Online poker sites offer all sorts of popular poker variants, table minimums, and special features. Real money online poker is still limited in reach — it’s legal and available in New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Sweepstakes sites are available in other states, providing a nice alternative. Playing at online poker sites is simple, often requiring as little as $5 to get started. Let’s dive deeper and explore the best sites for online poker.
📊 Key statistics and facts
States explicitly banning poker sites: | Washington |
States with regulated online casinos and/or online poker: | CT, DE, MI, NJ, NV, PA, RI, WV* |
Legal gambling age: | 21+ |
Game options available: | Texas Hold’em, video poker, Omaha, and more |
🇺🇸 Are poker sites legal in the US?
Online poker is legal in eight US states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Coincidentally, all of these states except for Nevada have also legalized online casino gaming, which goes hand in hand with online poker. Of those legal markets, all except Connecticut are part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allows them to pool players. This means players in New Jersey and Michigan, for example, can play at the same virtual online poker table. Legal states require you to be 21 or older to play poker online.
Note that while online poker is legal in CT and RI, no sites have launched in those states.
Other states may hop on the online poker bandwagon soon. Here’s a quick rundown of states considering legalization proposals, either currently or recently.
Senate Bill S2164 is in committee and would legalize online poker and casinos.
Two bills — HD4094 and SD2240 — are under committee scrutiny in their respective state legislative branches.
House Bill 1432 proposes legal online poker and casinos, but it is stalled in committee, like similar past attempts.
House Bill 17 would legalize online poker and online casinos; it’s under committee review.
House Bill 2239 and Senate Bill 1565 failed in 2024, but legislators seem eager to make online poker and casinos happen in IL.
Senate Bill 168 is with the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
House Bill 0162 is with a congressional committee.
Senate Bill 1507 seeks to regulate online gambling (including poker).
📋 List of all poker sites accepting US players
Poker Site | Available in | Our rating |
---|---|---|
Global Poker | All except CT, ID, MI, MT, NV, and WA | 4.5/5 stars |
PokerStars | MI, NJ, PA | 4.2/5 stars |
BetMGM Poker | MI, NJ, PA | 4.5/5 stars |
WSOP.com | MI, NJ, NV, PA | 1.6/5 stars |
BetRivers Poker | PA, DE, MI, WV | 4.1/5 stars |
🚦 Compare features and traffic levels
Poker site | Welcome bonus | Traffic level | Unique features |
---|---|---|---|
Global Poker | 5,000 GC on sign-up plus 150,000 GC and 30 free SC with first $10 purchase (usually $30) | Medium | Sweepstakes poker is available in 44 states |
PokerStars | 100% deposit match up to $600 | High | Spin & Go tournaments, Zoom Poker, up to 60% rakeback via rewards program |
BetMGM Poker | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus up to $85 on the house | High | Online qualifiers for real-life events, BetMGM Rewards Program |
WSOP.com | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | High | Exclusive platform for WSOP bracelet events |
BetRivers Poker | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | Medium-Low | Sit & Go tournaments, Cub3d three-player games |
🏆 Top 5 poker sites accepting US players
US poker site | Trustpilot Rating | # of games | Min deposit |
---|---|---|---|
BetMGM | 1.2 stars | 5+ (major variants) | $10.00 |
Caesars | 1.6 stars | 2 main variants (live) | $10.00 |
DraftKings | 1.2 stars | 1 (peer-to-peer) + several casino poker | $5.00 |
Bally | 1.9 stars | 1 (live) + several casino poker | $10.00 |
FanDuel | 1.2 stars | 9+ casino poker variants | $10.00 |
1. Global Poker: Best for social poker

👍 What we like: Global Poker is the only sweepstakes site with a big enough audience to sustain PvP poker. This makes it an instant top choice for players in most states, but particularly those without access to legal real-money online poker. Game options at Global Poker include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Bounty Poker, and Crazy Pineapple. Plus, Global Poker has a full-fledged sweepstakes casino with slots and table games, too.
👎 What we didn’t like: Global Poker does a lot right, but it has its downsides, too. The customer service is lackluster, often leading to long wait times and generic responses to specific questions. Furthermore, it doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app. While you can play via a mobile browser, it’d be nice to play in a native app. Additionally, Global Poker doesn’t have a simple way for players to track their playthrough on Sweeps Coins.
The Global Poker welcome bonus grants a significantly boosted GC package plus free SC to go with it. You’ll also get 5,000 Gold Coins for signing up. Check the site’s “Promotions” page for additional opportunities to get free coins.
Global Poker quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | Up to 205,000 GC and 40 free SC |
💰 First purchase bonus | Get 200,000 GC for $20 (half off) plus 40 free SC |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum purchase | $2 |
💸 Redemption speed | Up to five business days |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and online banking via Trustly |
⭐️ App store rating | N/A |
⭐️ Google rating | N/A |
🏆 Best value | First purchase bonus for $20 |
🎖️ Best games | Texas Hold’em, Crazy Pineapple, Omaha High Low |
2. BetMGM Poker: Best for Hold’em and Omaha

👍 What we like: BetMGM Poker has it all! It’s a well-balanced poker site with a strong game variety, excellent welcome bonus package, and plenty of options for all types of players. BetMGM Poker’s tournaments are a highlight, giving players chances at extra prizes beyond standard winnings — the daily C-Note Tournament is always worth a look. New players can also check out BetMGM’s dedicated “Poker Player’s Guide.” The site also offers a desktop app or a mobile app for easy play at home or out and about.
👎 What we didn’t like: BetMGM Poker’s welcome bonus amount is tiered based on how much you deposit. Only your first deposit applies to the bonus. Players who want to test the site out for a few bucks upfront won’t get the full impact of the bonus (but will still get something, at least). The game variety is also slightly lacking at BetMGM Poker. Texas Hold’em and Omaha are the focus, so you won’t find some of the wackier options that other sites offer.
Unlocking the maximum BetMGM Poker welcome bonus requires making a first deposit of $1,000, which gets you a 100% match and $85 in Tournament Tickets.
Expert and real player reviews
BetMGM Poker quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus up to $85 on the house |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum deposit | $10 |
💸 Withdrawal speed | One to five business days |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit card, PayPal, Play+, online banking, ACH, PayNearMe, wire transfer |
⭐️ App store rating | 4.7 stars |
⭐️ Google rating | 4.5 stars |
🏆 Best value | Welcome bonus for up to $1,000 as a first deposit match, plus up to $85 in Tournament Tickets |
🎖️ Best games | Texas Hold’em, Omaha |
3. Caesars/WSOP: Best for in-person poker fans

👍 What we like: WSOP.com is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, so you can play online and earn credits for the Caesars Rewards program. WSOP.com is also the only place you can play online and earn bracelets for actual, in-person poker tournaments. Finally, the WSOP.com welcome bonus is exceptional: a 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000, up to $100 in free play, and daily free spins for prizes.
👎 What we didn’t like: Players must download WSOP.com software to play on a desktop — there’s no way to play from a browser on a computer. This is a big hurdle, especially for casual players. Further, the platform itself feels outdated and could use an upgrade to feel more sleek and modern.
The best value at WSOP.com is undoubtedly the welcome bonus, which offers a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus up to $100 in free play. You can also spin daily for extra prizes, which include free tournament entries and seats at big events.
Expert and real player reviews
WSOP.com quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | Up to $1,100 plus daily spins |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum deposit | $10 |
💸 Withdrawal speed | One to five business days |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, ACH, PayNearMe, Play+, online banking |
⭐️ App store rating | 4.3 stars |
⭐️ Google rating | 4.0 stars |
🏆 Best value | Welcome bonus for up to $1,100 plus ongoing tournaments and promos |
🎖️ Best games | Omaha, Hold’em, Mystery Bounty |
4. DraftKings: Best for video poker games

👍 What we like: DraftKings is among the most user-friendly poker sites, with an incredible interface whether you play on mobile or desktop. The site also accepts deposits as low as $5, significantly lower than the usual $10 required by most sites. Finally, DraftKings has an extensive game library, including various versions of video poker and stud games.
👎 What we didn’t like: The elephant in the room here? DraftKings doesn’t have PvP poker. Instead, you can play poker games on your own, much like video poker machines at real casinos. This may disappoint players in search of multiplayer action at DraftKings (though the site does have at least one live dealer Hold’em table). The welcome bonus also requires a heavy initial investment if you want to receive its full impact.
DraftKings’ three-part welcome bonus grants $35 in casino credits on your first deposit, a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, and 350 spins on a featured game.
Expert and real player reviews
DraftKings quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | Up to $1,035 in casino credits plus 350 bonus spins |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum deposit | $5 |
💸 Withdrawal speed | One to five business days |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, online banking, wire transfer, ACH e-check, gift cards, Play+, Venmo |
⭐️ App store rating | 4.6 stars |
⭐️ Google rating | 4.2 stars |
🏆 Best value | Welcome bonus (with first day of play) and free spins, plus refer-a-friend bonus |
🎖️ Best games | Mississippi Showdown, Three Card Poker, Jacks or Better Video Poker |
5. Bally: Best for frequent promotions

👍 What we like: Bally Bet is another generalist online casino with poker options. This makes it an ideal fit for players who like to try many different games, including video poker, slots, and other table games. The Bally Bet welcome bonus is strong, too, offering up to $100 in bonus money after you wager through your first deposit. Bally Bet also offers a stable of amazing promotions, even after the welcome bonus is long gone.
👎 What we didn’t like: Bally Bet isn’t the perfect match for anyone looking for PvP poker or a huge variety of games. While it has a modest selection of games for poker fans, it’s much more focused on its overall casino product. Bally is also only available in NJ and PA, so it’s limited in its availability compared to other poker sites.
Bally Bet’s welcome bonus is a great place to start, but you can glean additional value from recurring promotions for existing players, such as partial deposit matches and frequent giveaways.
Expert and real player reviews
Bally Bet quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | Up to $100 back in bonus money if you lose your first deposit of $10. |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum deposit | $10.00 |
💸 Withdrawal speed | $10.00 |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit card, PayPal, e-check, Play+ |
⭐️ App store rating | 4.6/5 (21.6K reviews) |
⭐️ Google rating | 4.3/5 (925 reviews) |
🏆 Best value | Frequent reload bonuses and deposit matches |
🎖️ Best games | First-person video poker, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker |
6. FanDuel: Best for new players

👍 What we like: FanDuel Casino has the best user interface of any online casino for poker players, full stop. It’s easy to navigate and especially friendly for new players. Plus, the welcome bonus is perfect for those who don’t want to spend a hefty chunk of change to get started. Play $1 to get $100 in casino credits. That’s a great value. Poker players will find plenty of enjoyment, including live dealer poker, Game King video poker, and more.
👎 What we didn’t like: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, FanDuel is yet another online casino that offers poker. In other words, it’s not a dedicated poker site. And once again, this may be a disappointment to poker fans. FanDuel also has very limited promotions that work specifically on table games, so poker players should expect their perks to be minimal.
The value of FanDuel’s welcome bonus is unmatched. Play $1 to get $100 in bonus credits with a 1x playthrough requirement.
Expert and real player reviews
FanDuel quick facts:
🎁 Total bonus | Play $1, get $100 in casino bonus |
🔐 Bonus code | COMPED |
💳 Minimum deposit | $10.00 |
💸 Withdrawal speed | $10.00 |
🏧 Accepted payments | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, e-check, online banking, wire transfer, PayNearMe, Play+ card |
⭐️ App store rating | 4.9/5 (1.8M reviews) |
⭐️ Google rating | 4.7/5 (371.9K reviews) |
🏆 Best value | Play $1, get $100 in credits from the welcome bonus |
🎖️ Best games | Mississippi Stud, I Luv Suits Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em |
Real money vs. free play
Real money | Free to play |
---|---|
Available in MI, NJ, NV, PA, DE, and WV | Available in most states, excluding CT, ID, MI, MT, NV, and WA |
Many sites offer online poker, including BetMGM, WSOP.com, and others | Global Poker is the primary operator |
Play with real money and withdraw winnings | Possibility of redeeming real prizes with Sweeps Coins that you’ve won |
For-fun play is occasionally available in demo mode | Play for fun with Gold Coins |
Native apps for iOS and Android | No dedicated app |
Big interstate player pools | Small player pool |
🎁 Poker site with the best bonuses
Signing up at an online poker site or casino will almost always get you a welcome bonus. Whether it’s play-and-get, a deposit match, free play, or some combination of other bonuses, you can expect to be treated to something when you join an online poker site. Here are some of the best bonuses you can claim right now.
Poker site | Sign-up bonus | Rewards program | Playthrough |
---|---|---|---|
BetMGM Poker | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 plus up to $85 on the house | ✅ | 12x |
PokerStars | 100% deposit match up to $600 | ✅ | 1x |
Global Poker | 5,000 GC on sign-up plus 150,000 GC and 30 free SC with first $10 purchase (usually $30) | ✅ | 20x |
WSOP.com | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | ✅ | 10x |
BetRivers Poker | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | ✅ | 1x |
Tailor your initial deposit based on the bonus’s playthrough requirement. If the requirement is really high, a smaller deposit may provide you with better overall value.
Best poker sites with loyalty rewards
Loyalty pays off at online poker sites. You can earn points at an online poker casino’s loyalty program, then reap the rewards both online and in person at partnered properties.
Poker | Rewards name | Tiers | Major benefit |
---|---|---|---|
BetMGM Poker | MGM Rewards | Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, Noir (invite-only) | Perks and special discounts at MGM Resorts, premium support at certain tiers |
WSOP.com | Caesars Rewards | Bronze, Silver, Elite, Champions Club, VIP, VIP Diamond | Discounts and perks at Caesars properties nationwide |
PokerStars | PokerStars Rewards | Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Black, Select, Select+ | Increased rakeback; unlock chests for random prizes |
DraftKings | Dynasty Rewards | Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Onyx | Discounts and exclusive contest access |
The best rewards value for players comes from WSOP.com, thanks to its integration with Caesars Rewards. You can redeem credits for exclusive perks and discounts at Caesars properties or online. Think hotel discounts, free meals, and slot play.
🏦 Banking and payout options
Deposits at online poker sites should process instantly, while withdrawals should be as fast and seamless as possible. Further, you should have plenty of options for funding your account.
Casino | Banking | Payout speed |
---|---|---|
BetMGM Poker | Credit, debit, PayPal, Play+, online banking, ACH, PayNearMe, wire transfer ($10 minimum for most methods) | One to two days with PayPal |
WSOP.com | Credit, debit, PayPal, ACH, PayNearMe, Play+, online banking ($10 minimum deposit) | Usually 48 hours with PayPal |
DraftKings | Credit, debit, PayPal, online banking, ACH, gift cards, Play+, Venmo ($5 minimum for most methods) | Usually less than 24 hours with Venmo |
Bally Bet | Credit, debit, PayPal, e-check, Play+ | Typically less than 24 hours with Play+ |
FanDuel | Credit, debit, PayPal, Venmo, ACH, online banking, wire transfer, PayNearMe, Play+ | 24 hours with PayPal or Venmo |
♣️ Most popular games and formats
Poker has been around for many years, and some of the most popular formats have enjoyed long stints in the spotlight.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em has a chokehold on the poker industry, dominating tournaments worldwide. It’s a simple variant in which players get two hole cards (hidden from other players) and five community cards, three of which are revealed first, then the remaining two in succession. Players form their hand using the five best cards on the table and try to outwit their opponents.
Omaha
Head north from Texas into Nebraska, where Omaha gets its name. It’s similar to Texas Hold’em with a few key twists. Players get four hole cards, not two. They then use exactly two of their own cards and three of the community cards to form their best hand. Omaha tends to yield higher-performing poker hands than Texas Hold’em because of the range of possibilities created by the number of cards in play.
Video Poker
In video poker, players are competing against a paytable rather than other players. You’ll get five cards as a starter hand, then choose to hold any number of cards and get the remainder replaced. The five cards you have after that form your hand. Each video poker game has different win thresholds, and some make certain cards more powerful, such as Deuces Wild.
🤔 Things to consider when choosing a poker site
We evaluate online poker sites based on a wide array of criteria, including (but not limited to) these factors:
- Game variety: In this case, more is more. We look for sites with a wide variety of poker variants. Sites that can offer both PvP and single-player options get a leg up.
- User experience: From signing up to joining a table to playing the game itself, everything should be simple and easy at an online poker site. We test the user experience rigorously by actually playing at the sites we review.
- Bonus offerings: This starts with a look at the welcome bonus, including its overall value and any fine print to note. We then investigate the casino’s ongoing offers for existing players.
- VIP rewards: Can you earn points and redeem them for special perks? How easy is it to climb the ranks? We look closely at each site’s loyalty program and how easy it is to use.
- Terms and conditions: Terms and conditions can make or break an online poker site by heavily impacting your experience. We read the fine print to help you understand how it will affect your gameplay and bonuses.
- Payout speed: If you’re lucky enough to win at an online poker site, you should get your winnings fast! We check each payment method and analyze the payout speed.
- Availability: NJ, PA, and MI are the biggest online poker states, so any site offering poker in those three states will get high marks. Global Poker is a solid alternative for players in other states, as it uses a sweepstakes model.
Brief history of US poker sites
New Jersey was the trailblazer for online poker (and online gambling in general). Online poker became legal under then-governor Chris Christie in 2013. In 2017, NJ joined forces with Nevada and Delaware, and the three states entered the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which let them pool players.
Pennsylvania wasn’t too far behind New Jersey. The state legalized it in 2017, with sites launching in late 2018. PA was one of the more recent additions to the MSIGA.
Michigan legalized most online gaming formats in one fell swoop in December of 2019. Online poker was included in the state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act that year, but it didn’t launch until January 2021. Michigan entered the MSIGA in 2022.
West Virginia legalized online poker in March 2019, and BetRivers Poker launched in the state in June 2025.
Online poker FAQ
Online poker is legal in New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, though CT and RI don’t have any online options. While other states don’t have online poker for real money, many allow sweepstakes-based poker. Global Poker is a top option in that space.
Yes. Real money online poker sites offer bonuses to new customers, which can get you started with some extra credits. Sweepstakes sites like Global Poker also offer welcome bonuses.
Yes. Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular poker games available, and many of the top sites offer it. You can play against real players online and find tables with various minimums.
In some cases, yes. You might be able to try certain poker games in demo mode at real money online casinos. Global Poker, a sweepstakes poker site, allows players to play poker for free using Gold Coins.
Yes. In states that offer legal online poker, you can play with real money and even win. This is never guaranteed, but it’s certainly a possibility.
In many cases, yes! The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement allows member states to pool players. Currently, five states are part of the agreement: New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In any of those states, you can compete against players from any of the others on the list. This means there are often big player pools in these states.
This all comes down to your preference! If you like video poker and standard games, almost any real money online casino will do. For PvP poker, however, you’d be best served at BetMGM Poker or WSOP.com.
Yes. Omaha is a popular poker variant, and it’s available at many online PvP poker sites.
Yes. Online casinos and online poker sites have apps that let you play on the go. Just download your preferred app from the iOS App Store or Google Play to get started.
It’s certainly possible, but progress right now is slow. Online poker is almost always tied to online casino legislation, which famously takes a long time and is highly contentious among state lawmakers. While we could see additional states legalize in the next few years, don’t hold your breath.