Download App
Download the AppDeals of the Day
See AllBest Online Poker Sites
Online poker has blown up in popularity in the last decade due to the convenience of playing from anywhere. But with so many websites available to play on, picking the best site to play on can be challenging. This guide will look at some of the best poker sites available in the US and what you should consider when picking the right one.
But before we delve into it, let’s cover some brass tacks.
The Best Legal Online Poker Sites in the US
BetMGM
BetMGM is the online poker site for MGM Resorts. The company has partnerships with several land-based casinos, including Borgata in Atlantic City. The platform shares a liquidity market with 888poker in Delaware.
The site offers $25 free to new players upon signing up, another $25 free & 100% on deposit with $1,000 maximum. BetMGM provides sleek desktop and smartphone software that gives you a great poker experience.
The site is generally a favorite among casual poker players. If you like to be in the middle of the action and play a lot of tables at once, BetMGM is your go-to poker site.
Borgata
Borgata is another poker site from the MGM family. It debuted in New Jersey in 2013 and shared liquidity and traffic with PartyPoker NJ and BetMGM sites. While it lags behind PartyPoker NJ, it’s still a top option for American players.
The site offers everything a player would ask for, combining various promotions, a rewarding VIP program, and solid game selection formats. The range of stakes across the board is excellent.
While the game selection is somewhat limited to the most popular variations, the site generally caters to everyone, with micro to high-stakes tables. Borgata offers 100% up to $1,000 first deposit match and a 75% free play bonus.
Caesars
Caesars
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
Caesars is one of the most popular poker brands in the US. Although it’s an online casino, it still has an excellent poker platform. The company only existed as a land-based casino until 2013, when New Jersey became one of the first states to legalize online gambling. Now, it’s available in Michigan and West Virginia.
Caesars offers a handsome welcome bonus of $300. That’s quite good for beginner players looking to experience its gameplay. However, it’s only available to players residing within states where Caesars is legal such as New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
What makes this online poker site unique is the software design. It’s sleek and modern and features a brick-and-mortar building as the background, giving you a feel of a real land casino. It also works perfectly.
While the platform has a limited game selection, it offers decent bonuses and promotions. Overall, it’s a good choice for players looking for a solid online poker experience without any frills.
DraftKings
DraftKings
Get a $1,000 Deposit Bonus
While DraftKings is a small part of the sportsbook, it has managed to rise to fame quickly and gained a foothold in the gambling industry. But what makes it stand out? Arguably, it’s the generous bonuses and promos.
First, new players get $50 Free Credits! and a deposit bonus of up to $2,000. But that’s not all. The site also offers various games, with the most popular ones you can ever find on a poker site, such as three Card Poker live, Texas Hold ’em, Roulette lives, Baccarat lives, and Blackjack lives.
The software is user-friendly with great graphics, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of game variety. However, if you’re looking for an online poker site with lots of bonuses, then Draftkings is the way to go.
FanDuel
FanDuel
Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets!
Another top poker site is FanDuel by Betfair Interactive US LLC. Established in 2009 as a fantasy sports site, It ventured into the online gambling space later as the online gaming industry in the US took off. The site is available in several states, including Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
What makes it one of the best online poker sites is the Jackpot, that’s up to $500,000. That’s not. It has attractive bonuses and promotions such as the $5 first deposit bonus and the risk-free betting chance on any sport worth $500. New players also get 100% of their money back on their casino losses. While that doesn’t guarantee a bonus on wins, it encourages new players to play with confidence.
FanDuel does not offer a reward program. However, there are promotions each time you log in. The platform provides a polished user experience via desktop and mobile software.
SugarHouse
Sugarhouse
NJ and PA sportsbook
Owned by Rush Street Interactive, which also operates BetRivers, SugarHouse is one of the most popular poker sites in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The platform offers various games, including the most popular poker variations such as Texas Hold ’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. The site also offers a decent selection of bonuses and promotions, including a first deposit bonus of 100% up to $250.
The software is user-friendly and offers a great user experience. However, it doesn’t provide much in terms of game variety. Overall, it’s a good choice for players looking for a solid online poker experience without any frills.
BetRivers
BetRivers
2nd Chance Bets ($100-$500)
BetRivers is another popular online poker site in the US owned by Rush Street Interactive. The platform is available in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Like SugarHouse, BetRivers offers a wide range of games, including the most popular poker variations. New players get a first-time deposit bonus of 100% up to $250. The site also provides a decent selection of bonuses and promotions, including a reload bonus of 50% up to $250.
BetRivers provides seamless and user-friendly software on desktop and mobile devices. While BetRivers doesn’t offer much game variety, it’s a good choice for players looking for a solid online poker experience.
PointsBet
PointsBet
PointsBet has unique features like PointsBetting
Last on the list is PointsBet. It’s slightly different from the other poker sites. It’s an Australian bookmaker that ventured into the US market in 2019. The company is now available in New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia.
The poker site differentiates itself from others with its high-risk, high-reward PointsBetting format. The concept is simple. If you’re right, the more you win; the more wrong you are, the more you lose.
New poker players should take advantage of the risk-free betting bonus of up to $2,000. Other lucrative recurring promotions include the loyalty program that offers players cashback on casino losses.
The poker platform has a small selection of table games, slots, and live games but a great library of video poker games. It is a perfect site for beginners to learn the ropes of online Poker and for seasoned players to try their luck with the high-risk, high-reward format.
How to Find the Best Online Poker Sites
If you are out on the search for your own poker site, there are a number of factors that you should consider. They include;
Your Level of Experience
While all the sites on our list are great for online poker, they are different. Some are better suited for specific players, while others work best for another group. So when looking for the best site for you, it’s essential to consider your experience level.
Top Poker Sites for Beginners
If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended that you choose sites with a good selection of tutorials and tips. You also need one where you can find the following:
- Reasonable offers of low stake tournaments
- Many Texas hold’em games
- Recurring promotions for new players
- Strict policies against using any poker software and HUDs
- Many online qualifiers where you can play expensive events for smaller buy-ins
Some top websites like PokerStars have gone the extra mile to create a playing environment that favors beginners and recreational players. Other excellent sites include Partypoker and Unibet Poker.
The Best Online Poker Sites for Experienced players
Unlike beginners, experienced players look for different things on a poker site. If you are an experienced player and are looking for a site that matches your needs, here are some factors to consider;
- A site with a more extensive selection of poker games and tournaments
- Higher stakes tournaments and games with bigger prize pools
- Generous cash back programs and Rakeback deals
- Exportable hand histories
As an experienced player, you probably have one website you prefer over the rest. But you can never know what others have to offer if you don’t try them out. Americas Cardroom, 888poker, and Ignition are great alternatives for experienced players.
Regulation
Online poker is not legal everywhere. In some countries or states, it’s only allowed in licensed physical casinos. Others have banned it altogether. So if you’re looking for the best online poker site, check if online poker gambling is legal in your area.
Licensing
Before starting your poker journey, you’ll want to ensure that the site has all the licenses from a reputable authority, which allows it to operate in your state.
This guarantees that the site abides by specific rules and regulations, protecting you. The last thing you want is to play on a poker site that isn’t fair or safe.
Security
Once you’ve ascertained that the site is licensed and legal, you’ll want to check that it is secure. A poker site should have the latest encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.
When looking at the security of a poker site, expect nothing less than SSL encryption or HTTPS protocol.
Traffic/Popularity
Player pool size is among the most important factors when choosing an online poker. It refers to the number of players actively playing on the site at any given time. Since the game is competitive, more traffic usually means more fish or bad players for you to exploit.
Your traffic metric should consider the number of active players in every poker room for all poker styles.
Poker Variants
The type of poker games available on a site is also crucial. For instance, almost any website will do if you’re only interested in playing Texas Hold’em. But if you want to mix things up from time to time and try a different version like Omaha or Stud, you’ll need to ensure that your chosen site offers them.
The best poker sites will offer a wide selection of poker variants for you to choose from. This way, you can try out new games and perfect your skills without looking for another site.
Terms and Conditions
Every poker site has its own set of terms and conditions. These include age requirements, withdrawal limits, bonus wagering requirements, and country/state restrictions. Before creating an account, read through a site’s terms and conditions to ascertain that you can abide by the set terms.
That way, you know what you’re getting into and can avoid any nasty surprises down the road. While most people avoid reading the small print on many platforms, that shouldn’t be the case with online poker sites.
Poker Software (Desktop)
The look and feel of the best poker sites matter. Being user-friendly is paramount when it comes to online poker sites. After all, you don’t want to spend time figuring out how to use the site, while you could spend the time playing.
Before settling on a site, Can you find poker rooms and tournaments easily? Is the lobby easy to navigate?
The answer to these questions can help you determine if a site is user-friendly or not. That way, you can focus on your game and not get distracted by a cluttered interface.
Banking Options/ Payments
Poker sites offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal options. However, not all of them will be convenient for you. Therefore, only pick a site that offers a banking option that’s convenient for you.
Some popular deposit options include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank wire transfers. As for withdrawal options, the most common are e-wallets, check by courier, and bank transfer. Lately, some also have a crypto option like Bitcoin.
Free Games and Free rolls
Most poker sites offer free games and tournaments. These are a great way to learn the ropes or practice your skills without risking any of your own money. If you’re still new to the game, try and find those sites with this offering.
Poker bonuses and offers
Another critical factor to consider when choosing poker sites is the quality of their bonuses and promotions.
After all, who doesn’t like receiving free money?
While this bonuses and offers can be mouth watering, it is important to note that there are catches to redeeming them. It is therefore your duty to get an understanding of the set terms and any special requirements needed to receive the reward.
Rake and fees
When playing poker online, the site will take a small percentage of each pot as a rake. That’s how poker sites make money, and it’s also why the games are referred to as “rake games.”
In addition to rake, most poker sites also charge tournament fees. These are usually a small percentage of the buy-in, ensuring that the prize pool is large enough to attract players.
Therefore, consider the rakes and fees percentages charged by a poker site before settling on one. They shouldn’t be too high, lest they eat into your winnings.
Rewards and loyalty
If you intend to play online poker regularly, you should choose a site with an excellent rewards loyalty program. They are what keep existing players happy and coming back for more.
Typically, rewards and loyalty programs take the form of VIP clubs or Rakeback deals. With a VIP club, you can earn points by playing real money games. You then redeem them for tournament tickets, cash prizes, merchandise, or other benefits.
On the other hand, Rakeback deals give you a percentage of your rake back. With these, you can offset the rake and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Reviews
You can never be too thorough when choosing the right poker site. Fortunately, you don’t have to do all the research yourself. Reviews like this one can point you in the right direction.
When reading reviews, pay attention to both the good and the bad. No poker site is perfect, and even the best have some flaws. The key is to find one with more pros than cons.
You should also read comments from other players. Most of them are not afraid to speak their minds, so you’ll be able to get an honest overview of what the site is really like.
Customer service
While a poker site may offer great things regarding games, bonuses, and payment options, it’s not worth much if the customer support is lousy. That’s why testing out different communication channels (email, live chat, etc.) to see how responsive and helpful they are is important.
The best poker sites will have customer support available 24/7 and are quick to respond to any concerns or questions. It will also have multiple languages supported to cater to a broader audience.
Benefits of Online Poker Sites
You should play poker on an online site instead of a brick-and-mortar casino for several reasons. The most obvious benefit is that you get to play from the comfort of your own home. Other benefits include:
A vast choice of poker rooms
Unlike brick-and-mortar casinos, online poker sites don’t have physical limitations. Since everything is virtual, they offer as many games and variations as they want. That allows you to join multiple tables or rooms simultaneously at a click of a button.
More formats to choose from
Poker is one of those games that come in many different formats. The most popular ones are cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Gos. When playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, your choices are often limited to the games offered on that day. But with online poker sites, you can choose from various formats, any day or time.
That allows you to extend your skills by playing other poker-based games that you might not encounter in a brick-and-mortar casino. Examples include 5-Card Stud, 3-Card Brag, 7-Card Stud, Razz, and Ho-Lo.
Better deals and bonuses
The virtual space is highly competitive, and online poker sites always seek ways to entice new players. Therefore, they tend to offer more attractive deals and bonuses to beat their competitors. These include welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, Rakeback, and VIP clubs. That way, you get more value for your money and can play with a bigger bankroll.
A better way to learn the game
Sitting at a physical table in the presence of experienced players for the first time can be intimidating for beginners. But with online poker sites, you can ease into the game at your own pace in the comfort of your home.
You also get some degree of anonymity since you’re not playing face-to-face with other players. That can remove the pressure and allow you to focus on your game. Even if you know the rules and have the experience of playing, it’s still a good idea to practice in an environment with less pressure.
How Do I Choose the Best Poker Site for Me?
With so many options, choosing the right poker site can be challenging. But this guide can help you identify the key factors to consider when deciding. Here’s a summary of what can help you in choosing the best poker site for you.
- Games and Variations. Make sure the site offers the games you’re interested in playing.
- Traffic. There should be enough traffic to support the games you want to play.
- Software. The site should be user-friendly and have all the features you need.
- Bonuses and Promotions. Look for sites that offer attractive bonuses and promotions.
- Customer Support. Customer support should be responsive and helpful.
While our best online poker sites list might be long, we have ensured each meets all criteria on our checklist. So, you can trust that any site will provide you with a tremendous poker-playing experience.
How to Get Started at Online Poker Rooms
Now that you understand what to look for when choosing an online poker site, it’s time to get into action. Here’s a quick guide on how to go about it:
1. Choose a site from our list of the best online poker sites, e.g., Ignition Casino.
- Open the website and click the join button on the top-right side of your screen
- Fill out the required personal information
- Read and accept the terms and conditions
- Click register
2. Verify your information
- Once you fill in your details, you will receive a come via SMS
- Enter the code in the pop-up box to verify your phone number
- Create a PIN on the next pop-up box
3. Make a deposit
- Now that you have an account, it’s time to deposit.
- Click on the deposit button
- Choose your preferred payment method and the bonus you would like
- Enter the amount you want to deposit and click deposit
4. Start playing!
- Now you’re ready to start playing online poker
- Select the game you want to play from the lobby and choose your buy-in amount. Good luck!
Do Any Online Poker Sites Offer a Mobile App?
Yes. While most poker sites have a mobile-optimized websites, some also offer native poker apps that you can download to your phone or tablet. These are usually available for iOS and Android devices.
The advantage of using a native app is that the interface is usually smoother and easier to use. However, it may not come with all the features available on the desktop version. So, it’s essential to check whether or not the app has everything you’ll need.
Mobile apps are a great way to play on the go. So, you can still get your poker fix if you’re stuck in a waiting room or on a long commute.
But how will you know the good ones? This article on the best poker apps will come in handy in your selection.
Final Take on the Best Online Poker Site
We believe that your success in online poker will greatly depend on how trustworthy a site is and that’s why we’ve put together this review. Whether you are a skilled poker player or not, make sure you carry out due diligence on each site you play on.
Which Poker Sites accept PayPal?
Several poker sites accept PayPal as a payment method. Some of the most popular include Betfair Poker and 888poker.
What is the best online poker site for beginners?
The best online poker site for beginners is PokerStars. It has various games and low buy-ins to suit all budgets. Plus, the software is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Other excellent sites include Partypoker and Unibet Poker.
What is the most honest online poker site?
The most honest online poker site has the approval of a reputable gambling authority. That assures you that the games are fair and that your personal and financial information is safe. All the sites on our list are highly trusted and regulated.
What is the best online poker site for US players?
There is no short supply of great online poker sites for US players. Some of the best include Ignition Poker, BetOnline Poker, Everygame, Bovada, Americas Cardroom, and more.
Can you play poker online for real money in the US legally?
Yes. While there are some restrictions in certain states, you can legally play online poker for real money in the US if you choose a site with the licenses to operate there. All the sites on our list are legal and licensed in at least one US state.
Are there any legit online poker sites?
Yes. All of the poker sites on our list are 100% legitimate with guaranteed safety and security. You can deposit and withdraw money confidently, knowing that your personal and financial information is safe.
Are online poker sites rigged?
No. Online poker sites are not rigged. While it’s true that there are scams, most websites are honest. They utilize Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that all games are fair and random. All of the sites on our list practice fairness.
Can you make money playing online poker?
Yes. You can make money playing, but it takes skill, dedication, and practice. If you’re new to the game, we recommend starting at lower stakes to get some experience under your belt. From there, you can gradually increase your stakes as you become more confident.
Remember, poker is a game of luck and skill. So, there’s no guarantee that you’ll make money every time you play.
What is the best free online poker site?
The best free online poker site is PokerStars. It offers a variety of free games and tournaments with small prizes. Plus, the software is top-notch and easy to use. Other great free poker sites include PokerStars, 888poker, Partypoker, and more.
Are Online Poker Sites Trustworthy?
Yes. All of the poker sites on our list are highly trusted and regulated. They use the latest security technologies to protect your personal and financial information. Plus, they all have excellent customer support if you need help.
Reviewed by
