Our List of the Best US Poker Sites Online [Updated for 2023]
US Poker Sites | Online Poker
Disclaimer: Check your local laws to be sure online gambling is available and legal where you live. Underage gambling is an offense, all sites are 18+ ONLY. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and only bet what you can afford. Casinos listed may not be available in your region.
(Ad) Online poker is among the most popular online casino games worldwide. It is a thrilling game based on skill, with a small element of luck. To increase your chances of winning against the best in US online poker, brush up your knowledge of the game and choose your online poker site carefully.
We’re about to save you a lot of time and hassle.
Here is our carefully compiled list of the top US poker sites for new players, so the only thing you need to focus on is knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em!
| Rank | Poker Site | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BetOnline Poker | |
| 2 | Ignition Poker | |
| 3 | Everygame Poker | |
| 4 | Americas Cardroom | |
| 5 | Juicy Stakes | |
| 6 | Blackchip Poker | |
| 7 | Bovada Poker | |
| 8 | SB Poker | |
| 9 | Global Poker | |
| 10 | NLOP |
The Best Online Poker Sites for US Players Today
Here’s our list of the best online poker sites for US players, updated for 2023, and tailored for new sign-ups:
BetOnline Poker
- 100% first deposit bonus
- Top 5 US player traffic
- Fantastic software client
BetOnline is an offshore website that caters to poker players from the USA. Much like Ignition Poker, there’s a casino section and a sports betting platform in addition to the poker section. The welcome bonus is 100% up to $1,000, an effective way to reel in new US players from all walks of life.
The user interface is outstanding. You’ll find your way around it even if you are new to playing poker. There are several payment methods that you can use for deposits and withdrawals. The customer support is fast and responsive, as in any serious online poker site for US players. If you reside in the USA, then BetOnline Poker would be an excellent choice for you to play poker.
Ignition Poker
- Excellent $1500 welcome bonus
- Largest US player traffic
- Fast withdrawal times
Ignition Poker is one of the best-known online casinos for US poker players. They’re an offshore casino that services the needs of US players. With a welcome bonus of up to $1500, it’s a great way to play online poker. As an extra gift, casino players can double this bonus up to $3000 to use on Ignition’s Casino platform as well.
Ignition Poker is just a part of the brand – there’s also an Ignition Casino section with other games. There are several poker variants on Ignition Poker for US players. As with the other sites on our list, Ignition Poker is legal for US players.
Furthermore, there’s also a helpful blog section on the site to help newer players learn about poker rules and how to become better players. With all this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that Ignition is the go-to brand for US players looking for online poker.
Everygame Poker
- 200% first deposit match up to $1,000
- Low-stakes poker rooms for casual players
- Great loyalty program
Everygame Poker is an online poker site for US players. At this time, US players can receive a 200% welcome deposit match bonus of up to $1,000. One of the best things about this site is its outstanding reputation. It’s a trustworthy site that is well-suited to the needs and preferences of US players.
The main drawback of Everygame Poker is that daily traffic to the site is not significant. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t find poker cash games and tournaments here. You’ll find all types of poker players at the poker tables, including casuals. This website offers various casino games besides poker, as well.
Americas Cardroom
- 100% welcome bonus up to $2,000
- Unique game modes
- Wide variety of promotions
Established in 2011 and licensed by the Cyprus Gaming Commission, Americas Cardroom is one of the best-known poker websites for US players. As the name suggests, the site is geared toward the American online poker market.
Americas Cardroom is one of the poker websites most widely visited by US players – and with good reason. The WPN network of Americas Card room is a great poker client, largely based on the PokerStars client. As such, it’s highly functional, easy to use, and very smooth. The audio experience may not be up to par – but most poker players don’t care about this aspect.
Juicy Stakes Poker
- 200% online poker welcome bonus up to $1,000
- Fantastic selection of tournaments, including freerolls
- Offers both instant play and downloadable software
You’ll get a 200% deposit bonus of up to $1,000 from the get-go. With a minimum deposit of $25, this website is accessible to almost every US poker player. It has some of the best multi-table tournaments on poker sites. You can visit this website from your mobile device – optimized with HTML5 technology.
One drawback is that the player base is smaller than other poker sites such as Americas Cardroom. Juicy Stakes Poker offers several poker variants, including No-Limit Hold’em, Fixed Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, and several others. The wagers vary from $0.01/$0.02 to $500/$1,000 in various tables and games.
Blackchip Poker
- 100% welcome bonus up to $2,000
- Instant tournament payouts
- Excellent poker traffic
If you want a big welcome deposit match bonus, look no further than Blackchip Poker. You’ll get a 100% deposit match up to $2,000, regardless of your deposit method. Nevertheless, the smallest sum you can deposit is $25, so Blackchip is accessible to most.
The website is registered in Costa Rica, as are many of the best poker sites for US players. The traffic is excellent here, and there’s massive cash traffic with huge tournaments. However, the main drawback is that there’s no mobile support. So, you may have problems if you want to play on this site on your mobile device.
You can use the usual payment methods here, such as Visa, MasterCard, and Bitcoin, among others. And you can play Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and other games. Overall, Blackchip poker is a solid choice for US poker players.
Bovada Poker
- 100% welcome bonus up to $500
- Fantastic selection of games
- Exemplary track record for fast payouts
Bovada is perhaps the best-known offshore casino site for US players and for online poker, too. They’re based in Costa Rica and operate on the Bodog network.
Bovada offers several methods of payment, including Visa, Amex, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Mastercard. They also offer a big first deposit welcome bonus, fast payouts, and deposits.
Want to give Bovada a try?
If you’re afraid of getting destroyed while playing poker by experienced poker sharks, you won’t have to worry about it at Bovada. There’s a more relaxed atmosphere, so even novices can enjoy playing. That’s not all; Bovada also has a clean record slate, meaning there have never been any fraud or scandal reports. They also have solid daily traffic levels, making most poker players happy.
Sportsbetting.ag Poker
- 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000
- High deposit and withdrawal limit
- Accepts a wide range of cryptocurrencies
SportsBetting.ag is another excellent licensed poker site for US players. You can play several poker variants here, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, Americana, and 32-Card Draw.
Sportsbetting.ag Poker is known to be on the softer side when it comes to the skill of poker players. One of the main reasons for this is that the site accepts US players. This means the player pool increases, and experienced players will have an easier time playing on this site.
Regarding payment options, you can use credit cards, Bitcoin, bank wire transfers, cashier’s checks, and other methods. Above all else, Sportsbetting.ag Poker is a fantastically reliable site. The transactions are encrypted, and your funds will be held in an escrow account. The software is well-designed, easy to understand, and used comfortably by inexperienced and experienced players alike.
Global Poker
- 150,000 Gold Coins for $10 plus 30 free Sweep Coins
- Only poker site to send prizes directly to your bank
- Good game selection
Global Poker is still an excellent option for US poker players, but this site has a couple of drawbacks. First, the bonus section is lackluster and there’s no support for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, so payouts can be slower. On the other hand, the platform has decent software, including mobile software for players, so you won’t have a hard time finding your way around the site at all.
There are still some redeeming factors, though. The tables at Global Poker are known to be frequented by unskilled, inexperienced players. This makes it much more likely for you to win money if you’re an experienced and skilled poker player. Overall, Global Poker is not the best poker site for US poker players, but it’s still an excellent backup option.
NLOP
- Free to play
- Multiple free-to-enter poker tournaments
- VIP private tournaments
One of the best things about the National League of Poker is that it’s legal and completely free to play. They offer several free-to-enter poker tournaments on the site daily. You will only be required to make a deposit if you wish to get VIP status and play with other VIP players.
Visit National League of Poker
However, it’s important to note that there are several reports of this site being shady. Some players complain that it seems that they can never win – that NLOP is flooded with poker bots that ruin the gameplay experience. It’s not substantiated, but it’s still important information to know. It’s best to be careful about NLOP and not make a huge deposit before you’re confident that you can be safe while playing.
Fancy a free game of poker?
Contents
- The Best US Poker Sites Online
- Our Process of Finding the Best
- Pros and cons of US-friendly poker sites
- Offshore poker sites vs. regulated sites
- Banking Options for US players
- Bonuses and promotions to look for
- Using Cryptocurrency
- How to take advantage of a welcome bonus
- Mobile poker apps
- US poker banking methods
- ‘KYC’ - The American Express
- When to use a VPN (virtual private network) on a “US” poker site
- VIP programs - the ‘patriotic’ player
- Regulatory bodies for US poker
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Responsible gambling
Our Process of Finding the Best
We used several important criteria to evaluate the best online poker sites for US players. They include:
- The legality of the site. The most important thing is that the US poker site is legal and reliable to use. Only these casinos can make it on our list of recommended casinos.
- The availability of the site to US players. US players should be able to play poker at the casino perfectly legally.
- The number of visitors. Poker (except video poker) is a social game. Therefore, the more players a site has the more potential opponents and a better player experience.
- The available poker variants. While Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game, offering other variants such as Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and others is always much appreciated.
- Casino bonuses for poker players. Poker players need to get casino bonuses through free poker bets. The bigger the bonuses at the casino site, the better.
- Mobile gaming. Some players prefer to play poker on the go. If the website features mobile compatibility, then this is a big plus.
Based on the criteria above, along with several others, we’ve assessed whether the websites are worthy of your attention.
Pros and Cons of US-Friendly Poker Sites
Using US-friendly poker sites has several pros and a handful of cons. Below you’ll find our respective lists of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- There’s lots of traffic consisting of both experienced and inexperienced players.
- There are several deposit and withdrawal methods with which you can make high-speed transactions.
- You can get many generous bonuses as a new or a current player.
- You’ll get a reliable and legal online poker experience.
Cons:
- Some sites don’t have enough traffic to merit frequent visits.
- Mobile support is clumsy on several US-friendly poker sites.
Offshore Poker Sites vs Regulated Sites
Offshore poker sites have a distinct list of advantages when compared to regulated sites. First, you must do away with any notions that offshore poker sites aren’t safe to use. They are both perfectly legal to use and secure!
Of course, you’ll only want to visit and play poker at offshore poker sites that are tested and thoroughly reviewed. And here, you’ll find the best, most legit offshore poker sites right here on our site.
Since they aren’t bound by US laws, offshore poker sites tend to be more flexible. They also feature huge bonuses and are user-friendly. So, by any measure, it’s likely that you’ll have an enjoyable experience playing poker at offshore poker sites as a US player.
Please note: Players in regulated states such as Nevada, New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, and Delaware must use regulated options and not the ones listed in this article.
Banking Options for US Players
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t worry about when playing poker on offshore sites, it’s the banking options. Most sites offer several payment options you can use, such as:
- Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Credit and debit cards are some of the most popular payment options in offshore casino sites. Of course, you can also use other card brands, such as Amex and Maestro.
- Electronic wallets. These include Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal. E-wallets are quick and easy to use, and they incur small fees. The best thing about e-wallets is that you won’t share personal information with the casino operator.
- Cryptocurrencies. Not that long ago, cryptocurrencies took the world by storm. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripplecoin, and others are easy to use and maintain anonymity. There’s no central authority that can supervise these transactions.
Deposit and withdrawal limits vary among individual casinos, so it’s best to do your research first. In all cases, you’ll be able to make deposits and withdrawals easily at offshore poker casino sites.
Bonuses and Promotions to Look For
Casino bonuses are one of the most important things in online gambling of any kind. The same goes for online poker play for US players on offshore sites. There are several different types of online bonuses and promotions to look for:
- Welcome deposit match bonus. Once you make your first deposit, you will get a deposit match up to a certain level.
- Free spins bonus. If you’re a fan of slots when you’re not playing poker, you can get a free spins bonus on many offshore sites.
- VIP promotions. Also known as loyalty bonuses, these are free bets and other perks you can get for being a loyal player.
You can find these bonuses on practically all the offshore poker sites that we recommend on our site. And you’ll find them to be very generous. Some of the best sites for offered bonuses are:
You’ll get big bonuses that you can use on playing poker and other gambling games at the respective offshore sites. But, you’ll get the biggest bonuses if you use cryptocurrencies to make deposits. You can learn more about it in the following section.
Using Cryptocurrency
Recently, the public use of cryptocurrencies has exploded. Even if you use FIAT payment options, chances are that you’ve at least heard of cryptocurrencies. There are several advantages of using cryptocurrencies to make deposits and withdrawals.
First off, the most crucial advantage is that you will maintain complete anonymity. Nobody needs to know that you’re making deposits at an offshore casino site – and nobody will. Cryptocurrencies are known for the minimal fees required to make deposits and withdrawals – if any. Also, the number of offshore casinos that accept crypto deposits and withdrawals is growing. Last, offshore sites offer huge bonuses to players who make crypto deposits.
It’s straightforward to use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to make a deposit and play at an offshore poker site. All you need is a crypto wallet. Then, you must purchase a particular cryptocurrency from a crypto exchange. You can then use your crypto-wallet details to deposit at the casino using the casino’s crypto-wallet instruction. It’s as simple as that.
How to Take Advantage of a Welcome Bonus
Again, the welcome bonus is one of the best things about gambling at offshore poker sites for US players. To claim the welcome bonus, all you need to do is:
- Visit the offshore site of your choice
- Create an account.
- Make your first deposit (preferably with a crypto deposit method).
- Enter the bonus code in the appropriate field if required.
That’s all there is to it. Depending on the particulars of the promotional offer at the casino and its terms and conditions, the bonus money will be transferred to your account in short order.
There’s nothing to prevent you from getting promotional bonus offers at several poker sites simultaneously. In fact, many players use this option and claim thousands of dollars at multiple casino sites. Just follow the process outlined above, and pretty soon, you’ll get considerable sums of money as bonuses.
Mobile Poker Apps
Many poker websites offer players mobile apps. A mobile app is software that ostensibly helps you have a better mobile experience at the casino. However, in many cases, you’ll find that the casino’s website is just as effective as its mobile app. There are many more similarities than differences between mobile apps and mobile websites.
Regardless of whether you’ll be using a mobile app or mobile website, some of the best offshore poker brands for mobile gaming are:
You’ll have a fun mobile experience regardless of your chosen site.
US Poker Banking Methods
You should be aware of several factors related to monetary transactions at online poker sites. First, some deposit methods are unavailable for withdrawals at certain casinos. You also need to be aware that there are deposit and withdrawal limits. The minimum deposit limits tend to be larger than the minimum withdrawal limits.
But above all else, you’ll most likely need to go through a KYC process before initiating your first withdrawal. You must deposit some personal identification documents, such as ID, passport, utility bills, and/or driver’s license. This is required to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Once you supply your documents, you’ll need to wait a few days before you are confirmed. You can then make your first withdrawal at the particular casino site.
The Deposit Process
The deposit process is usually straightforward. All you need to do is:
- Log into your casino account.
- Visit the cashier page and select the deposit option.
- Pick the deposit method of your choice.
- Enter the sum you wish to deposit and enter your payment method details.
Once you go through the steps above, you’ll make your first deposit on the casino site. If you want to make additional deposits, you need to follow the same steps above.
The Withdrawal Process
The withdrawal process is similar to the deposit process. The main difference is that you will now have to go through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process before you’re allowed to withdraw money. Once you’re approved, you can follow the steps below to make a withdrawal:
- Log into your casino account.
- Visit the cashier page and select the withdrawal option.
- Pick the withdrawal method of your choice.
- Enter the sum you wish to withdraw and enter your payment method details.
Depending on your payment option, you may need to wait a while before your money is transferred. In many cases though, you’ll be able to make almost instant withdrawals.
‘KYC’ – The American Experience
It may be considered a nuisance, but the KYC process is necessary when withdrawing money from a casino. It’s a required part of the withdrawal process for several reasons. The most important aspect of the KYC is that casino operators are obligated to request personal identification documents to ascertain your identity. This may include:
- An ID
- A driver’s license
- Utility bills
- A passport
The KYC process is necessary due to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist-funding laws. Sometimes you may be required to supply a single document. Other times, you may be required to supply multiple documents. Once you provide them, you will need to wait a few days before the site’s KYC team verifies them. This process means the gambling experience will be much safer for you.
When to Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on a US Poker Site
If you’re concerned about your identity in any way, then you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is a service that protects your connection to the internet. It will also help you maintain your privacy online. You will appear to be connecting from a different country altogether. Of course, this is not a carte blanche for you to engage in criminal activities. In most cases, you won’t need a VPN if you want to gamble at an offshore site if you reside in the United States. However, if you need an extra layer of protection, it’s always an excellent addition.
VIP Programs – The ‘Patriotic’ Player
We’ve already mentioned that several offshore poker sites offer VIP programs to players. In the landscape of an inherently difficult game, these are loyalty ladders for the most loyal players who spend the most money. In most cases, you will collect loyalty points. As you collect these points, you will climb the loyalty ladder and unlock new tiers. You’ll then be rewarded with perks such as free bets, reload bonuses, and cashback. Some of the best poker sites in terms of VIP programs are:
That being said, in many cases, you will need to spend a lot of money to reach the higher loyalty tiers. Creating accounts on multiple platforms and collecting the available bonuses this way may be better. Some sites make their loyalty ladders too steep. In any case, it’s a nice bonus to have.
Regulatory Bodies for US Poker
If an online gambling site is to operate properly, then it had better be licensed. This indicates that the site is legitimate and reliable. Around the world, there are many iGaming regulators, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Curacao Gaming Control Board, and others. These regulators issue licenses to sites that apply and meet the criteria.
When online gambling was regulated in a few states in the USA, this required the founding of US-based regulatory agencies. One of the USA's most prominent names in iGaming regulation is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. If a particular US casino has a license from this regulator, you know it’s legit and reliable.
FAQ
- How can I play poker online in the US?
You can visit US-licensed online poker sites or visit offshore sites. You can find many examples of top offshore sites on our website. You can create an account and make your first deposit at these sites. You can then start playing poker. - When will online poker be legal in US?
While there are some states where online poker play is legal – online poker play will most likely never be legal in the entire USA. There are several conservative states that are unlikely to ever regulate online poker play. This is why it’s advisable to play poker on offshore sites. - What poker sites are legal in the US?
Many offshore sites are wholly legal to use in the United States. Some are Bovada, Ignition Poker, BetOnline Poker, Blackchip Poker, Juicy Stakes Poker, and many others. - How can I play poker online for money in the US?
You’ll need to go through a few steps to play poker online for money in the US. First, you must find a legit poker site like Ignition poker. You will need to create an account and deposit money. You can then play poker on the available poker tables at the site. - In which US states are online poker regulated?
Some of the states that have legalized online poker are Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia. - Who opposes online poker in the US?
Certain states are populated by people who are generally conservative. They are traditionally against gambling in general and online gambling in particular. Also, the huge land-based casino industry is huge, and there’s a lobby against online gambling. - When was online poker banned in US?
Online poker was banned on what’s now known as Black Friday, April 15, 2011, when the United States froze and seized the assets of the biggest online poker website. - Why is online poker now legal in some parts of the US?
Recently, federal legislation was enacted that enabled individual states to legalize online gambling and poker play. So, states such as Nevada, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, and others have legalized online gambling. - What poker sites accept US players?
Many poker sites accept US players. Some are Ignition Poker, Bovada Poker, Juicy Stakes Poker, and Blackchip Poker. - What is the best US online poker site?
There’s a big debate regarding determining the best US online poker site. Arguably, the two best sites are BetOnline and Ignition Poker. Both sites have a lot of traffic without fierce competition. Both sites have solid software that’s intuitive and easy to use. There are big bonuses on both sites, too. It’s easy to see why BetOnline and Ignition Poker are two of the best online poker sites for US players. - How can I play poker for money online in the US?
It’s very easy to play poker for money online in the US. All you need to do is find a poker site, register an account, and deposit some money. You can then start playing real money poker against other real players.
In Conclusion
By now, you should know how easy it is to play poker online and that many offshore sites are ready to accept US players. They feature big bonuses and easy-to-use software. So, if you’re interested, why not visit BetOnline Poker and start playing poker for real money against fellow US players? Good luck! We hope you’ll have fun and win money while you’re at it.
Responsible Gambling Considerations
Unfortunately, some poker players may have a problem with excessive gambling. It’s important to note whether you are too keen on spending money on online poker. If you are, then please use the resources that are available to you. Many organizations can help with gambling addiction. Some of them are:
- https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/
- http://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/
Also, self-exclusion lists, wagering, and deposit restrictions will be available at your casino sites. Contact customer service at the site, and the team will gladly help you curb your gambling habit.
DISCLAIMER: Gambling involves risk and you must not gamble with funds you can’t afford to lose. It is not a solution to any financial difficulty. Remember, the house always wins!
If you believe you’re suffering from a gambling addiction or know anyone who does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 0808-8020-133 (uk) 1-800-426-2547 (US) 1-866-332-2322 (Canada) right away. Their advisors can help make gambling safe for you.
All gambling sites and guides are 18+ only. Online casinos listed here may not be available in your region. Don’t forget to check local laws to make sure it’s legal where you’re based.