Best Poker Sites to Play Online Poker in November 2021
If you re looking for the best online poker sites (USA), you re on the right page. This article will cover some of the top US poker sites and review their offer of games, traffic, payment methods, and more.
I ve been in the online poker industry for a long time, so I learned all the pitfalls that newcomers stumble upon when choosing a poker site. Therefore, I decided to help you out in selecting the best poker platform for you. First of all, I ll present some of the platforms that I consider industry leaders. After that, I ll discuss other people s preferences (I did a lot of research on Reddit!), and I ll even talk about some events like these ones that redefined the online poker industry in the US.
All in all, we re in for an exciting journey through the world of US poker on the web, so fasten your seat belts we re about to take off!
Top 7 Online Poker Sites for US Players
BetOnline.ag
- Trusted by US Players Since 2001
- Huge Bad Beat Jackpots
- Fully Licensed and Regulated
Ignition Poker
Americas Cardroom
Intertops Poker
Bovada
Juicy Stakes
Sportsbetting.ag
Poker News and Headlines
Kristen Bicknell Steps Down from Team Partypoker
After four years together, Kristen Bicknell announced that she would be moving away from partypokerThe decision appeared to be mutual, with both parties praising each other on social media Bicknell has announced no further plans regarding a new sponsor, but the poker pro will surely get some tempting offers down the road Kristen Bicknell has decided []
- Player
Matt Marafioti Story Ends Tragically with Suicide
Charismatic poker professional Matt Marafioti has died after jumping from the 28th floor in New Jersey The player was deeply troubled in the final weeks leading up to the tragedy and professed his love for his one-year-old son on social media Marafioti was caught in a custodial battle for his son and was saddened by []
- Player
PokerStars to Run $100m GTD WCOOP Series in August
PokerStars to host $100m GTD World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), as the biggest tournament yet The event has allocated over $970 million since it first launched in 2001, and has been running for over 20 years now PokerStars will offer various incentives that complement its tournament offer and add more opportunity for players of []
- Event
The Best Online Poker Sites for US Players
First of all, let s take a look at some of the best US poker sites at the moment. I ll briefly explain each of them and tell you what to pay attention to.
After a lot of research, I made an ultimate list of available sites to US players. However, after testing each of them, I narrowed the list to the following platforms that I consider to be top online poker sites.
Here is our list of the best US poker sites for November 2021:
Quality Standard Guarantee
Amongst all the criteria, here are some important points we assess a particular site on below:
- Excellent value for money
- Safe reliable software
- Quick secure withdrawals
- Fun and friendly community
- Browser and device compatilibity
BetOnline Poker
BetOnline is a comprehensive online gambling platform, meaning it offers not only online poker, but all other forms of iGaming, including sports betting, casino games, and more. What makes it stand out is that this site is legally available to US players, even in the states where poker is not regulated, since it features an offshore license that we ll talk more about later in this guide.
Ignition Poker
Ignition Poker arguably has the largest online poker traffic in the US. The network is competitive yet it stands out with what players describe as softness. You can participate anonymously, giving you shelter from sharks and helping you find a well-balanced online poker experience. It s okay to be the fish at Ignition Poker as there are plenty of on-par players who are looking for the exact same things you are.
The welcome bonus is 150% up to $1,500 and it s often endorsed by novices. You can play directly into your browser and the site doesn t support HUDs, as explained before. Some players have said that Ignition Poker runs some of the best value tournaments, meaning it s easy for budget players as well as minnows to get a foothold. There are $3K GTDs events that can get your bankroll running.
Even outside peak hours, the room already has 800 people around 3:30 p.m. ET, with the player count climbing steadily through the evenings. All tournaments run daily, and American players have confirmed that they find themselves at home playing online poker at Ignition. In fact, Ignition Poker is one of the most endorsed poker rooms amid the community, perhaps owing to the mild entry-level.
Americas Cardroom
Americas Cardroom is the flagship site of the Winning Poker Network, meaning it also has several sister sites. It has excellent traffic and massive tournaments that offer millions of dollars in guaranteed prizes. No-limit Texas Hold em is the most popular game on the site, even though it offers other variations, including Omaha and stud poker.
One of the main advantages of AC is the number of payment methods it accepts. Apart from standard ones such as cash transfer, checks, and e-wallets, Americas Cardroom accepts 40+ cryptocurrencies as deposit and withdrawal options.
Intertops Poker
Licensed by Curacao eGaming, Intertops Poker is open to US players and offers a generous welcome bonus for newcomers. The site provides a wide array of cash games, including no-limit hold em, pot-limit Omaha, and more. It even features one of the rare poker variations called Telesina, although there are not enough people interested in playing it, resulting in low traffic.
Intertops Poker is mainly aimed at people who like to play with low and mid-stakes. It comes with dedicated desktop software that offers great functionality and a smooth online poker experience.
Bovada Poker
Bovada is an online poker platform that managed to win the hearts of many poker lovers from the US with its unique offer. It has been successfully operating since 2004, but many wonder is Bovada poker legal in the US?
Well, the platform does struggle to find an adequate license in order to operate legally. That s why the site puts on additional effort to make all players feel great and not lose their trust. Therefore, US poker enthusiasts are free to join this site and participate in great cash games and tournaments.
Just like BetOnline, Bovada also offers other gambling options, including sports betting, horses, casino, and live dealer casino.
Many players who are members of Bovada also know about Bodog Poker (USA), as Bodog is a sister site to Bovada. However, the Bodog isn t available to US players at the moment.
Juicy Stakes Poker
Juicy Stakes Poker is another top US poker site endorsed by the community and frequented by players who don t mind playing with fewer players at a time. Juicy Stakes is part of the Horizon Poker Network, which they share with Intertops Poker to boost liquidity further, a trick they have coined and the onshore industry has readily borrowed.
he card room comes with many deposit options and you can arguably start playing for as little as $5. The welcome bonus offers a better-matched rate to most online poker sites in the US 200% up to $1,000.
In terms of the bonus rakeback value, cash games will amount to around 28% and if you play Sit Go s or Multi-Table Tournaments, you can expect around 21% rakeback. The bonus will be cleared at $5 installments in exchange for FFP points you have earned at the poker site. Juicy Stakes now offers a 36% rakeback deal.
In terms of traffic, Juicy Stakes offers a decent number of players, usually around 250 in peak hours. The site has also been in business for over 10 years now to establish a trustworthy track record.
Juicy Stakes Poker has introduced a touched-up user interface that fully meets the expectations of even the fussiest players, and not least, the online poker site runs Daily Freerolls up to $100 from Monday through Sunday.
SportsBetting Poker
SportsBetting Poker is similar to BetOnline in execution, but it has spawned its own unique online poker ecosystem. The card room runs an extensive number of promotions, including a 100% first deposit poker bonus, $10,000 in Weekly Cash Races, a $150,000 Guaranteed Event, and a $1 million windfall jackpot. Plus, there is a Weekly Sit Go.
The website is touted as the best place to play if you are looking to use a credit or debit card to make your deposits and withdrawals. It s argued that you can clear your bonus at a rate of $2-$3 per hour, which is above average for most industry leaders. The numbers apply to $1 NL games, which is decent and accessible.
NL Hold em games start at $0.01/$0.02 and go all the way up to $5/$10. There are other viable game versions to try such as Limit Hold em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, American, and 32 Draw. Bitcoin payouts usually take up to 24 hours to complete, which is slightly better than other card rooms.
The site also uses its own network developed to the particular preferences of the community. The card room also offers the so-called Mission Grinders which allow you to unlock Freeroll tournaments. By all industry standards, SportsBetting.ag Poker is one of the top poker sites in the USA right now.
Best Online Poker Sites on Reddit
I follow
For example, in this thread, a user wanted to find more about the best poker sites for US players (Reddit). Most users agreed that Americas Cardroom seems like the best option, even though they had several complaints about the site.
Then, there s this mega-thread where you can find a list of all the best US poker sites 2020. Needless to say, the ones I selected as my personal favorites could be found on the list.
Finally, another similar question popped up in a Reddit thread, and the majority of responses suggested these three sites: America s Cardroom, Global Poker, and Ignition.
Mobile Poker Sites: USA
Professional poker players who rely on multi-tabling and use many additional tools consider mobile poker redundant. However, casual players love playing cards on the go.
There are two ways to play poker on your mobile device: installing an app or using your mobile browser.
Mobile Browser-Based Online Poker
Many online poker sites are developed with mobile users in mind. Therefore, designers immediately create mobile versions, and developers make sure that sites are responsive. Therefore, when you load a poker platform in your mobile browser, you ll get a small-screen version of the site where you can enjoy playing cash games and tournaments.
Mobile Poker Apps
Some of the best US online poker sites also offer dedicated apps for mobile users. You have to download them from the App Store if you re an iPhone user or download an .apk file if you own an Android device.
Is it better to play browser-based poker or to download an app? Well, I ll leave that up to you, as it s really a matter of personal preference.
In my experience, some of the best online poker apps for real money (regardless of the way you can access them on your mobile device) are:
US Deposit Options
To play real-money poker, first, you need to make a deposit. Online poker platforms usually accept a wide array of payment options, but you might find some of them better than others. I tested all there is, including cryptocurrencies, credit cards, cash transfers, checks, e-wallets, and more. Here s a short introduction to the most popular ones choose wisely!
Visa is a universal payment method that comes with nominal fees and the highest clearance rate. This is a preferred option among card players from the United States who are playing at one of the legal options or heading over to an offshore online venue.
American Express is one of the most common payment options. Offering a mix of security and convenience, AmEx is a preferred way among some card players to make deposits or withdraw their money.
MasterCard is trusted for anything from e-commerce to online gambling. Just as you probably know, you can use this method to charge your card room balance and play at one of the best US poker websites online.
Bitcoin has long been established as the preferred payment method for retaining anonymity and is one of the most trusted payment options for online transactions. It protects all parties and continues to rise in popularity.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency at the moment, and thousands of poker players in the US love using it as their primary banking method. All transactions are secure, anonymous, and instant (at least when depositing). The majority of USA-facing poker sites feature BTC due to its growing popularity. Some even accept other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and more.
Credit/Debit Cards
Credit cards are fast, safe, and affordable. However, one of the most significant disadvantages is that transactions are often declined. Simply put, some sites have better credit card processors than others, and the rule of thumb is that the sites that have been the longest in the business have the best processors.
The four popular cards used by US players are:
- Visa The most popular of the four, Visa is issued by banks and is available as credit, debit, and prepaid card.
- Mastercard Mastercard works similarly to Visa, and it s usually its biggest competitor.
- Amex American Express cards don t have to be issued by the bank, which makes them unique. The problem is that Amex has somewhat higher fees compared to its competitors.
- Discover Discover is another great option, although much less popular than the other mentioned cards. Therefore, the number of poker sites accepting Discover is smaller.
Cash Transfer
Cash transfer requires you to visit WU or MG stations or use their websites. This type of payment is available on many US online poker platforms and is popular among players, as they can pick up cash at a kiosk without waiting too long. The only downside is that the fees are too high.
Cashier Check
Cashier checks gained popularity in the post-UIGEA era when e-wallet payments were banned. Nowadays, they are not as common, but they have 100% success rates and minimal fees, making them appealing to some players.
PayPal
PayPal is a highly regulated payment method. It is usually accepted by the licensed and regulated sites within the US, such as 888 Poker, PokerStars, and WSOP.com. In other words, offshore-regulated poker platforms usually don t accept this option. Therefore, when looking for a PayPal poker USA, 70 players out of 100 end up choosing another method, as the selection of sites is limited.
Is Online Poker Legal in the US?
Online poker is currently illegal in all the states where this type of activity is not regulated. Only five states legalized poker on the web Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. However, players from other states are still free to join offshore-licensed poker sites and take part in online poker games. Many players still have #1 enemy that they think prevents them from enjoying online poker UIGEA.
Fully Regulated Poker States
Poker States Being Regulated
Unregulated Poker States
UIGEA Explained
UIGEA stands for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. It s exactly what it says it is. This legislative piece aims to prevent online gambling businesses from accepting wagers over the internet. Essentially, it just states that online gambling sites are not allowed to accept payments from users who want to engage in unlawful Internet gambling.
Why It Happened
Before UIGEA, the only active legislation related to online gambling was the Federal Wire Act from 1961. It was created with older telecommunications in mind, and the lawmakers decided to update the act in 2002, stating that it doesn t prohibit online gambling. After that, all hell broke loose in the US gambling industry that needed to be regulated somehow. Enter UIGEA.
UIGEA was passed under suspicious conditions, with many lawmakers claiming that they ve never actually had an opportunity to read the act. It was presented as something else, entirely unrelated to online gambling, which resulted in outrage among some prominent politicians.
Its Effects on Online Poker
As soon as UIGEA was passed, many online poker platforms decided to withdraw their services to US citizens. Nobody was happy with that, as operators lost a huge portion of the market, and players had fewer sites to choose from. Nevertheless, some of the operators decided to stay and take their chances.
How Does It Affect Me?
Right now, things seem relatively stable. Apart from a handful of sites licensed by US-based gambling commissions, there are plenty of offshore-licensed sites that offer their services to almost every state in the US. However, you should try to stay up-to-date with the latest legal changes in the world of US online poker as much as possible in order to avoid any potential upcoming catastrophes, like Black Friday.
How Black Friday Redefined Online Poker Biggest Illegal Poker Businesses Busted
When a poker player hears the words Black Friday, incredible sales and full shopping carts aren t what they think of. Instead, they think about April 15, 2011. It s the day when the US Department of Justice decided to take action against online poker operators PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker.
The DoJ unsealed an indictment against the executives of these platforms. The 52-pager wasn t particularly friendly towards them, and there was even a civil complaint against the three platforms. All in all, executives faced years in prison and $3 billion out of their pockets. Ouch!
What s the Status of US Poker Right Now?
Right now, things seem relatively stable. US poker players don t have to worry about illegal poker sites anymore, especially those living in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. However, if you re not in one of these states, you ll still be able to play on sites that are currently in the grey legal area the offshore online poker sites.
US Poker Platforms (Regulated)
These sites are licensed and regulated by US regulators and are entirely legal in some states. The current leaders are Party Poker USA and 888 Poker USA. Joining US-licensed platforms means you ll be able to play poker in a safe and secure environment, without worrying about the legal aspect too much.
There are a number of regulatory commissions that have been formed to govern online poker websites in the US, both within and outside the United States. I strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with them before you start playing.
A number of online sites within the state of Nevada have applied for and have been granted full online gambling licenses. The board is the same one that oversees all licensed gambling venues or casinos in all of Nevada which, therefore, means that the online poker sites under its jurisdiction are highly regulated for the good of the players.
This board works for both the states of New Jersey and Delaware where poker enthusiasts will find fully licensed online gambling sites where they can play online poker with real cash locally and legally. The sites are therefore of the highest standards and thus every poker game or event that players partake in is completely fair and random.
This is among the few online gambling jurisdictions that are responsible for licensing a decent number of reputable US poker sites that are available for American players. Online casinos and online poker sites under this jurisdiction allow players to not only fund their accounts in US dollars but also participate in tournaments using the same currency.
This is another licensing jurisdiction that applies to poker players who are not lucky enough to be living in the three states where online poker is legal. If you are one such unlucky player who cannot access online poker sites then an offshore-operated online casino or an international poker site with a Costa Rica license would be a great option.
Offshore Poker Sites (Regulated)
Offshore sites are licensed by international regulators, such as the ones from Malta, Curacao, or Panama.
Most of these sites are entirely legal and reputable, offering even better services compared to the US-licensed ones. In fact, I dare say that some of the best sites for US poker players are actually offshore. Therefore, if you re searching for the best poker gambling sites, don t exclude those licensed outside of the US. Instead, start with offshore online poker platforms first.
However, you should also know which sites you need to avoid. In fact, here s a short list of sites that are blacklisted in many countries:
Real Online Poker for US Players
Things are changing fast for online poker in the United States.
There are five states with legal online poker games Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan and Pennsylvania plus legal, sweepstakes poker games in other areas. While the boom of 10 years ago is over, online poker for real money in the US is on the rise again.
This is a detailed guide to legal poker sites in the US. Well provide you with information on the current legislative landscape, the best sites to play online poker and the different types of poker bonuses.
Best US Poker Sites in 2021
Free poker vs. real money poker
As soon as real money is at stake, the game of poker transforms.
Play money poker involves seeing a flop, hitting hands and never folding when there is even a shot at winning the pot. With no incentive to fold or think strategically, it provides light entertainment at best.
Once real cash is involved, poker changes into a mental battle. Playing every hand and trying to hit, will quickly become a losing strategy.
Conversely, playing too few hands becomes predictable and easy to exploit. You ll need to play a position, work out what your opponents bets mean and understand math concepts like odds and equity.
You can play online poker games for real money or for free. I can assure you that once you try for real money, free games will quickly lose its appeal. The beauty of real money poker is that you ll never stop learning.
Even the biggest stars of the game are working on their strategy; poker takes five minutes to learn and a lifetime to master.
Is online poker legal in the US?
Poker has a long tradition in the US, from boom to bust. There is a new era in real money USA poker games as individual states license and regulate the games.
So far, there are five legal states for real money online poker: Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey. These states require that a brick-and-mortar casino licenses the poker sites.
| Rank | Poker Site | No Deposit Bonus | Deposit Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | WSOP.com | $10 Free | 100% up to $1,000 | Play Now |
| 2. | PokerStars | None | 100% up to $600 or play 1 hand, get $50 free play | Play Now |
| 3. | BetMGM Poker | $25 Free | 100% to $1,000 | Play Now |
| 4. | 888 Poker | $20 Free | 100% up to $1,500 | Play Now |
| 5. | Party Poker | $25 Free | 100% up to $1,000 | Play Now |
| 6. | Borgata Poker | $20 Free | 100% up to $600 | Play Now |
| Rank | Poker Site | No Deposit Bonus | Deposit Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | PokerStars PA | Play 1 hand, get $50 in Free Play | 100% up to $600 | Play Now |
| 2. | BetMGM Poker | $25 | 100% up to $600 | Play Now |
| 3. | Borgata Poker | $25 | 100% up to $600 | Play Now |
| 4. | WSOP Poker | $10 | 100% up to $1,000 | Play Now! |
| 5. | Party Poker | TBA | TBA | Expected in 2021 |
| 6. | Hollywood Casino | TBA | TBA | Date Unknown |
| 7. | Rivers Philadelphia | TBA | TBA | Date Unknown |
| 8. | Parx Casino | TBA | TBA | Date Unknown |
| Rank | Poker Site | No Deposit Bonus | Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | WSOP NV | $10 Free | 100% up to $1,000 | Play Now |
| Rank | Poker Site | No Deposit Bonus | Deposit Bonus | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | PokerStars MI | None | 100% up to $600 or play 1 hand, get $50 free | Play Now |
| 2. | BetMGM Poker | $25 | 100% up to $600 | Play Now |
| Rank | US Poker Site | Free | Purchase | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Global Poker | $20 Gold Coin Package | $40 GC with $20 Purchase | Play Now |
The successful rollout of online poker in Michigan provides US poker players with five legal states.
Nevada and Delaware share players with New Jersey poker sites at 888 and WSOP online poker rooms. Players from all three states will meet at the tables, which allows for bigger tournaments (many with large, guaranteed prizepools) and a more extensive selection of cash games.
PA online poker sites
Online gambling is already up and running in Pennsylvania in the form of PA sportsbooks, casinos, and lottery games, but PA online poker is the latest to join the party. In November 2019, PokerStars began a soft launch phase that was completed two days later. It is now fully operational, and even though it took a while, BetMGM Poker and Borgata Poker arrived in PA in April 2021. WSOP.com launched in July 2021.
In Pennsylvania, you can play real money cash games and tournaments against other players through player pools; however, not with players from other regulated states.
Poker is already successful in states with smaller populations than Pennsylvania. The bigger pool of players means more choice, bigger tournament guarantees, and more generous promotions compared to New Jersey and Nevada.
Seven casinos have Pennsylvania online poker licenses. Of these, several have announced partnerships with the major brands active in other states. Here are the known partnerships:
- MountAiryCasino: PokerStars
- Harrah sCasino: WSOP
- ValleyForge: PartyPoker / BetMGM
What Legal Poker Sites Can I Play in PA?
PokerStars launched online poker in 2019, becoming the first online poker site in Pennsylvania.
Some sites are already in beta-testing mode but will need to get approval from the Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (PGCB) before an official go-live. The board stated (in relation to casinos and sports betting) that it is in no hurry and want to ensure things are working 100% correctly before they give approvals.
That said, some of the popular PA poker sites may be available before the end of 2020. Heres what we know about each of the Pennsylvania online poker sites:
PokerStars PA $50 in free play, just play 1 hand or 100% match up to $600 bonus!
Its partnership is with Mount Airy Resort and Casino, where you can use the casino cage for deposits and withdrawals. PokerStars offers the best software of any online poker room, which includes apps and a downloadable desktop client. Innovations, including Zoom Poker, Spin and Go s and progressive knockout tournaments, will come with this new platform.
Join PokerStars here, and choose from one of two welcome bonuses: Get $50 free play just play 1 hand, or alternatively a 100% up to $600 deposit bonus.
BetMGM Poker PA $25 free + 100% match up to $600
The site, which is part of a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain, is operating as part of a deal with Penn National Gaming, owners of the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. It arrived in 2021, ending PokerStars monopoly in Pennsylvania. BetMGMs software offers a sleek and innovative approach to the game, with options for less-popular games like Stud or Omaha High/Lo. You can play BetMGM through its mobile app or via a downloadable client. If you are an MLife rewards member, thats even better your play on BetMGM Poker will earn you points on your account, good for perks and rewards at the many MGM properties around the globe.
Join BetMGM Poker PA here and get $25 free.
Borgata Poker PA Get $25 free plus 100% up to $600
Borgata Poker arrived alongside BetMGM Poker in Pennsylvania. It includes a similar sleek software from PartyPoker with the same selection of games and tournaments. You can play Borgata Poker on your mobile phone or by downloading the poker client onto your computer.
WSOP.com / 888 Poker: This brand uses the 888 Poker software along with the World Series of Poker branding. WSOP partnered with Harrah s to bring a mix of tournaments and cash games to Pennsylvania. Unlike New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware, the player pools are not shared. WSOP.com PA is a stand-alone poker site and for use within state lines only. Unfortunately, this limitation means that players are not able to compete for WSOP bracelets from their homes in Pennsylvania. However, there are plenty of qualifier events planned to help bridge the gap.
Not yet live, but expected to launch
Party Poker PA: The original poker site is also active in New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, it will partner with the Valley Forge. You ll be able to deposit via the casino cage there (as well as using electronic methods). Party is famous for its easy games. New and recreational players receive priority to promotions and the novel formats. In other states, players are pooled between separate brands, which work on the Party software. So far, there will only be a single poker site in PA.
Other poker room partnerships in PA which have been announced include Parx Casino with GAN. This will be a new platform, though the popularity of the live poker room at Parx should ensure that it gets plenty of traffic.
Another new platform will be through the Rush Street Interactive platform, which is operational for casino and sports betting (via SugarHouse and Rivers Casino), though poker will be new. Finally, there is a proposed poker partnership between Hollywood Casino and IGT.
NJ Online Poker
While New Jersey was not the first state to launch online poker for real money, it was the first state with a large enough population to ensure numerous players in the games.
Following successful launches in Nevada and Delaware, 888 was among the first wave of NJ poker rooms. By the end of 2013, the competition was heating up. PokerStars then joined the fray late, after making a deal with the Department of Justice.
While PokerStars is the most influential single NJ online poker site, there are more players at the WSOP and 888 sites combined. Those sites share players from sites in Nevada and Delaware.
Another shared network includes partypoker, Borgata Poker, and BetMGM. These brands only share players in New Jersey. After this list, the other poker sites are too small to host more than a table or two at any one time.
More detail on the biggest poker sites in NJ:
- 888 Poker / WSOP.com: Experience in Nevada and Delaware meant that 888 was able to get up and running quickly in New Jersey. These poker rooms partner with Caesars Casino Atlantic City. Players share a common back end, which includes players logging on from WSOP.com in Nevada and three Delaware poker sites, too. You ll get $20 free at 888 or $10 at WSOP . : This site started later than the others, in 2016. It grew fast and now has a 38% market share. PokerStars partnered with Resorts Casino, where you can deposit via the casino cage. Using amazing software and events like the New Jersey Series of Online Poker helped catapult this brand over its longer-running rivals. New players get a choice of either two welcome bonuses: Either $50 free play after playing one hand of poker or a 100% deposit bonus up to $600 when you join using our exclusive link.
- Partypoker, Borgata Poker and BetMGM: Before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, partypoker was the most prominent poker site in the US. It returned in 2013, in partnership with Borgata Casino. The software might have changed, though this is still a popular site for recreational and amateur players. Borgata Poker and BetMGM combine players with partypoker within New Jersey. You can get a generous combination of a $25 no-deposit bonus and a $1,000 matched deposit to your first deposit at partypoker NJ.
- Pala Poker also welcomes NJ players. Unfortunately, this site never got much traction, and games rarely run there.
All poker rooms operating within the state of New Jersey must be licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. You can view the complete list of licensed sites here.
Traffic at the more prominent sites will peak at around 250 cash-game players, and several times more at poker tournaments. While this is enough for the NJ online poker rooms to be able to offer lower- to mid-stakes games, it is not sufficient traffic for high stakes or too many poker variations. If you enjoy Texas Hold em at $1/$2 and below, you ll be able to find plenty of action.
Tournaments feature a lot of smaller guaranteed pools throughout the week. The Sunday Major events have prize pools of around $100,000. There are events, including WSOP qualifiers and the New Jersey championship, that offer higher guarantees. You ll find some innovative formats for tournaments, which include the popular progressive knockout tournaments, where your bounty increases the more players you knock out.
The major poker rooms in NJ are available via poker apps for Android or Apple mobile devices. For the best experience (especially if you play multiple tables), you can also download a desktop client for Windows or Mac computers.
Nevada online poker sites
There was a lot of excitement in 2012 when the first poker rooms went live in Nevada.
Before then, only tiny Delaware had online poker, which was limited by the population size. Nevada saw the first WSOP-branded poker room, which uses the popular 888 Poker software.
Initially, there were two competing online poker rooms in Nevada. Ultimate Poker did not last, failing to gain traction and closing in 2014. There is a new poker site in Nevada in the form of real money online poker that South Point Casino owns. It has yet to gain any traction, and so it is not a viable option if you are looking for action.
WSOP, 888 and Caesars Entertainment
WSOP.com is a partnership with Caesars Entertainment. It runs the World Series of Poker and has successfully moved bracelet events online. These games feature part of the WSOP events, which run from May to early July each year.
At 3 million, Nevada does not have a significant population. It does benefit from a lot of visitors. You only need to be within state lines to enjoy poker at WSOP.com NV, with no requirement to be a permanent resident.
In 2016, player pools were combined with the 888/WSOP-powered poker sites in Delaware and New Jersey. This merger created the single biggest US-wide site. If legal clarification on the Wire Act moves forward, WSOP.com is in a great position to add other states quickly to its player pool.
While the traffic is not high, there is no shortage of features at the WSOP.com Nevada online poker room. You ll be able to enjoy cash games, tournaments and sit and gos along with innovations, including Blast! sit and gos, which have random prize pools that are only revealed after the game begins.
As you might expect, there are a lot of qualifier tournaments for the World Series of Poker at this site. New players get a 100% bonus matched to their first deposit at this site.
Michigan Online Poker Sites
Few states have debuted their online poker offerings with more anticipation than Michigan. The Great Lake State launched its online gambling suite in January 2021, with online sports betting and casinos appearing on the same day, and poker following a week afterwards.
Because of Michigans population and interest in joining the New Jersey-Nevada-Delaware player pool, many industry observers hope that Michigan will be a necessary shot in the arm for online poker in the United States at large. Michigan has not shared its liquidity yet, however, so for now, Michiganders will have to content themselves with playing each other.
Currently, there are two online poker sites up and running in Michigan. The worldwide leader for online poker, PokerStars, was the first to open its virtual doors to residents and visitors to the state. BetMGM Poker launched more than a month later on March 22. But you can never discount the possibility that WSOP.com will join the mix at some point.
PokerStars MI
PokerStars debut in Michigan in January 2021 marked the second consecutive time that Stars was first to market in a US state it was the initial launch in Pennsylvania, too. One of PokerStars distinguishing characteristics is the sheer volume and variety of games available. In addition to offering many different games beyond the standard no-limit holdem and pot-limit Omaha, Stars is not afraid to launch some of its own variants. So, it is quite possible to play a game youve never played before on PokerStars.
If youre interested, you can get started right now through one of our links. Somewhat unusually, Stars does not offer a no deposit bonus for registration. Instead, you have your choice between two bonuses on your first deposit:
- Use our links, play one hand and get $50 in free play.
- Use promotional code STARS600 when you deposit, and Stars will match 100% of your deposit amount up to $600. In other words, every dollar you deposit will be worth two in your account.
If youre ready to get started with Stars, click here.
BetMGM Poker MI
BetMGM launched its online poker room in March 2021, combining its online casino and sportsbook for the trifecta of sites. BetMGM is also available in New Jersey. BetMGM Poker is, unsurprisingly, the poker brand for casino giant MGM Resorts International. Its launch will provide a welcome alternative for Michigan poker players who would like more choices than PokerStars. BetMGM uses the same platform as partypoker, with a sleek and easy to navigate site. BetMGM also has several different games that players can try, including Omaha high-low, razz, and five-card stud.
Not yet live, but expected to launch
- WSOP.com: WSOP.com does not have a partnership with a Michigan casino just yet, which is a required step for entry into the Great Lake States online poker market. However, given that WSOP.com is present in several other states and is the only site actively sharing its player pools across states, it is reasonable to assume that the world-famous brand will be coming to Michigan before long especially when and if Michigan decides to join the pool-sharing with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
Real money US poker sites: What are the differences?
To the untrained eye, all the USA online poker sites look similar.
They all offer cash games, tournaments, and a few novelty games. They all have comparable welcome bonuses, often mixing free play with big deposit offers.
When you get into the details, there are some essential differences. Aside from the different software, apps, and promotions, here are the things that set the sites apart from each other:
- PartnerCasinos: Every legal US poker site has to be licensed in your state and by partnering with brick-and-mortar casinos. These vary, depending on the state. For example, PokerStars works with Resorts Casino in NJ, and Mount Airy Casino in PA.
- PooledPlayers: These work in two ways. Some combine players at two or more sites within a state. For example, you ll play at the same tables via partypoker, Borgata Poker, or BetMGM in New Jersey. Some brands also pool players across state lines. WSOP.com combines players from New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, along with those playing at 888 NJ. WSOP has created the single biggest player pool in the US.
- Events and Specials: Tournament events are big news in the poker world. These allow for bigger buy-ins, bigger guaranteed prize pools, and promotions like event-long leaderboards. Examples include the bracelet events at WSOP.com NV and the Championship of Online Poker event at PokerStars NJ. As the sites come into more states, expect these events to become even bigger.
- Games: Smaller player pools mean it is only possible to run the most popular formats for now. As online poker grows, or further states can pool their players, we can expect today s Texas Hold em and Omaha to expand into stud, draw, and even mixed games.
- HowEasy: Poker is a game of relative skill levels. To win, you need to consistently play with people who are not as good as you. In Nevada, there is only one viable site, so making a selection of the individual tables are important. Where you do get a choice, you should be continually assessing which site(s) have the weakest player pools. Sites like PokerStars tend to attract more experienced players, while sites like partypoker (that restrict third-party software tools) tend to host more recreational players.
Outside of the regulated states, sweepstakes gambling laws allow for real money poker action.
Global Poker works by giving free virtual currency called Sweeps Coins to players that purchase play money coins.
With more states considering licensing poker, casino, and sports betting online, the range of US accepted poker sites will only grow in the future.
How do sweepstakes poker sites work?
Global Poker uses state gambling laws that cover sweepstakes contests. It brings real money poker action to states that have yet to regulate. While this is a workaround, it is perfectly legal and is becoming popular.
Since this poker room can t take real money deposits for gambling, it gives you free Sweeps Coins alongside the purchase of play money coins. You can use Sweeps Coins to play poker. Each hand (or tournament) is considered to be an individual sweepstakes contest.
Once you have accumulated enough Sweeps Coins, you can swap it for dollars in the cashier and withdraw them to your bank account.
Taking advantage of poker bonuses
With the poker rooms competing to grow in the most prominent player pools, there are plenty of poker bonuses. These options range from free cash deals to matched bonuses and loyalty schemes.
Keep in mind, you should always read the terms and conditions before accepting a poker bonus. You will find some significant variations in playthrough requirements and time available to complete the wagering.
You ll see the most common types of poker bonuses to take advantage of in this list:
-
: Some poker sites offer you a small amount of free cash to try out their real money games. This bonus is only for new accounts and gives you up to $30 for play. You ll need to wager this several times before you can withdraw it. If you are good enough, you might be able to build a bankroll without needing to deposit at all.
- Matched welcome bonus: This is the industry standard bonus offer. Most sites give you a 100% matched bonus on your first deposit of up to $500. You ll need to earn points from playing real money games and tournaments, which will incrementally clear your bonus.
- Free tournament entries: New depositors often get entries into free tournaments with guaranteed prizepools. Some poker rooms run these freerolls regularly.
- Loyalty bonus schemes: With loyalty schemes, you collect points while playing. These can move you up tiers or it can be a flat rate. You can cash in points for bonuses or tournament entries.
- Reload bonuses: If you ever deplete your poker bankroll, reload bonuses can help. These work in the same way as the welcome bonus offer, though sometimes have lower percentage matches.
- One-off promotions: What separates the good from the great poker rooms is the promos. Look for sites that look after their players with plenty of offers. These can include satellite qualifiers to the biggest live events.
Remember, you are not restricted to a single poker room. To get the best offers, it can pay to be selective, shifting your money around to take advantage of the best deals.
Which US poker sites offer real money poker apps?
Several of the online poker sites accepting US players offer mobile poker apps alongside their desktop-software client. These apps allow for limited access, as it is hard to multi-table on a small screen.
If you do want to enjoy poker on the move, here are the best real money online poker sites in New Jersey and Nevada:
- 888 Poker
- WSOP Nevada, WSOP NJ
- PokerStars NJ
- Partypoker, Borgata Poker NJ
- Pala Poker NJ
How to deposit at a real money poker USA site?
To enjoy real money poker, you ll need to get that initial bankroll on board.
When you choose legal, regulated poker rooms, a lot of options open up for you. By sticking to the best-known brands, you can be sure your funds are secure.
The easiest option is merely to use your regular debit or credit card. Making a gambling deposit with a credit card works precisely the same as making any purchase online. Inside the regulated states, nearly all banks will approve these transactions.
If you prefer it, you can buy prepaid debit cards, or for some sites, you can apply for a branded debit card for their license-holding casino that guarantees fast deposits and withdrawals from then on.
Another set of deposit options using your bank account includes e-checks, bill pay or wire transfers. The combination that is accepted will depend on which online poker real money USA site you are playing.
With e-checks, a third party (usually a company called VIP Preferred) will verify you, allowing for instant transfers.
Bill pay works with a list of banks provided by each site. You follow the same process as for paying a utility bill. Wires are slower, though still have a place for large deposits.
Third-party-wallet services are perfect for poker fans that prefer to keep their banking separate from their gambling.
The best-known service is PayPal, though you will find Skrill and Neteller welcomed by poker rooms, too. While there is a small downside in terms of fees, the additional security these wallets provide makes them popular choices.
If the electronic options are not for you, you ll be able to deposit with cash. Again, this does depend on which poker site you choose. Options include taking cash to the casino cage or using PayNearMe, which is available at 7-Eleven stores.
Software options at real money poker sites
Most poker rooms provide a few ways to access their games:
A full download: This is the ideal method if you are playing from a desktop computer or laptop. Once you download the software package, you get full functionality and smooth gaming (there is no need to initialize the games from scratch each time). Downloads are generally available for Windows and Apple computers.
Poker apps: The biggest brands, like 888 and PokerStars, have online poker apps. These offer a limited number of games you can enjoy on the go. It is hard to multi-table using an app, so expect a single-game format. Android poker apps are not available via the Google Play store; you ll need to get those direct from the poker site.
Instant play: This is the least popular way of accessing the software. Sites allow form-limited gaming action in your web browser. These games will respond to your screen size, though they are not suitable for the smallest (smartphone) screens.
While the branding of each site is unique, there are some commonalities when it comes to getting around.
Sites split the major poker variations with cash games, tournaments and Sit n Gos (SNG) at the top level of their navigation.
Once you access each area, you ll find tabs or checkboxes that will help you narrow your search. This can be by buy-in level, table size or speed. Tournaments have further navigation to separate qualifiers and major events.
What separates the good from the great is the small software features. Smooth gaming, resizable tables and easy options to top up your stack make for a far better experience. PokerStars is considered by poker players to have the best software client. I also like the interface at the 888 Poker/WSOP brands.
Poker variations available
Traditionally, there are four types of poker you can play online with cash. Note that these are broad categories, each of which contains multiple poker game variants, speeds and small table size/rules/betting format changes.
No-Limit Texas Hold em dominates the real cash poker scene. At least 80% of the action is in this format. Omaha follows, with the popularity of Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Limit Omaha 8, and Omaha 8 variants growing. Other forms, including stud and draw poker, are tiny by comparison.
The four main poker variations you can play online:
- Cash games: This is the traditional poker format, where the chips you play with have a direct monetary value. You ll find full-ring and six-max games to be the most popular, though you can find other table sizes. You can find most of the cash game action at the micro stakes ($25 buy-in and under).
- Poker tournaments: This format has the most rule, structure variations. The basis is that you buy in for a pile of chips and play until one player has them all. The bet sizes increase to ensure action. Usually, 10% of the field are paid, with the biggest prize going to the winner.
- SNGs: While poker tournaments have big fields and scheduled start times, SNGs have a fixed size and start when all the seats are full. The basic format is one (nine-seat) table. Three players get paid in this format. Lottery SNGs, which are three-handed games with randomly selected prize pools up to 10,000x your buy-in, are now popular, too.
- Fast-Fold Poker: This variation crosses cash game and tournament formats. Instead of sitting at a table, players are in pools. Each hand sees six to nine players combined from each pool (which is by buy-in). When you fold, you go straight to a hand with new players from your pool. This format requires a lot of players and is not widely available at the regulated US sites just yet.
A big appeal of the online poker real money USA sites is the range of buy-ins available. You can enjoy cash games where the blinds are pennies (as little as 1c / 2c or 2c / 5c). That means you can buy-in for a full stack for just $2. Most of the action is in the 5c / 10c to $1 / $2 blinds range. There are bigger buy-in games especially at the 888/WSOP or PokerStars NJ.
You can join tournaments for $1 or less. The biggest weekly games take place online on Sundays, with guarantees of up to $100 available. Bigger real money poker rooms have special events, for example, the New Jersey Spring Championship of Online Poker, aka NJSCOOP, which features a week or more of significant guaranteed events.
How to cash out quickly
If you win a tournament or accumulate money in the cash games, you ll need to get your money safely out of the poker rooms.
As a rule of thumb, the sites will ask you to use the same method you initially deposited with to return your money. This will not always be possible, in which case, an alternative (for example a paper check) is an option.
You can withdraw quickly using the e-wallet services like PayPal, Skrill or Neteller. If you are verified, then an ACH transfer will also send the funds to you quickly. Alternatives include paper checks, which they can send to your home.
All poker rooms will take a day or two to verify your withdrawal request. You will also need to have completed the ID verification process before you can withdraw.
Are poker sites safe? Are the deals fair?
If you have been around online poker for long, you are sure to have come across at least one player who is convinced that online poker is rigged. The fact is that billions of hands have been dealt, and tracking services (including individual player databases) have uncovered zero anomalies with the deal.
Add to this the requirement for regulated, legal sites to have their Random Number Generator software audited. You can feel 100% certain that you are getting a fair deal.
Safety and security of your deposit can depend on individual sites. With some of the biggest and most reputable global brands providing the technology for US poker rooms, I have absolutely no concerns in this area.
You can take simple security measures, for example, by not playing on shared machines, and making sure that the https header is showing on the poker sites homepage.
Understanding KYC requirements at USA real money poker sites
Many players are happy to join a legitimate, regulated, legal USA poker room and then are surprised when it asks for backup documentation.
ID checks are part of a process of keeping online poker clean. Money laundering and fraud on any scale would mean online poker simply could not happen. Everyone has a role to play, and providing backup documents is a vital part of this process.
These legal poker websites will ask for proof of ID, proof of address and backups for your deposit method. Examples include a photo of the front of your credit card. You are welcome to black out all but the last four numbers if you prefer.
Know Your Customer, aka KYC, also helps prevent underage gambling, which is a critical component of responsible gaming. Other parts of this include links to help organizations, and the ability to self-exclude from a poker site.
Wrap up of online poker in 2021
Poker has come a long way since the dark days of 2011 when the Department of Justice chased away the remaining global giants. Four states have legal online poker.
Also, sweepstakes poker is available in many more states under existing laws. Better still, there is a growing list of additional states considering their regulation.
You can take advantage of bonus offers which range from entirely free cash to matched offers and free tournament entries. Once you join, you ll find a lot of action focused on Texas Hold em and covering many poker formats.
As the player pools grow between the states, the choice of game, size of the tournaments and number of niche variations can only get better.
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