As of now, six states in the U.S. legally allow online poker, with Michigan being the latest to legalize it in January 2021. It joined West Virginia, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. There are ongoing considerations in several other states, such as Kentucky and New York, that are looking at legalizing online poker. The growing number of licensed online poker platforms provides players with various choices, eliminating the physical need to visit a casino for a game. DailyStoke evaluates and reviews all U.S. online poker sites, assisting players in identifying the most suitable platforms for play.
US Online Poker
The legality of online poker in the USA has been a subject of debate and confusion. In 2011, the Department of Justice shut down the largest online poker sites operating in the country, citing violations of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for states to legalize and regulate online poker.
Six Best Real Money Online Poker Rooms
PokerStars
PokerStars is one of the world’s most popular online poker rooms and is now available in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It boasts a massive player pool, with thousands of active players at any given time, and a wide range of game types and formats. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you will find a game that suits your style and skill level. One of the standout features of PokerStars is its software, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. It’s fast, stable, and user-friendly, with various customization options to suit your preferences. The site also offers a range of bonuses and promotions, including a generous welcome bonus for new players.
PokerStars welcome offer is a generous $600 in bonus for free play.
BetMGM Poker
This online poker room is available in several states, including New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of games and formats, including tournaments, sit-and-gos, and cash games. The site also has a rewards program that allows players to earn points and redeem them for bonuses and other perks. One unique feature of BetMGM Poker is its integration with the BetMGM sportsbook and online casino. Players can easily switch between the different platforms with a single account and wallet, making it convenient for those who like to dabble in different types of online gambling.
BetMGM Poker welcome offer is a 100% deposit match up To $1,000 and up to $75 worth in Tournament Tickets.
WSOP.com
As the official online poker site of the World Series of Poker, WSOP.com offers US players in eligible states the chance to qualify for the live event through online satellites, one of the world’s most prestigious live poker tournament series. One unique aspect of WSOP.com is its integration with the Caesars Rewards program. Players can earn Caesars Rewards Tier Credits and Reward Credits for playing on WSOP.com, which can be used for various perks and benefits at Caesars-owned properties. The site uses geolocation technology to ensure players are within the state borders of Nevada or New Jersey, where WSOP.com is currently available.
WSOP welcome offers for US players:
- WSOP welcome offer up to $100 in free play Or
- 100% up to $1000 WSOP deposit match Or
- Entry into a $10,000 Main Event Seat Package Drawing that awards the winner with a 2023 WSOP $10,000 Main Event Seat, $500 travel stipend, and a 3-night hotel stay in Las Vegas, NV.
888poker
This online poker room has been operating since 2002 and offers a range of games and formats, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. It also has a loyalty program that rewards players for their play, with cashback, bonuses, and other perks.
PartyPoker
This online poker room features a variety of games and formats, including fast-fold poker, sit-and-gos, and multi-table tournaments. It also offers a VIP program that rewards frequent players with cash back, bonuses, and other benefits.
GGpoker
GGpoker is a relatively new entrant to the online poker market, but it has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative features and player-friendly software. One of the standout features of GGpoker is its social aspect, with features like built-in staking and a range of community events and promotions. The site also offers a range of bonuses and promotions, including a generous welcome bonus for new players.
How Do We Rate the Best Online Poker Sites?
When rating online poker sites, we take into account several factors, including:
- Game Selection: We look for sites that offer multiple games and formats, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and others.
- Player Traffic: We consider the number of players on the site and the availability of games at different stakes.
- Software and User Interface: We evaluate the site’s software and user interface quality, including ease of use and mobile compatibility.
- Bonuses and Promotions: We look for sites that offer generous bonuses and promotions for new and existing players.
- Customer Support: We consider the quality and availability of customer support, including response times and the availability of live chat and phone support.
What are the key factors to consider before playing with real money on online poker sites?
Before you start playing online poker with real money, there are several key factors that you should consider. These include:
- Reputation and trustworthiness of the US online poker site: It’s important to only play on reputable and trustworthy online poker sites with a proven track record of fairness and security. Look for online poker sites licensed and regulated by reputable authorities and that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial info.
- Game selection and traffic: You’ll want to choose an online poker site with a good selection of games and decent traffic. This will ensure that you have plenty of options regarding game types and stakes and that you can always find a game to play when you log in.
- Bonuses and promotions: Many online poker sites offer bonuses and promotions to attract new players and keep existing ones. These can include deposit bonuses, free tournament entries, and other perks. Take advantage of these offers, but read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the requirements and restrictions.
- Payment options: Check to make sure that the online poker site you’re considering accepts your preferred payment method and that they offer fast and reliable payouts.
- Customer support: Look for an online poker site that offers excellent customer support, with multiple ways to get in touch and fast response times. You never know when you might run into an issue, so it’s important to have reliable support available when needed.
What games can be played in online poker rooms?
Online poker rooms typically offer a variety of different poker games, including:
- Texas Hold’em: The most popular form of poker, where each player is dealt two hole cards and shares five community cards with the other players to make the best possible five-card hand.
- Omaha: Similar to Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt four hole cards and must use exactly two to make the best possible hand.
- Seven Card Stud: A classic form of poker where each player is dealt seven cards (three face down, four face up) and must make the best possible five-card hand.
- Razz: A lowball version of Seven Card Stud where the lowest hand wins.
- HORSE: A mixed game that includes Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Seven Card Stud Eight or Better.
There are many other poker variations available at online poker rooms, including Pineapple, Chinese Poker, and Badugi, to name just a few.
US Online Poker FAQs
The legality of online poker in the USA varies by state. Six states have legalized online poker: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. In other states, the legality of online poker remains a grey area, with some states considering legalizing it and others firmly against it.
Online poker is the virtual version of the popular card game played in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. It involves players from all over the world competing against each other in real-time via the Internet. Players place bets, win or lose chips, and aim to have the highest-ranking hand at the end of each game.
To rate the best online poker sites, we consider factors such as site security, game selection, software quality, bonuses and promotions, customer support, and player traffic. We also consider the site’s reputation and any past issues or controversies.
To play online poker, you need a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection and a registered account at a reputable online poker site. You may also need to download and install poker software on the computer or use an instant-play option on the site.
Before playing with real money on online poker sites, it is important to consider factors such as site security, game selection, software quality, bonuses and promotions, customer support, and player traffic. You should also research the site’s reputation and read reviews from other players. It is also important to set a budget and play within your means.
Online poker rooms offer multiple games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Razz, and more. Some sites also offer mixed games, where players rotate through different poker variants.
Like any form of online gambling, there are risks involved in playing online poker. These include the risk of losing money, the potential for addiction, and the risk of identity theft or fraud. It is important to gamble responsibly, set limits on your play before stating, and use reputable and secure online poker sites.