Best Online Poker Sites in the US

USPokerSites.us has been running for over 17 years, tirelessly researching online poker options for players based in the USA. Our team of writers has a long history in the online gambling industry and actually plays on the sites that we list in our poker reviews.

People often come to the site wondering, “Where can I play legal online poker for cash?” Online poker is legal in seven states in the USA: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Nevada, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Michigan

Big global sites like 888poker operate in those states, but they’re not really part of those big global player pools. Those sites operate in those states and those states alone. Offshore sites on the other hand accept players from all over the United States. But which offshore sites are the most reliable, user-friendly and safe?

What Makes a Poker Site the Best?

It can be hard to determine what exactly makes a poker site, the best online poker site. There are 5 key areas that we look for when reviewing, and that players should look for as well when surfing the web for great poker rooms.

Bonuses & Promotions – The more varied and larger bonuses and promotions that a site offers, the higher they are likely to rank among their users.

Players & Traffic – Players and traffic is so important as it ensures there are always active games going, acts as an endorsement for the site’s trustworthiness, and there’s a better chance that weaker players can be found and therefore profited off of.

Variety – Great poker rooms offer a variety of games and rooms in order to cater to all potential players that may land on their site.

Reputation – The online poker world is small, so if there were to be any issues or scandals to take place, the word would spread fast among the community.

Rakeback – Sites with great rakebacks will always earn bonus points among reviewers and players as it’s essentially free money.

 

 

 

BEST ONLINE POKER SITES USA

 

Ignition

$1500 Bonus

Rating: 5/5

Min Deposit $10

2500+ Players

Rating: 5/5

$1500 Bonus - Rating: 5/5
BetOnline

$1000 Bonus

Rating: 4.9/5

Min Deposit $25

1000+ Players

Rating: 4.9/5

$1000 Bonus - Rating: 4.9/5
Bovada.lv

$500 Bonus

Rating: 4.7/5

Min Deposit $10

2500+ Players

Rating: 4.7/5

$500 Bonus - Rating: 4.7/5
everygame

$1000 Bonus

Rating: 4.6/5

Min Deposit $25

175+ Games

Rating: 4.6/5

$1000 Bonus Rating: 4.6/5 -
SportsBetting.ag

$1000 Bonus

Rating: 4.5/5

Min Deposit $20

1500+ Players

Rating: 4.5/5

$1000 Bonus - Rating: 4.5/5

 

Online Poker Site Best Features

When you read our poker reviews, you’ll notice the site takes a close look at the laws and legislation regarding online poker in each individual state and provides a detailed look at offshore run sites, which we consider the best and safest for playing online poker in America. Our staff reads the latest poker news, so our readers know the late-breaking news, the latest trends, and the best poker bonuses of the moment.

Here are some of the best features for each of the online poker USA sites ranked above. You can learn much more about each site by reading our in-depth poker reviews.

Ignition Poker
  • Previously known as Bovada/Bodog
  • Highly trusted with quick payouts
  • Visa, MC, & Bitcoin accepted
  • Largest poker network in the USA
BetOnline.ag
  • Most popular. Accepts all 50 U.S. states
  • Withdraws are fast, 2-10 days max
  • Accepts Visa, Amex & MC (+75%)
  • Second largest network for the US!
SportsBetting.ag
  • One-stop shop for poker, casino & sports
  • Gigantic bad beat jackpot
  • Collection of Sunday Majors
  • Daily cash races. Same owner as BetOnline.
Intertops Poker
  • Free casino spins for new sign-ups
  • Exclusive live tournament qualifiers
  • Solid Bitcoin support
  • Online poker experience since 1996
Bovada.lv
  • Visa, Mastercard & Bitcoin Deposits
  • Sign-up bonus credited quickly
  • Fast payouts
  • Poker, Sports Betting & Casino
America’s Cardroom
  • Large amount of traffic
  • Fast and reliable payouts
  • Support for over 60 cryptocurrencies
  • Support for 6+ Hold’em
Blackchip Poker
  • Huge 200% crypto sign-up bonus
  • Elite benefits VIP program
  • Massive Sunday Venom tournament
  • Fun Pot-Limit Omaha games

Expected Date of Online Poker Legalization by U.S. State

Figuring out when individual states will pass online poker legislation is very much like trying to hit a moving target. Even after states enact bills and amendments for legalizing and regulating online poker, there tends to be a one or two-year waiting period before online gambling sites actually come to market. We’ve been following the US online poker market for over a decade, and we’ve decided to highlight some markets that could be close to full-blown legalization. Keep in mind, there are no guarantees and the dates are still very much in flux, but these are our updated predictions.

Connecticut has emerged as a progressive state in gambling, legalizing online casinos and poker in 2021. The launch of online casinos on October 19, 2021, marked a significant development, accompanied by provisions for online and retail sports betting. Both tribal casinos are now empowered to offer a comprehensive range of gambling options. Despite the dynamic nature of the industry, Connecticut’s responsiveness and willingness to adapt are evident. The state has moved beyond earlier constraints, including the influence of land-based casino operators, making online poker part of its legalized offerings. This reflects a more favorable outlook for online poker in Connecticut.ti

Most Used Deposit Methods

The most popular deposit methods for online poker sites are credit cards, specifically Visa & MasterCard, Moneygram & Western Union, wire transfers, PayPal, NETeller & Bitcoin, among other cryptocurrencies.
More info

Withdrawing

I choose bitcoin or bank wires withdrawals because I don’t like to go to the bank, but you can also choose the option of a paper check. You can read out withdrawals page for more details about how to withdraw money safely. More info

Echecks

Echecks are only in use by state-run poker sites such as the WSOP, Party Poker or other NJ, DE and NV ran sites. You essentially just enter your bank number and routing number on your check to deposit.

More info

EWallets

If for some reason the other options didn’t work, you’ll likely have to use an eWallet or MoneyGram/Western Union. An eWallet is a 3rd party processor not used much anymore, but basically, you pay the processor and then the processor pays the poker sites. More info

Online Poker Sites That Do Not Accept US Residents

US residents are unable to play poker at the following online poker sites because they do not accept Americans.

Blacklisted Sites

There are a few online poker sites that players should avoid at all costs and for a variety of reasons, such as; untrustworthiness, breach of security, and not paying out winnings. These sites are:

·      Carbon Poker

·      Odds Poker

·      LockPoker

·      Ultimatebet.com

·      Absolute Poker

·      Cardspike

Having a Hard Time Finding an Online Poker Site? This is Why.

We know it can get a little confusing. There are 50 states with 50 different laws and most poker sites don’t serve all those states. Seventeen years ago, the US government passed a law that made it illegal for banks to distribute money to gambling sites that accepted wagers from the United States (2006 UIGEA). This law was fundamentally flawed and thrown out, and another reason why daily fantasy sports are allowed but most offshore sites do not qualify to have a U.S. license, although they still accept U.S. business. Due in part because they were forced to launder money, which sounds inherently bad, but they were/are only really doing so to pay players when all is said and done. I trust some offshore sites more than I would any state-regulated online casino.

“Illegal gambling” is an interesting term because it only applies to gambling that has been specifically banned. Online sports betting was previously banned by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). There had to be a Supreme Court ruling –filed by New Jersey and ruled on in 2018– to overturn it. Now it’s up to the states and several have started to legalize it, expand gaming and many more are in the process. Online poker has never been specifically federally banned by legislation or the DOJ, so it’s legal to play in ANY state.

If anything, the DOJ stated that it would be the operators of the poker site who could be legally liable. All the sites we mentioned above are based outside the United States and therefore subject to a different set of laws. We highly recommend them and guarantee they are 100% safe to play at.

Requirements to Play Online

While you don’t need a deck of cards or chips, the two main things you’ll need are a computer (or mobile device) and internet connection. It’s pretty important to make sure you have a stable internet connection. You don’t need blazing-fast internet since the information being transmitted is minimal, you use way less than streaming Netflix or even music. Stability is what’s important, choppy Wi-Fi could sever your connection to the server at the most essential moment and cost you a ton of money.

On top of that, the main thing you’re going to need is a bank account and ID. Sites will ask to verify your identity to make sure you are who you say you are and that your bank account actually belongs to you. This is an important security measure that makes sure no one but you can access your funds. There are plenty of different banking options and that depends on the site. Some sites even allow you to use Bitcoin or different cryptocurrencies to fund your account.

Besides that there’s really nothing else you need to play online poker. Just find any place you’re comfortable and fire up your account to get going.

How Does Traffic Affect Poker Rooms?

At the best online poker sites, you need someone to play against – there are sites where there are games going 24/7 and then there are sites where you may have to wait an hour. Player volume dictates how fast you’ll be able to find a game. Remember that some sites offer more tournaments while others are focused on cash games. It’s also worth noting that even if less popular poker games like 7 Card Stud and Draw are on offer, there may not be enough volume for those games.

Online Poker Bonuses

Aside from being fun, online poker is generous to newcomers. The more, the merrier, and to do that sites often offer sign-up bonuses or promotions. While these bonuses vary from site to site and change throughout the year, they generally follow a similar pattern.

Most sites double your deposit amount up to a certain amount. To clear the bonus, you have to play for some time and then you’re good to go. Lots of sites also offer reload bonuses, special holiday-themed bonuses, and more. The only way to keep tabs is to play consistently on your favorite site and see what new offers pop up.

The second-best thing you can do is head on over to our bonus page to see what the best current bonuses out there are.

Differences between Live and Online poker

The main difference between online and live poker is convenience. Live poker truly is an event. You have to get ready with your ideal poker-playing outfit, usually drive a considerable distance, find parking (ugh!), show ID to get into the casino, see if there are any poker tournaments or cash games running, sign up at the desk and wait for them to call your name.

When you play online, commuting is non-existent, in fact, you can even play during your commute to somewhere else. There is also no dress code and clothing is optional (depending on where you are of course). You only need to show ID when you sign up for your account and after that, you can log in almost instantaneously from wherever you have an internet connection.

Aside from convenience, the other main difference is the whole sensory experience. When you’re at the casino there are all sorts of sights, sounds, smells and tastes (if you order food or drinks, we don’t recommend tasting the poker chips). For some people, this is part of the appeal of playing live poker, for others it can be distracting and a little overwhelming.

Online poker lets you control your environment and focus exclusively on the game. Everything is happening on one screen and you can pick your own music or mute sounds altogether. But this also means that you won’t be able to see your opponents. In live poker, a big part of the game is reading your opponents to determine whether they’re bluffing or not. But even though you can’t see opponents, there are tells online. This mostly comes down to timing and bet patterns. You can monitor to see the bet sizes and how fast players react and use that to gauge a baseline pattern and detect when they’re acting a little suspicious.

The other main difference between live and online poker is the cost. Live poker can get pretty pricey. You have to factor in gas, parking, food, rooms if you’re staying overnight and then there’s tipping. You have to tip the servers, the valet attendants and it’s good practice to tip the dealer when you win a large pot.

All this adds up pretty quickly. When you’re playing online, the only real direct expenses are electricity and internet.

About Our Poker Reviews

If you’ve looked up online poker you’ve probably noticed there are dozens and dozens of sites. It can be pretty overwhelming and feel like you need a full-time team of poker players reviewing them. Well, it’s your lucky day because that’s who comes to work every day at US Poker Sites. Our team of dedicated reviewers are long-time poker players that have decades of experience among themselves.

They’ve seen all kinds of poker rooms and know what the best online poker sites consist of. What’s most important is that they have first-hand experience with risky sites and know what to look for. Probably the most important thing to take into account when choosing a new site is making sure it’s reputable and fair. You can rest assured that every site you see here is safe, we wouldn’t even bother reviewing them on US PokerSites if they weren’t. If we’ve taken our time to review it, it’s safe and has all the certifications and licenses it needs to operate. 

After we clear that bar, we start getting down to the nitty-gritty. We look at everything from software to bonuses. We test deposit and withdrawal times and see what the competition is like at every site, and check out each site’s customer service and banking options. 

Most importantly, we look at which sites are the most fun to play and which ones we think will be the best for you. For more, check out our reviews section to find the site that’s right for you. 

Other Helpful Online Poker Guides

Feel like you’re not quite ready to jump into poker games online or want to brush up on your skills a bit? Don’t worry, we got you covered on that front too. We can ease your poker jitters with our comprehensive poker guides. We cover everything from poker hand rankings to the best way to deposit on sites. 

We have a complete guide on how to play Texas No-Limit Hold’em and an overview of the other kinds of poker games out there. After we help you cover the basics, it’s up to you to put that knowledge to use and start honing your poker game. 

Like chess, poker is a game that’s easy enough to learn, but it takes a lifetime to master. 

US Online Poker Bills News

Latest US Online Poker & Casino Bills in Progress

Updated 01/01/2022

Michigan greenlit online poker in late 2019. It’s going to be a bit of a wait for poker players in the state, however, as online poker isn’t expected to go live until 2022 at the earliest.

Regulated online poker is officially live Pennsylvania. Online gambling was set to debut in winter of 2019 but was delayed several times. The market finally went live in late 2019.

West Virginia officially passed an online gaming bill on in late March of 2019. The bill is set to become law in June of 2019 and there’s a chance fully legal online poker sites will launch before the end of the year.

Two internet poker bills were presented in New York last year. One bill was introduced in January and the other in February of 2017. Last February 15th, one bill passed the Senate Gaming Committee (11-0 vote) and passed the Senate Finance Committee (27-9 vote) a few months later on May 9th. It passed the full Senate (54-8 vote) on June 13, 2017 but it did not receive a vote by the Assembly.

On March 1, 2017, a bill (SB 203) to legalize and regulated online gambling (poker and casino games) in Michigan was introduced. SB 203 passed the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee on March 8th (7-1 vote) last year and it went to the full Senate for a potential vote but did not receive one. On September 12, 2017, a second online gaming bill (HB 4926) was introduced.

On January 10th, West Virginia presented a bill, HB 3067, to legalize online gambling (poker and casino games). The bill is in a House Committee to receive a hearing and possible vote.

Louisiana introduced a bill, SB 322, around March 1st to legalize online gambling.

It looks like California will not be presenting any internet poker bills to the legislature this year. Last year on February 17th, Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer introduced a bill (AB 1677) in California which would allow online poker if passed. It’s pretty much the same bill as the previous year (AB 2863), but no vote was taken on the bill in 2017. The bill will pay the horse racing industry up to $60 million a year, but they cannot operate poker sites.

On May 31, 2017, the Illinois Senate passed a bill, HB 479, to regulate and legalize online gambling (poker and casino games) by a 42-10 vote. This bill then went to the House but was later shelved for the time being.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we have provided some insight into US poker sites and how you can play online safely. Ideally, USPokerSites.us will be your one-stop shop for online poker in the United States as states continue legalization and licensing. There’s plenty to learn about how online poker works in the USA, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. If you’ve got a passion for playing online poker, then that’s really all you need to get out there and start playing.

US Online Poker Sites FAQ

News

Joseph Sabe Banks a $507,978 Score at the Wynn Millions

Who Are The Biggest Poker Winners From Israel

Benjamin Diebold Reels In Career Best Score of $96,810