Poker Sites - Best Real Money US Poker Sites 2024

Online poker is currently only legal and regulated in 8 US states, while others are in the process of legislation. We reviewed the top poker sites, carefully looking at game variety, user experience, traffic, payment methods, and bonuses. All that’s left for you to do is create your account and play online poker for real money.

Selecting the perfect online poker site isn’t as easy as it sounds. At USA Legal Betting we did the homework for you and carefully evaluated the important factors and features that go into a great poker site. We look at game variety, ranging from popular Texas Hold'em to niche options like Omaha Hi-Lo. We explore table stakes, catering to players of all bankrolls, from low-stakes to high-roller tables.

This US poker site guide does more than just comparisons, you’ll get reviews and rankings of the top legal and regulated online poker sites for 2024. Our unique approach incorporates real-time traffic reports, allowing you to select rooms buzzing with activity.

Choosing a legal American poker site is essential for player protection and fair gameplay. We navigate the legal complexities, offering essential information on online poker regulations in different states.

The legality of online poker in the US can be a complex and nuanced topic due to the varying legal landscape across different states. While there is no federal prohibition on playing online poker, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 restricts the ability of financial institutions to process payments related to "unlawful internet gambling." This act primarily targeted real money online casinos and has created a gray area for online poker specifically.

The UIGEA leaves the regulation of online gambling, including poker, largely up to individual states. Currently, only eight states have legalized and regulated online poker:

Nevada

Delaware

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Michigan

Rhode Island

Connecticut 

Each of these states  have established licensing and regulatory frameworks for online poker operators, allowing them to legally offer their services to residents within their borders. Legislation is underway in New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, although no final decisions have been reached.

For players in states without legalized online poker, the legal situation remains unclear. Participating in online poker from these states might not be explicitly illegal, but it falls within a legal gray area, and players should be aware of the associated risks.

How Do You Know if a Poker Site is legit?

USA Legal Betting only reviews and recommends legal and regulated poker sites, so if you see it listed below, and you’re in a state where online poker is legal, you can feel comfortable creating an account and playing cards.

If you want to check out a site yourself, look for these indicators:

Legal Licensing

• Check to make sure the website is licensed and regulated by a state gaming commission within the US. These licenses ensure the site adheres to strict regulations regarding fair gameplay, player protection, and responsible gambling practices. You’ll see the licensing information on the bottom of the websites.

Payment Methods

• Look for sites that offer secure and well-established payment methods: This could include major credit card companies, trusted e-wallets, or bank transfers, depending on the state's regulations. If a site only accepts cryptocurrency, it should raise a red flag for you. 

Geolocation restrictions

• These sites use geolocation technology to restrict access to players outside the state's borders.

Legalizing online poker is on the table in many states. Some are currently in legislation, others have discussed it but are still waiting for more data, while others haven’t begun legislation at all.

Poker and Gambling Laws by State

Even among the states where you can play online poker for real money, there are differences on what is allowed or not. It’s important to understand the laws of the state where you’re located to ensure you don’t run into any trouble.

There are plenty of online poker sites, but unfortunately many of them are non-regulated or a scam. After comprehensive testing, and playing a lot of poker, we found the best poker websites in the US.

• PokerStars
• partypoker
• BetMGM Poker
• Borgata Poker
• Bovada
• WSOP

Each platform has its unique offerings, including variations of poker games, tournament structures, user interfaces, bonuses, and rewards systems. Therefore, it's essential to consider factors such as reputation, game variety, software quality, security measures, payment options, and customer support when deciding where to play.

PokerStars Review

PokerStars first launched for real money play in New Jersey in 2016. After that it was legalized and regulated in Pennsylvania and Michigan.  In January 2023, PokerStars MI and PokerStars NJ created a multi-state online poker network, allowing players from each state to play with each other and join the same poker tournaments

• Game Variety:  PokerStars offers a large variety of poker games, including popular choices like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, as well as unique options like 2-7 Triple Draw and Razz. It also boasts the popular HORSE & 8-Game Mix which has a rotation of 8 different games.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Get a 100% first deposit bonus and frequent promotions, including freerolls and tournaments with large prize pools. Its VIP program is invite-only, but if you qualify, you’ll be eligible for prizes such as special bonus offers, tickets to events, a dedicated host, and more.
• Payment Options:  VISA, MasterCard, Instant Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, PaySafeCard, PayNearMe, and Instant eChecks.
• Customer Support:  Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email, though phone support is limited.

Pros:

• Huge player base and variety of games, with high traffic during peak hours
• Strong reputation and security measures
• Mobile-friendly platform

Cons:

• Below-average welcome bonuses compared to competitors
• Limited phone support options

partypoker Review

Partypoker is a top provider of online poker software, powering BetMGMs online poker rooms in PA, NJ, and MI. Additionally, it has had its own branded online poker site in NJ since 2013. Poker tournaments are where partypoker really shines with options like daily, sit & go, progressive knockout, Mega Tuesday, and a Sunday 25k Guaranteed Pot.

• Game Variety:  There is a small selection of game choices, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and Pot Limit Omaha. While it lacks unique or exclusive games, partypoker caters to the most popular choices.
• Bonuses and Promotions:  Get 100% up to $600 and $25 on the house when you register and make a deposit. The partypoker Loyalty Program includes up $3,000 in cashback, based iRPs that you earn by playing each week,
• Payment Options:  Visa, MasterCard, American Express, VIP Preferred, PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, Skrill, PromoCode, Bank Transfer, Apple Pay.
• Customer Support:  Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email, but phone support is unavailable. While response times can vary, the support team is generally helpful.

Pros:

• Excellent selection of real money poker tournaments
• Large selection of secure payment methods
• Mobile-friendly platform

Cons:

• Only available in NJ
• No unique or exclusive game offerings

BetMGM Poker Review

BetMGM Poker enjoys instant name recognition, thanks to the BetMGM brand name. Not only are its poker rooms and tournaments available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, but it can pool in-state players and pots from partypoker and Borgata Poker as a part of the partypoker US Network. This leads to high traffic and potentially large pots.

• Game Variety: You’ll find Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Seven Card Stud, and Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo table at BetMGM Poker. While the game variety is limited, there are plenty of tournaments, including Heads-Up, Daily C-Note, Rebuys, Shoot Satellites, Multi-Table, and more.
• Bonuses and Promotions: New players are eligible for a 00% deposit match up to $1,000 and $75  in tournament tickets. The two main ongoing promotions are Hot Tables, which can boost your pot up to $1,500 and aCashback Grind that can deposit money in your account every Friday. One big benefit of the BetMGM brace is its rewards program, which can be redeemed at the casino or online for excellent benefits and prizes.
• Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, VIP Preferred, Play+, PayNearMe, MGM Rewards, TAPPP, Apple Pay, Venmo, Bank Transfer.
• Customer Support: Live chat is available 24/7 to answer your questions or you can open a ticket and send an email, although the response time can be a few days.

Pros:

• Access to a large player pool through the partypoker US Network
• Competitive welcome bonus and integrated loyalty program
• Mobile-friendly platform

Cons:

• Lacks unique game offerings or exclusive features
• No phone support option

Borgata Poker Review

Borgata Poker is available for players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It has poker tournaments running 24/7, with a wide variety of formats and buy-in ranges for players of all levels and bankrolls. Much like BetMGM, it’s part of the partypoker US Network, providing access to a shared player pool for cash games and a strong tournament offering.

• Game Variety: You can play the most popular online poker games, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. There are also three-card, four-card, and stud poker games that have plenty of traffic.
• Bonuses and Promotions: The Borgata Poker welcome bonus is 100% deposit match up to $1,000. There is also a Cashback Grind promotion that allows you to earn Borgata Rewards Points that adds cash into your account every Friday.
• Payment Options:  Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, Play+ Skrill, VIP Preferred, PayNearMe, Apple Pay, Online Banking.
• Customer Support: There is the option for 24/7 live chat to go along with email support.

Pros:

• Strong tournament selection with various buy-in levels and formats
• Access to a large player pool through the partypoker US Network
• Competitive welcome bonus and loyalty program

Cons:

• Lacks unique game offerings or exclusive features
• Slow customer service response times

Bovada Poker Review

Bovada is an offshore poker site that’s accessible to US players outside of New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada, and Maryland. It’s a high traffic site with a wide range of poker tournaments, anonymous tables, and generally has softer competition than other sites.

• Game Variety: Bovada Poker is powered by Bodog software and offers a good selection of popular games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, with options for various stakes. They also have unique features like anonymous tables and Zone Poker, a fast-fold format.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Get a 100% deposit match welcome bonus up to $500 when you join Bovada Poker.
• Payment Options:Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Litecoin, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Cash
• Customer Support: Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email, but phone support is unavailable.

Pros:

• Available in most US states
• Accepts cryptocurrencies for faster and potentially cheaper transactions

Cons:

• Limited transparency compared to US-licensed sites regarding fair play practicesWSOP Review

WSOP Review

WSOP.com is the official online poker room of the World Series of Poker, and they offer different tournaments and chances to win bracelet and ring tournaments. Despite its strong brand recognition, it only operates in Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.

• Game Variety: WSOP Poker games include Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Draw Games, Lowball Draw, Badugi, and HORSE.
• Bonuses and Promotions: There are two welcome bonuses - 100% matching deposit up to $1,000 & up to $100 in free play. There are also various leaderboard promotions with big cash prizes, and tournaments with guaranteed pots.
• Payment Options:  Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, VIP Preferred.
• Customer Support:  Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email, but phone support is unavailable. While response times can be average, the support team is generally helpful.

Pros:

• Competitive welcome bonus and loyalty program
• Opportunity to qualify for live WSOP events through online tournaments

Cons:

• Only available in Mi, NV, NJ, and DE

Choosing the right online poker site is important for an enjoyable gaming experience. With a lot of options available, you should carefully consider several factors before making your decision. From security measures to game variety, they all contribute to your overall enjoyment and safety.

Factors to Consider:

• Licensing and regulation: Make sure the poker site operates under a valid license from a reputable regulatory authority. Licensing ensures that the site adheres to strict standards of fairness, security, and responsible gaming practices. All of this is necessary to protect you from potential fraud or misconduct.
• Security measures: Choose platforms that use advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information. Powerful security measures, such as SSL encryption and secure payment gateways, are there to protect your sensitive data from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
• Game selection and traffic: Evaluate the variety of poker games and stakes offered by the site, and make sure they have tables that cater to your preferences and skill level. Additionally, consider the site's traffic levels to ensure active tables and timely game availability, especially during peak hours.
• Bonuses and promotions: Assess the site's bonus offerings, including welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and loyalty rewards. However, beware of promotions that sound too good, have unrealistic wagering requirements, or hidden terms and conditions.
• Software quality and user experience: Test the site's software for functionality, reliability, and user-friendly interface. Smooth gameplay, customizable settings, and compatibility across different devices enhance the overall gaming experience.
• Customer support: Look into the sites with customer support options. You want options such as live chat, email, or phone support. It’s important to get quick answers to questions, technical issues, or disputes that might come up.

If you’re new to online poker, there are some additional factors to consider when picking a site. Remember to start small, practice regularly, and enjoy the process of mastering this exciting game.

• User-friendly interface: Look for a platform with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. Clear layouts and simple controls can make learning the games less daunting.
• Beginner tables: Register with a site that offers tables specifically designated for beginners. These tables often have lower stakes and attract players with similar skill levels, providing a conducive learning environment.
• Tutorial resources: Look for sites that offer tutorial resources such as guides, videos, or interactive tutorials. These resources can help beginners grasp the rules, strategies, and terminology of poker.
• Practice play options: Take advantage of free play or practice modes. This allows you to improve your skills without risking real money, and grow your confidence before transitioning to real-money games.
• Beginner friendly promotions: Consider sites that offer promotions and bonuses tailored for newcomers. These may include welcome bonuses, freeroll tournaments, or other incentives to kickstart your poker journey.

For seasoned poker enthusiasts seeking a platform that caters to their expertise, several features distinguish top online poker sites:

• High stakes tables: Look for sites that offer a variety of high-stakes tables where you can test your skills against formidable opponents. These tables often attract seasoned players looking for challenging gameplay.
• Advanced analytics: Opt for a platform that provides in-depth statistics and analysis tools. You want access to hand histories, player tracking, and performance metrics. It will help you improve your strategy and gain insights into your opponents' tendencies.
• Variety of games and formats: You want a poker site that has a wide range of poker variants and formats, including cash games, tournaments, and sit-and-gos. Enjoy the flexibility to switch between different games and explore new challenges.
• VIP programs and rewards: The best online poker sites reward experienced players with loyalty programs and VIP rewards. Exclusive perks such as cashback bonuses, VIP tournaments, and personalized customer support enhance the overall gaming experience.
• Advanced features and customization: Look for platforms that offer advanced features such as multi-tabling support, customizable table layouts, and advanced hand analysis tools.

These features are designed to cater to the preferences and playing styles of experienced players. By prioritizing these features, you will have a more tailored and immersive gaming experience that will elevate your gameplay to new heights.

The US online poker market has been up and down for the past two decades, but it’s definitely trending up. The poker boom in the early 2000s was fueled by televised tournaments and easy access to online platforms. However, everything changed in 2011 with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which effectively banned online poker at the federal level. This decision, which is better known as Black Friday, forced major online poker operators to stop serving US players.

Despite the UIGEA, things started to change in 2013 when New Jersey became the first state to legalize and regulate online poker. This paved the way for legislation in other states, including Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, and Connecticut, all of which currently have legit online poker options.

In 2019, a US District Court judge overruled a 2018 DOJ ruling which stated the 1961 Interstate Wire Act, which prohibited interstate player pools between states, and said it only refers to sports betting and not online poker.

However, even with this big win, the future of the US online poker market is still dependent on things like individual state legislation and the impact of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows for interstate online poker liquidity between participating states. Currently, 4 states are in the process of legislating online poker, and another 12 states have had official discussions although no legislation has been passed.

Key Points:

• US online poker experienced a boom, followed by a major setback due to the UIGEA interpretation.
• New Jersey became the first state to legalize and regulate in 2013, and it’s currently legal in eight states.
• Legalization efforts continue in some states, while others don’t have interest in pursuing it,
• MSIGA and the success of existing markets offer potential for future growth.

You’ll find similar games at most real money poker sites, some even share the same software providers. Therefore, it’s important to check out the welcome bonuses and promotions, which is where legal online poker sites can really differentiate themselves from other options.

Here are the welcome bonuses for the top online poker sites.

The world of online poker offers a mix of competition, strategy, and pot sizes. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's a game and table waiting to match your style and bankroll. Here are some of the most popular options for US players. 

• Cash Games: These are the bread and butter of online poker, where you compete against other players, with the pot going to the winner at the showdown. Buy-ins vary, catering to both casual and high-stakes players.
• Tournaments: You have to pay an entry fee and compete for a share of a predetermined prize pool. These events offer a chance to win big, even with a moderate buy-in, and come in various formats, including multi-table tournaments (MTTs), Sit & Go's (starting once enough players register), and knockout tournaments where players earn bounties for eliminating opponents.
• High Stakes Games: For experienced players with deep pockets, high stakes tables offer the ultimate challenge and potential rewards. These games attract professional players and have significantly higher buy-ins compared to standard cash games.
• Low Stakes Games: These tables cater to beginners, casual players, or those with smaller bankrolls. It’s a great way to just have fun playing online poker, develop strategies, and gain poke experience without risking significant amounts.
• Other Variations: Beyond the core options, online poker platforms often feature a variety of game variations, including Seven-Card Stud, five card poker, Razz, HORSE, and more each with unique rules and gameplay.

The top online poker providers, like Poker Star, partypoker, and Bodog do more than just develop exciting poker games. They run tournaments and tables that pool players together from multiple vendors for larger pots. For example, partypoker, BetMGM, and Borgata Poker all use the partypoker software. So as a player, you have a higher traffic, bigger pots, and a consistent experience across multiple brands.

The software providers are also responsible for smooth gameplay, testing games for fair play, and creating a visually pleasing online poker experience. Registering for an online poker site that doesn’t work with a major software provider can lead to a bad gaming experience.