A week later, New Jersey became the third state to legalize online gambling and made plans to issue licenses for online poker and online casino sites. In April 2013, the first-ever legal and regulated online poker site in the US went live in Nevada. Legal and regulated online poker sites went live in Delaware and New Jersey in November 2013. With the exception of 3 states which license their own poker rooms, US real money poker is played at offshore sites. These are licensed in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. A week later, the Garden State became the third to legalize online gambling, and plans for NJ poker sites were made. The first-ever regulated US online poker site was launched in Nevada in April 2013. Delaware and NJ poker sites went live that same year, a few months later. In 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to join this group.

Offshore Poker Sites (Regulated) Offshore sites are licensed by international regulators, such as the ones from Malta, Curacao, or Panama. Most of these sites are entirely legal and reputable, offering even better services compared to the US-licensed ones. In fact, I dare say that some of the best sites for US poker players are actually offshore. For the rest of the country, I recommend trusted offshore sites such as Global Poker and Bovada Poker. Is PokerStars a legit poker site? There's no questioning that PokerStars is one of the most legitimate poker sites online, even if I don't like them as a player.

The answer is yes, no and sometimes. Confused yet? Well to be honest, the online gambling landscape in the United Sates can be very confusing, and there have been some distinct victories and set backs that have combined to dramatically alter the online poker industry. One of the first victories was when the Department of Justice determined that the Federal Wire Act does not apply to poker games or casino games. This allowed the potential for the development of state regulated and legally sanctioned online casino and poker gambling. The DOJ went on to declare that each individual sate could determine their own fate when it comes to online casino and poker gambling entertainment without violating US federal laws. Where the federal government has drawn the line in the sand is when it comes to sports betting, which they decided was subject to the federal wire act.

Several states, including Nevada and New Jersey have launched state licensed and regulated online poker initiatives for their state's residents and visitors. It is legal to own and operate an online poker site within these two states. California is the next state expected to legalize state regulated online poker gambling, with multiple other regions getting into position to also get on board. For those players who do not live in one of the states that has expressly legalized online poker for their residents, there are still multiple legal options available for participating due to the fact that none of the US federal gambling laws prohibit US players from participating in legally licensed and regulated online poker that is located outside of the United States. Our guide provides a refined listing of recommendations for these types of sites based on our own personal examination of the various brands, their legitimacy and what they have to offer to players.

Best Legally Regulated Online Poker Sites For USA Players

Are There Any US Federal Laws That Impact Online Poker Options for US Players?

Since the Federal Wire Act is not a threat, are there any other US federal gambling laws that affect access to legal online poker gambling? There is one federal law that has some bearing on US online poker options, and state laws must be considered as well. This section of our guide will address the UIGEA bill of 2006, discuss what types of state laws can influence available gambling opportunities, and explain what poker Black Friday was all about and what it means for US players. We wanted to spend some time on these topics to clear up multiple industry misconceptions that needlessly keep players from enjoying online poker, as well as arm the online poker community with the data they need to for confidently making the most informed decisions possible regarding their choices for online poker entertainment.

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and Does it Affect US Online Poker Options?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, also known as the UIGEA bill was passed in 2006. Many people are under the misconception that this law makes it illegal for US residents to participate in online gambling. This is not true. The law does not even address players. What the UIGEA bill does is provide regulatory oversight concerning how online gambling transactions can be processed. This law was written in an effort to address money laundering, fraud and other crimes that were once associated with some online gambling operations. The law is directed at the online gambling site operators and payment processors, and does not impact player participation.

The restrictions and regulations that the law places on US gambling related transactions are considerable, and did cause some issues initially. The law's existence alone drove multiple brands and payment methods out of the US gambling market simply because they didn't want the expense and effort associated with jumping through the many hoops that the law requires. The law initially caused US based credit card companies to completely block all gambling related transactions in order to not risk any actions that could be interpreted as non-compliant. As of this writing, all e-wallet payment methods have pulled out of the US gambling market.

While the UIGEA did impact the range of selection available to US players for a period of time, things have stabilized considerably, with many brands returning to offer their services to US residents, and payment processors improving their procedures, standards and policies to work within the industry without violating the law. Credit card deposits are once again an option for US players, and the online gambling industry's banking processes are overall much safer now for both operators and players. The growing pains were difficult for US players, but now that things are calming down on that front, finding viable online deposit methods is not as challenging.

The UIGEA bill does not prohibit or make it illegal for US players to participate in online poker that is legally licensed, regulated, including those sites which are regulated and located outside of the United States. Because only a small segment of poker players lives in either Nevada or New Jersey where state licensed online poker is available, the majority of American players rely on legally sanctioned offshore poker sites that are licensed to provide their services to players in the US. The UIGEA does not impact your access to these types of sites in any way as long as they are operating legitimately within the industry.

US State Laws Impacting Regulated Poker Gambling

There are multiple states in the US that allow land based poker gambling, as well as several states, including NJ and NV, which allow online poker gambling. While most states do not have any laws addressing online gambling specifically, nearly all states that permit any type of gambling within their borders do have laws dictating a minimum legal age. The legal gambling age in any state must be adhered to by poker players, even if the online gambling site at which they are playing provides differing terms in their business policies. For example, if an online poker site accepts players as young as 18 years of age, but the state in which you live requires players to be 21 in order to legally participate in any type of poker gambling, then the player is subject to the legal gambling age law in their state despite the fact that a poker room may offer more lenient terms. The state's law supersedes the gambling site's policies. Should you violate your state's gambling age law, you will be subject to prosecution. All online gambling sites include a disclaimer in their terms and conditions that states that you that you are responsible for adhering to the laws in your jurisdiction.

2011 Poker Black Friday and The Impact it Had on the US Online Poker Gambling Industry

In 2011 the US Dept. of Justice openly investigated and seized three prominent online poker sites. This investigation and subsequent proceedings was directed solely at the gambling site operators, and was not directed in any way towards players. At no time were players a point of interest nor were they investigated, arrested or in any type of trouble. Players were inconvenienced briefly concerning access to the funds in their account when the business assets of these three operations were confiscated, however all players did eventually receive their money.

These sites were suspected of not adhering to the UIGEA law and were consequently targeted by the DOJ since they provided services to US players. As we discussed above, this law is directed only at gambling site operators and payment processors, hence players have nothing to be concerned about when it comes to violating this US federal gambling law. Several years has passed since this event, and US friendly online poker is still alive and well through legally licensed and regulated offshore poker rooms, and now through several US based online poker brands located in Nevada and New Jersey. The primary affect that Black Friday had on US players was in the reduced selection of online poker rooms to choose from, and some shifting that occurred within the online payment method industry.

Table Of Contents

Looking for the best US poker sites to play online poker games for free and real money? Check out these poker rooms!

Finding a great site to play online poker games from the US is not that difficult. But with all the different states allowing different operators — things can get a little messy for the uninitiated poker players in the US.

On this page, you'll learn:

• and lots more

Our team of poker pros (which includes World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner Chad Holloway) have tested and reviewed all the US poker rooms in this article. This way, you can find everything about the games, the level, and the bonuses available.

In other words, if you are looking for a list of the best online poker sites for US players in 2021, you'll love this one!

The Best Poker Sites for US Players

Online Poker in the US & US Poker Rooms

The game of poker is an epitome of gambling in the United States, and the US poker sites on the list have to meet a lot of expectations from millions of players across the country.

Luckily for you, we have completed a thorough examination of every single aspect of these poker rooms to ascertain their true worth.

Here at PokerNews we have been in the business of reviewing online poker sites and online casinos for over 15 years, and our large US fan base stands testament to the continuous high-quality content we deliver.

No matter if you are new to poker or an experienced player, you could use a bit of help figuring out which poker site is the right choice for you. It all depends on what you are after.

If lucrative bonuses are your thing, that's perfectly fine. Here, you will find the top US poker sites with the most generous bonuses.

However, you shouldn't overlook the importance of the legality of poker rooms, the number of different games available, the betting limits that apply, the variety of payment methods, and the overall reputation of poker rooms when choosing your next US online poker destination.

All this and more will be covered in this comprehensive guide, plus the legal framework of real-money online poker gambling in specific US states.

Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Games

Is Online Poker Legal in the US?

The situation with the legality of online poker in the US is not so clear cut as you might expect. To get to the bottom of this, we must look at the applicable gambling laws.

First of all, gambling in the US is regulated on a state, federal, and, of course, local level.

Looking at these levels of regulations, the only viable conjecture you can derive is that things are bound to get messy.

At the moment, the Constitution allows all states to make their own laws regarding online gambling.

• A handful of states have already legalized online poker, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. In these states, online operators are required to sign licensing agreements with the land-based casinos in order to launch their online poker rooms, and plenty of big names have already done so.
• More states are taking a leaf from their books and filing for online poker and gambling licenses in a bid to legalize the market entirely. By doing so, the states will benefit from taxes these operators will pay and will ensure their citizens have fair and safe gambling opportunities.
• The states of Michigan and West Virginia have already passed the required laws. The roll out of the first poker sites is expected by the end of 2020 at best, but it is more likely to expect them in 2021.

How to Play Online Poker From the US?

With the popularity of online poker on the rise, finding an online poker room in the US should be a breeze.

Even so, there are multiple factors you need to consider and a couple of steps you need to complete before getting a piece of the action.

1. Check if Online Poker Is Legal in Your State

Regulated Offshore Poker Sites No Deposit

The first and foremost step is to make sure the state you are playing in has legalized online poker.

The states that offer full-blown poker sites are:

Some of them even share players, namely Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Players from these states can participate in poker tournaments, which, consequently, have larger prize pools and are more appealing.

The states of Michigan and West Virginia followed suit and enacted the necessary bills and laws to legalize online poker.

Players from these states can expect legal online poker rooms soon.

Another important thing to remember here is that you don't need to be a resident in any of these states to play online poker legally.

You are only required to be physically present in any of them to register an account, make a deposit, and play No Limit Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, and plenty of other versions of the game.

2. Choose the Best Online Poker Site for You

Next up is choosing the best online poker site for you. This means that you have to consider personal preferences, such as:

• types of games you like to play
• betting limits
• payment methods
• support options
• mobile poker apps for US players

All the US poker sites listed here will have a thing or two to offer, but the more you understand your playing habits, the better.

3. Register an Account

Once you have chosen the poker site, you can proceed to the registration process.

To do so, you will be required to provide personal details, such as name, DOB, address, email, etc.

Poker sites will ask you to provide a proof of identity as a part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) policy imposed by the legislation.

The proof of identity is usually in the form of a copy of your ID or another personal document, the final four digits of your Social Security number (SSN), a copy of your bank statement, etc.

These poker rooms make sure no underage gambling can take place and also prevent money laundering and fraud.

3. Deposit Funds to Your Account and Claim the Bonus Offer

The next step involves selecting the deposit method from the site's banking section and making the first deposit.

The top US poker sites presented here offer exciting and generous deposit match bonus offers once the players make qualifying deposits.

Check out the promotions tab and see which types of bonuses and freebies you can claim.

4. Choose the Type Of Poker Game and Play On

The final step you need to take is to choose between the different types of poker games offered by the site and take a virtual seat at the table.

The most common formats of poker include cash games and tournament poker.

• In cash games, the value of your chips corresponds directly to the monetary value, while in tournaments, you will have to buy in for a stack of chips and continue playing until you run out of chips or another player claims them all.
• In poker tournaments, the size of bets increases over time to make sure the game is action-packed.

How Do We Rate US Online Poker Sites

The entire review process of online poker sites is completed with the utmost care and diligence.

There are no stones left unturned, and we give no slack to anyone.

Our long history of 15+ years in the business and hard-earned reputation will never permit it.

Over the years, PokerNews has been declared the number one online poker guide several times, and we have been on the receiving end of quite a number of awards.

To fill you in on the process, we will try to break down the criteria we impose for our selection of key US poker sites into a couple of segments:

We List Only the Licensed Operators

All poker sites listed here have been licensed and certified by the appointed jurisdictions and authorities, which is a guarantee of safety, legality, and fairness of those sites and their poker games.

What's more, we look into the reputation of these sites to make sure players are content with the services provided and treatment.

Only after we make sure the site ticks all the right boxes do we present it here.

We Scrutinize the Bonuses

We never cease to look for the heftiest poker bonuses out there, so that our visitors can rest assured only the best possible bonus offers are listed.

What's more, we don't get carried away just by the sheer size of the bonus.

No sir.

There needs to be a balance between what is being offered as a bonus and what you need to do to turn that bonus into real cash.

We look into wagering requirements, the validity period of the bonus, and other requirements that appear as the small print in the terms and conditions that, sadly, only few players consult.

Luckily for you, we check that info as well.

Our Pro Players Look Into the Choice of Games and Quality

Did you know that one of our reviewers won an actual WSOP bracelet in Las Vegas?

Our reviewers are experienced poker players who know every nook and cranny of the game, and where to look for any hidden flaws in the choice of games and rules.

The sites offered here host a number of different types of poker, with plenty of poker formats and competitions, and their player traffic is a clear sign of quality.

We Test the Site's Software

Another important part of our testing process is the test of the site's software.

We want to make sure that sites have both web apps that allow instant in-browser play and mobile apps that enable players to engage in poker games on the go.

That said, we spend hours playing the actual games before reaching a verdict.

Also, if the poker room has a fully downloadable app for PCs, we will download it and make sure its functionality and gaming experience are top-notch.

These sites need to be responsive, easy to use, simple to navigate, and user-friendly. Only such poker rooms and mobile poker sites end up on our top list.

We Look Into Deposit Methods

Another important aspect of our review process is the examination of banking methods offered by the poker room.

This list includes only sites that offer the greatest variety of online banking, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and other methods, all of which need to be fast, convenient, and protected by the latest SSL encryption and firewalls.

We Put Customer Support to a Test

Having knowledgeable and reliable customer support on your side when a problem occurs is imperative for poker players.

We put each site's customer support to a rigorous test to check their knowledge, response times, and amiableness. If all goes well, only then the site gets on our list.

Regulated US Poker Sites

As we briefly mentioned earlier, all states within the US are at liberty to regulate gambling as they see fit and under legal provisions.

The first poker and gambling-related laws in the USA were drafted in the 19th century, and since then, multiple other legal motions were filed and bills enacted.

One of the initial gambling laws and acts that apply to online poker and gambling was the Interstate Wire Act of 1961, otherwise known as the Federal Wire Act.

This act prohibited any sort of information and payment transmissions across state lines that had anything to do with sports betting.

The reverberations following this act spread like forest fires, and, unfortunately, included online poker and other forms of online gambling, and stymied their progress.

Another significant blow the online poker industry suffered from the US legislators came in the form of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

This regulatory act banned all payment institutions from processing transactions involving online gambling, including poker.

In 2011, three large poker operators were indicted for alleged foul play and breaking of the UIGEA, which effectively shut down online poker in the states. This was an event the poker community refers to as ‘Black Friday'.

With such impediments on the road, it is no wonder why it took online poker so long to reestablish a foothold in a country that is considered to be its birthplace.

Monumental changes happened in 2011 when the US Department of Justice reversed the Wire Act's decision and rendered it only applicable to sports wagering. This paved the way for states to legalize online poker anew.

In 2019, the DOJ released a revised opinion on the Wire Act, but its impacts are yet to be seen.

The following is a quick overview of how things work in key online poker states in the US.

NJ Poker Sites

New Jersey has been at the forefront of the online poker legalization process, and the third state to legalize it in 2013.

The first attempt to legalize online poker was vetoed by the governor in 2011, but by the end of 2013, the first poker platforms emerged.

At the moment, three operators are licensed to operate in the Garden State:

• 888poker
• WSOP.com
• PokerStars

PA Poker Sites

PokerStars is the only legal online poker site in the state of Pennsylvania. 888poker and WSOP Poker are expected to launch in the keystone State in 2021.

For more information about the games at PokerStars, check out this page dedicated to PokerStars US.

MI Poker Sites

The Great Lake State legalized all forms of online gambling, including online poker, in December 2019, when its governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the proposal into a bill.

The first sites and poker rooms are expected in 2021.

OffShore Poker Sites

Even though some sites might tell you that playing in offshore online casinos and poker rooms is possible, that doesn't mean it is legal or safe.

In fact, most of these offshore poker sites have not been licensed by reputable gambling jurisdictions, nor are they protected by the latest security systems.

What's more, there are no guarantees that your banking details are protected and secure from any third-party influences.

That said, you are better off playing only on legal and vetted poker sites presented here than roaming around the internet and falling prey to malicious offshore poker rooms.

Best Deposit Options for US Online Poker Players

Top US poker sites offer several popular deposit methods for their players. The most frequently used deposit method is credit/debit bank cards, such as Discover, Visa, and Mastercard.

Almost all banks in regulated states will process such payments, so you won't have any problems making a fast and secure deposit.

Another essential deposit method is the e-wallet method. Poker fans use PayPal, Skrill, and other e-wallets to transfer their funds to and from the poker site seamlessly and quickly.

Methods such as e-checks and online banking are also quite popular and widespread, although they are a little bit slower when compared to e-wallets, for example.

Finally, most US poker sites offer PayNearMe prepaid vouchers and cash deposits you can use at your local 7-Eleven stores and casino cages from the land-based casino partners, respectively.

Problem Gambling and Useful Resources

Problem gambling is a serious issue, and some Americans have a tough time dealing with it.

That is why it is important that poker sites have strong, responsible gambling policies in power and that they cooperate with the regulatory bodies dealing with this issue, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, Gamble Aware, AMA Responsibility in Gaming, and others.

Through this collaboration and effort, the negative impact of gambling can be reduced and sensitive groups protected.

FAQ

Online poker is perfectly legal in US states that have enacted specific online gambling laws.

You can play real money poker games online in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware. In the future, you can expect the list to expand to include the states of Michigan and West Virginia.

The UIGEA came into force in 2006.

Players shouldn't play in offshore poker rooms as these are not technically legal in the US and are deemed as highly insecure.

Players are not required to live in a state where online poker is legal in order to play it. You only need to be physically present in the state at the moment of play.

Legal online poker sites have strong geolocation software that will pierce through almost all VPN networks, thus preventing players from outside the states from engaging in real-money poker games online.