on the website of your poker operator.

Poker apps: You can download iOS and Android poker apps from all of the major operators. The apps give you more game choices on smartphones or tablets when playing for real money. There are also several poker apps that allow you to play free poker.

No download: Some players prefer to play without downloading. You can still play on mobile devices and not downloading may help save space on your computer.

Mobile Poker Apps for Real Money

Players have several state-of-the-art mobile poker apps to choose from. Among the most popular:

PokerStars: Generally considered the most player-friendly app available. No poker app offers a larger selection of games and customized features. Offers zoom poker, which allows players to immediately jump to a new table after each hand. Available on iOS and Android.

888 and WSOP: Allows players in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware to play against each other. Large selection of cash games and tournaments. Plenty of promotions. Official WSOP affiliate with direct-entry satellites available.

PartyPoker: Improved redesign offers new layout; a lobby that allows you to easily filter through game selection; and the ability to online chat with other players. Offers quick fold fast-forward poker (similar to zoom poker).

One challenge to playing on small mobile devices such as smartphones is multi-tabling – playing on multiple tables simultaneously – given the limited screen size.

Popular Poker Variants

When it comes to popularity, No-Limit Texas Hold’em sits atop every list, followed by Pot Limit Omaha and then Stud Poker. A brief look at how each is played:

Texas Hold’em: Each player is dealt two cards face down. A round of betting takes place before three community cards (face up in the middle of the table) are dealt. Another round of betting takes place before a fourth (turn) and fifth (river) card are dealt. At each stage of the game, the action only proceeds if there is more than one player in the pot. If at least two players make it to the river, the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Omaha: Differs from Texas Hold’em in that players are dealt four hole cards instead of two, and must use two hole cards to complete the best five-card hand. For example, if four of the community cards were diamonds and you had only one diamond in your hand, you wouldn’t have a flush in Omaha poker. Betting rounds are similar to Texas Hold’em.

Stud: In 7-Card Stud, players are dealt two starting cards face down and then another card face up. Instead of forced antes (blinds) that move around the table clockwise, a round of stud is initiated by the ‘bring-in’ (player with the lowest value face-up card). There are no community cards in stud poker – players are dealt individual cards face up (except final card which is face down). If more than one person survives the river, the best five-card hand wins.

Draw: Unlike Texas Hold’em or Omaha, draw poker does not involve community cards. Each player is dealt five hole cards, then can call or raise to stay in the hand, or fold. Players who remain in the hand can replace any of the cards in their hand by drawing new cards from the desk. Everyone left in the hand has the option to raise, call or fold before a showdown takes place.

The History of Online Poker

While online poker is regulated and legal in some states, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, before regulation, online poker was often dubbed as the “Wild West” of online gambling, with offshore-based sites often popping up and joining a marketplace with little to no oversight or scrutiny.

In October 2006, U.S. lawmakers passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), prohibiting any gambling business from “knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under federal or state law.’’ Several international online poker operators immediately left the U.S. market, but others remained.

On April 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted the three largest online poker sites (PokerStars, Full Tilt, Absolute Poker) and seized their domains, an event known in the online poker world as “Black Friday.” The shutdown was abrupt and many players lost access to all funds in their account.

In June 2011, Nevada became the first state to legalize online poker. Ultimate Poker was the initial Nevada site to launch in 2013, but would close a year later, with WSOP becoming the state’s dominant online poker operator.

Delaware approved online poker and online casino games in 2012, and New Jersey did the same in 2013. Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2017, though PokerStars, its first site, didn’t launch until two years later.

New Jersey in 2017 joined a multi-state agreement with Nevada and Delaware, allowing each state to share players. Pennsylvania has not joined the agreement but may do so in the future. West Virginia and Michigan passed laws after this time. Michigan online casinos and poker sites are accessible; whereas, poker in West Virginia will be launched in the coming months.

What to Consider When Choosing a Poker Site

Consider the factors that are most important to you. For example, does the site offer an adequate number of cash games and tournaments you wish to play? Does it offer the game selection you want? Does it offer games with stakes you are comfortable playing with? Are the bonuses too restrictive?

The online poker site reviews at Gambling.com are a good place to start and can help narrow your selection process.

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References

1. Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
2. State of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from www.nj.gov/oag/ge/index.html
3. New Jersey Vendor List (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 2, 2020, from https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/docs/Reports/active_vendor.pdf
4. Delaware Lottery (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2020, from https://www.delottery.com/More/iGaming
5. State of West Virginia (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2020, from hhttps://www.wv.gov/
6. US Department of Justice (January 24,2020). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
7. American Gaming Association (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from https://www.americangaming.org/
8. National Council on Problem Gambling (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2020, from https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/resources/
9. Gambling Therapy (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2020, from https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/”
10. International Association of Gaming Regulators (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2020 from https://www.iagr.org/

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Last Updated:
 
May 2^nd, 2024