Finding real money poker sites is somewhat challenging, but it’s no cause for worry, as we have you covered. By meticulously testing over 500+ casinos using criteria like transparency, reputation, Rakeback, and bonuses, we have narrowed down the list of best online poker sites to ten.
So, read on to know what the 10 best US online poker sites are, as well as the player pools and cash prizes offered.
Top 10 Real Money Poker Sites
Below are the 10 best US online poker sites for real money that you can play right now:
1. Ignition: Best Poker Site, Overall
2. Cafe Casino: Best Variety Of Poker Games
3. 7Bit: Recommended For Mobile Compatibility
4. Bovada: Latest Progressive Jackpot Games
5. BetOnline: Offers Competitive Odds On 30+ Sports
6. Sports Betting: Quick Account Setup Process
7. Slots.lv: Best For Quick Payouts
8. Blackchip Poker: Best for RNG-Tested Poker Games Online
9. Juicy Stakes: Best for Instant Poker Games
10. Americas Cardroom: High Payout Limit Real Money Poker Site
1. Ignition: Overall Best Poker Site, Gambler’s Choice
One of the most popular real money poker sites in the US, UK, and Australia, Ignition has plenty to offer for an enjoyable gambling experience. From traditional casino games like slots, blackjack, and live roulette to more niche options like Keno, there is a lot of fun to be had with Ignition.
The best online poker site offers deposits and withdrawals for no extra fee and regularly hosts competitive online poker tournaments that are open to casual and seasoned players alike. Their online poker room is easy to find, and the waiting time is practically non-existent. And the ability to play completely anonymously is a nice bonus.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| 250+ casino games | Lacks a sportsbook |
| Regular tournaments and competitive events | |
| Complete player anonymity | |
| Fee-free withdrawals and deposits | |
| Best online poker software |
Game Variety
Ignition features over 250 games with unique rulesets for all kinds of online poker games, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Poker
- Craps
- Slots
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Texas Hold’em
- Bingo
- Keno
- Video poker
- Live dealer rooms
- Knockout tournaments
Wagering Requirements
Based on the top games played at the best real money poker sites, Ignition has implemented a wagering multiplier that contributes to the player’s play-through requirement. This means that a game with a 100% multiplier contributes every dollar of your money to the play-through requirement.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the wagering requirements of Ignition:
- Slots and specialty games contribute 100% of the wager
- Table games contribute 20% of the wager
- Video poker contributes 10% of the wager
- Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and thundercrash contribute 5% of the wager
- Craps and live dealer contribute 0% of the wager
Mobile Compatibility
Ignition is fully compatible with mobile devices through a dedicated client that can be downloaded from the respective app stores. Additionally, best online poker sites have been designed to be compatible with mobile devices, which means that players can access it from anywhere.
Bonuses And Promotions
Bonuses and promotions can vary based on the time frame, but in general, each player has access to a $3,000 welcome bonus. Additionally, they are also given 25 free spins on the Fast & Sexy slot game.
If you make the deposit with cryptocurrency, you will receive a 150% casino and best online poker bonus of up to $1,500 each. And if you do the same with a credit card, the bonuses will be at 100% up to $1,000 for each. For specific crypto currency bonuses, there are some of the best bitcoin poker sites.
The site also features secondary promotional offers like refer-a-friend, weekly bonuses, and more.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Ignition”
2. Cafe Casino: Top Real Money Poker Site Offering 170+ Games
Cafe Casino is a great online poker site that can help you learn the ropes of traditional and unique casino games. You can learn about hand rankings in a low-stakes environment where there are no other players to compete with.
Its selection of 170+ online poker room games, while not as varied as Ignition, is still varied enough to satisfy newcomers and veterans alike.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| Great welcome bonuses for crypto deposits | Not available in certain states, like Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York |
| VIP program with eight tiers | |
| 170+ games | |
| Includes Hot Drops Jackpots |
Game Variety
Here’s a brief list of the most notable online poker sites that you can play at Cafe Casino:
- Tri-card poker
- Caribbean stud
- Caribbean Hold’em
- Joker Poker
- Bonus Deuces Wild
- Jacks or Better
- Let ‘em ride
- Pai gow poker
You can also use the demo mode for each game to practice your strategies before wagering money on them.
Wagering Requirements
Cafe Casino provides players with bonuses based on the wagers they make, with certain wagers being particularly lucrative. Here’s a list of bonuses and the wagering requirements that unlock them:
- Welcome Bonus: 40x the combined deposit and bonus amount
- Weekly Mystery Bonus: Varies based on the offer
- Referral Bonus Funds: 50x the deposit amount
- Bitcoin Exclusive Bonus: Varies based on the offer
Mobile Compatibility
In addition to the casino apps, the Cafe Casino website is compatible with mobile devices. So, no matter the medium you choose, you will have access to this online poker website.
Bonuses And Promotions
Cafe Casino offers a host of bonuses for all players, ranging from welcome bonuses to game-specific bonuses. It lets first-timers claim 250% bonus money, capped at $1,500 when using a credit card to deposit money. This jumps up to 350% and $2,500 with Bitcoin.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Cafe Casino”
3. 7Bit: Recommended Online Poker With Daily Cashback Offers
7Bit is a trustworthy real money poker site where you can enjoy more than 1200 high-quality games without having to pay a deposit amount first. It stands as one of the most popular bitcoin casino options available on the internet, with various bonuses and rewards available for players to claim.
It also boasts a high withdrawal speed and a secure gameplay experience, providing players with an anxiety-free gameplay experience.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| Includes a no-deposit bonus | Deposits restricted in certain countries |
| More than 1,200 casino games | |
| Enticing rewards | |
| Well-established online crypto casino |
Game Variety
Featuring a staggeringly high number of games, 7Bit has one of the largest libraries of games to play poker online. Its list of games includes the following and more:
- Betsoft
- Nucleus
- Bingo
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Keno
- Baccarat
- Aviator
- Dice
- Plinko
- Mines
Wagering Requirements
7Bit has wagering requirements for certain bonuses, fulfilling which unlocks the bonus for you. Wagers on online poker games like video slots contribute 100% towards the wagering requirements, whereas other games contribute 5%.
Typically, the wagering requirements for 7Bit casino range between 15x to 50x the deposit amount, based on the bonus.
Mobile Compatibility
The website is fully functional on mobile devices, allowing you access to the online poker site anywhere you want. It does lack a mobile app, which can be a little disappointing for some.
Bonuses And Promotions
7Bit offers various bonuses and promotions like the welcome bonus, daily cashback, Monday Reload, Wednesday Free Spins, weekend cashback, loyalty program, etc. Each of these offers a set percentage of the deposit amount as cashback, making them quite valuable for all players.
=> Click here to visit the official website “7Bit”
4. Bovada: Biggest Online Poker Sites With Progressive Jackpot Games
Bovada is the home to one of the largest online casinos, with up to $2 million in prizes waiting to be grabbed by the players. These online poker tournaments are held on Sundays, and players can compete for the top prize by playing their favorite games.
It features one of the best sportsbooks in the online casino scene, and its efforts to improve the user experience make it one of the best options.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Various tiered cash bonuses | Less favorable odds than other sportsbooks |
| Progressive jackpot games | |
| Easy payouts | |
| Constant innovation keeps the site fresh |
Game Variety
Bovada features more than 150 games in its lineup, including the classic real money poker game options and a few unorthodox options as well. It is varied enough to satisfy all players by offering a smooth and high-quality gameplay experience.
Here’s a brief list of the games available to play on Bovada:
- Slots
- Video poker
- Table games
- Live dealer games
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Roulette
Wagering Requirements
When wagering on certain games, a set percentage of the deposit amount will contribute to the Bovada online poker bonuses. Games like slots contribute 100% towards the rollover requirements, whereas blackjack and roulette contribute 10% and 5% towards the same, respectively.
Mobile Compatibility
Bovada can be enjoyed on mobile devices, with games like video poker and bingo being specifically tweaked for a better experience. The casino recommends using the online poker games website on larger screens for a more streamlined experience.
Bonuses And Promotions
Like the other online casino sites, Bovada offers various bonuses that include a welcome bonus and a referral system. It also includes an affiliate program that can become a decent source of income for players by fulfilling certain conditions.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Bovada”
5. BetOnline: Trusted Online Poker Real Money Site With Over 300+ Real Money Games
BetOnline is one of the best online poker sites for real money for those who are looking for a great experience with traditional casino games. And while it does offer various games, the experience it offers with Texas Hold’em is particularly noteworthy.
The US online poker site merges the gameplay experience of an online casino with a live-bet sportsbook, making it a highly versatile option.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Well-established online casino | Charges credit card fees |
| Great Texas Hold’em experience | |
| Includes 300+ games | |
| Offers competitive odds on 30+ sports |
Game Variety
BetOnline includes a catalog of 300+ real money games, which include various poker variants and traditional table games. These include the following and more:
- Craps
- Roulette
- eSports
- Keno
- Live betting
- Omaha
- Tri-card
- Stud
- 3D slots
- Live dealers
- Blackjack
Wagering Requirements
The wagering requirements for BetOnline range between 10x and 30x, which can vary based on the relevant bonuses and promotions. This real money online poker allows players to use promotional codes for a set number of times when the multiplier can apply.
Mobile Compatibility
BetOnline has a dedicated app for Android and iOS devices, allowing players easy access to the real money poker site.
Bonuses And Promotions
The BetOnline casino offers various bonuses that can be quite beneficial for the player. These include the following and more:
- 100% poker welcome bonus
- 50% sports welcome bonus
- 100% first-time crypto bonus
- 30% crypto reload bonus
- 100% casino welcome bonus
- 25% sports reload bonus
=> Click here to visit the official website “BetOnline”
6. Sports Betting: Growing Poker Online For Sports Betting
For those seeking a diverse selection of betting games to play poker for real money, Sports Betting may be a great option for you. In addition to sports betting, the website also includes a host of traditional casino and dealer games.
The website is not performance-intensive at all, which means that you can run it on nearly any modern device. This makes its accessibility rather high, enabling you to play without worrying about lag or unresponsive gameplay.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| Wide selection of games | Withdrawals can take a while |
| Low computing resource requirements | |
| Secure and reliable betting platform | |
| Quick account setup process |
Game Variety
The games available on Sports Betting can be categorized into two sections: sports betting games and casino games. Both of these sections boast a long list of games that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter the skill.
Here’s a brief list of sports betting games available on the website:
- Football
- Hockey
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Auto Racing
- Boxing
It also offers the following online poker games and more:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Slots
- Triple Edge Poker
- Baccarat
- Roulette
Wagering Requirements
The wagering requirements of Sports Betting are relatively low when it comes to betting on sports. Hence, the online poker and casino section of the website tends to gather more players with its high wagering requirements and decent winning odds.
Sports Betting has a rollover requirement of 14x on first crypto deposits, which is paired with a lower minimum deposit requirement than other offers. The rollover requirement can vary based on the online poker game as well.
Mobile Compatibility
Both the sportsbook and casino parts of Sports Betting work on Android and iOS devices without any issues. It’s one of the most supported mobile poker apps.
Bonuses And Promotions
There are several bonuses to take advantage of in Sports Betting, with certain bonuses being specific to betting types. It offers a sports welcome bonus, a sports reload bonus, a casino welcome bonus, a first deposit poker bonus, a crypto first deposit bonus, and more.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Sports Betting”
7. Slots.Lv: Reputable Poker Site Offering Up To 60% Rakeback
Slots.Lv is a platform that includes a wide variety of real-money poker games while specializing in jackpot games. Offering plenty of progressive jackpots, the website can be a satisfying experience for many players.
And with its instant withdrawal system via online poker account, Slots.Lv can be a great option for every online casino player.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| Good selection of games | Lacks a few deposit options |
| Slots specialization | |
| Progressive jackpots | |
| Quick and reliable payouts |
Game Variety
Slots.Lv includes more than 150 games in its slots section alone, with the total number of 200 to play poker games. These games include but are not limited to the following:
- A Night With Cleo
- 5 Times Vegas
- Mythic Wolf
- Craps
- Blackjack
- Video Poker
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Wagering Requirements
Slots.Lv has wagering requirements on its bonuses that range from 35x to 40x, depending on the type of bonus. By fulfilling these conditions, you will receive match bonuses on deposits, free spins, real money poker chips, and more, depending on the bonuses.
Mobile Compatibility
While Slots.Lv has no dedicated mobile app; the website can be accessed easily through a mobile web browser. The interface has been tweaked slightly to suit a mobile phone screen, with every website element being just as interactive as its desktop counterpart.
Bonuses And Promotions
The website includes referral bonuses, multiple bonuses related to crypto deposits, weekly bonuses, welcome bonuses for newcomers, and more. You can receive anywhere from 100% to 200% match bonus for real money poker by fulfilling the specific wagering requirement. For more bonuses and promotions availability for slot games, there are trusted real money online slot sites to play on.
=> Click here to visit the official website “Slots.lv”
8. Blackchip Poker: Best for RNG-Tested Poker Games Online
Blackchip Poker is the best place to play RNG-tested poker games. These games have been analyzed by iTech Labs and have been found to be compliant with provably fair gaming. Licensed in both Curacao and Costa Rico, the online poker site offers various poker promotions, including $12.5 million prize pool poker tournaments. The brand is lower on the list for its interface, which has been reported by multiple users as hard to navigate.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| 100% Welcome bonus worth up to $2,000 | Available in limited countries |
| 27% Elite Rakeback program for VIP users | |
| Anonymous play with 60+ cryptos | |
| Multi-table playing for poker tables |
Game Variety
Blackchip Poker has 40+ poker variations of the classic card game. These are some of the games that are available on this real money poker casino:
- Hold ‘em – no limit, fixed limit, and pot limit
- Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo
- 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo
- Blitz Poker
- Sit & Go tournaments
Wagering Requirements
Blackchip Poker has no wagering requirements for its poker or other game offerings. However, different bonuses are released in special ways. For example, their welcome bonus is paid out in increments of $1 for every 27.5 Award Points Earned.
Mobile Compatibility
Blackchip Poker has dedicated desktop apps for Windows, macOS Intel, and macOS Silicon. While you may not find a mobile application, the site is compatible with multiple devices because of the advanced technology of no-download, which lets you enjoy live mobile poker through browsers.
Bonuses And Promotions
This online poker casino has a welcome bonus of 100% up to $2000, a $12.5 Million Venom tournament, a 27% elite rakeback program, a $750,000 GTD Mystery Bounty Tournament, Big Poker Thursdays Tournament of $300,000 or more, The daily double promotion, The Dime-$10,000 GTD ($2.50 buy-in), Route 66-$150,000 GTD ($66 buy-in), $1 Million Jackpot Poker, $50 GTD Freerolls, and more. They also feature over 28 seasonal promotions, so keep checking the site for more details.
9. Juicy Stakes: Best for Instant Poker Games
Juicy Stakes is a well-known real money poker site that is best for playing instant poker games. It is licensed by the Curacao Gaming Authority and features top game providers like Betsoft and Nucleus Gaming. You can find games that have high RTPs of up to 99.80%. With a minimum deposit of just $25, you can start betting with real money at this poker casino. They offer special poker tournaments where you can win up to $5,000.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| 200% welcome bonus of up to $1,000 | Maximum withdrawal amount is $1,000 |
| 36% Rakeback Deal for players | |
| 20+ instant poker games to choose from | |
| Free check withdrawals |
Game Variety
Juicy Stakes has 20+ video poker titles along with over 9 poker tournaments where you can bet with real money. Some of the best games are listed down below:
- Split Way Royal
- Bonus Poker Deluxe — Multi-Play
- Tens or Better
- Double Bonus
- Deuces & Joker Wild — Multi-Play
- Deuces Wild
- All American — Multi-Play
- Double Jackpot
- Draw Five Poker
- Jacks or Better
- Double Joker
- Joker Poker (kings)
Wagering Requirements
Similar to Blackchip Poker, Juicy Stakes has a FPP-based (Frequent Player Point) system to carry out the release of bonuses. Poker Bonuses are issued in $5 portions, credited directly to the player’s account upon meeting the FPPs criteria. Players must accumulate 83.335 FPPs for each $5 increment.
Mobile Compatibility
This online casino for poker games might not have a mobile application but it’s fully optimized for desktop and mobile devices like Android and iOS, as well as tablets. The site uses an HTML interface that runs smoothly on all devices.
Bonuses And Promotions
Juicy Stakes has over 9 poker promotions, including a 200% Poker Welcome Bonus of up to $1,000, a No-deposit bonus of up to $100, a reload bonus of 200% up to $300, daily freeroll tournaments from Monday to Sunday, a rakeback deal of up to 36%, Leap Day Tournament of $2,000, and 2x Happy Hour bonus. More casino bonuses and promotions are available for new and existing players.
10. Americas Cardroom: High Payout Limit Real Money Poker Site
As a member of the Winning Poker Network, Americas Cardroom is our last featured brand on the list of the best american poker sites. The US poker sites offer high withdrawal limits of $10,000 on Bitcoin and e-wallets. It is a high-traffic site that offers up to $600 No Limit at peak times. It is licensed by the Cyprus Gaming Authority, ensuring the casino can be accessed in multiple countries.
Pros And Cons
| Pro | Con |
| 200% welcome bonus up to $2,000 | Lack a few games on mobile |
| Millions in guaranteed tournaments each month | |
| Lottery poker jackpots every week | |
| Payouts in under 24 hours |
Game Variety
Americas Cardroom is known for having 50+ poker card games and decent tournaments with betting limits of $0.02/$0.04 to $15/$30. Here are some of the most popular varieties you can find in this online poker casino:
- No Limit Texas Hold’em
- Pot Limit Texas Hold’em
- Fixed Limit Texas Hold’em
- No Limit Omaha & Omaha High/Low
- Pot Limit Omaha & Omaha High/Low
- Fixed Limit Omaha & Omaha High/Low
- Fixed Limit 7 Card Stud & 7 Card Stud High Low
Wagering Requirements
Americas Cardroom is another best online poker for US players that has a unique way of clearing its bonuses. For instance, if you want to unlock their welcome bonus, you have to earn award points by playing at real money poker tables. For every 27.5 Award Points you get through playing, you’ll unlock $1 of your bonus.
Mobile Compatibility
There is no mobile application for this online casino. However, you will find the website highly optimized for your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You can also download Windows, MacOS Silicon, and MacOS Intel desktop download feature, which directly lets you play from a desktop app.
Bonuses And Promotions
Americas Cardroom has a lot of bonuses like their welcome bonus of 100% first deposit bonus of up to $2000, $12.5 Million GTD Venom, OSS Leaderboard bonus of $30,000 in cash and Venom tickets, Up to 27% Rakeback bonus, $750,000 Special February Event, Big Poker Thursdays of $315,000 prize pools every Thursday, etc. There are other types of bonuses like casino bonuses, deposit bonuses, and many more.
How We Ranked These Best Online Poker Sites?
1. Reputation And Trustworthiness
When it comes to online casino games and poker sites, reputation and trust are everything. Once its reputation is tarnished, the poker platform is all but finished. On the other hand, a positive reputation and high trust levels from customers point to a healthier and safer platform.
Simply looking at the online poker site reviews left online by users can be a good indication of whether the poker sites can be trusted or not. If the number of people who regard a particular website to be more trustworthy than those who don’t is sufficiently high, the platform is generally safe. Conversely, if positive reviews are few and far between, it might be wise to stay away from it.
2. Types Of Games They Offer
Game variety is an important factor to consider when visiting an online poker site, as the sites with smaller selections become dull to revisit over time. The best real money poker sites recognize this, which is why you will find a wide variety of games available to play at any time.
Also, the best online poker sites should offer staple casino games like Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Seven-card Stud, five-card draw, Caribbean Stud, etc. Anything beyond these traditional games can be considered to be a bonus that caters to various tastes.
Sites must also feature multiple poker rooms, such as quick seats, soft opponents, anonymous tables, etc. The higher the number of rooms available, the more players can participate and have more fun playing against one another.
Our top pick for this list, Ignition, features more than 250 online poker games with various rulesets. It’s no wonder that the online poker sites boast a high player retention rate.
3. Rakeback
“Rake” can be defined as the percentage of money that a poker room skims off the real money pot in each game. “Rakeback,” on the other hand, is the portion of rake that the best poker sites distribute back to the players who return frequently.
The rakeback rate varies from one site to the next, but generally, it’s better to choose one that offers a higher rakeback percentage. Certain websites like GGPoker can offer up to 60% rakeback on particular games.
Of course, the amount you receive also depends on your player rank. The higher the player rank, the more cashback you will receive.
4. Players And Traffic
An online poker website that is teeming with players is often highly popular and well-regarded. And the larger the playing pool, the more chances you will have to win against opponents.
The main issue with a smaller player base is that the difference in player skill levels is often extremely high.
Not only does it cause newer players to leave because of repeated losses, but it also makes the online poker games boring for experts. Needless to say, having a healthy number of active players at any given point in the year is critical when searching for an online casino in the USA.
Additionally, high-traffic online poker sites regularly host online poker tournaments that offer massive rewards, making them a better way to enjoy online gambling.
5. Bonuses And Promotions
The best poker sites often have bonuses and promotions throughout the year that make the playing experience more fun for all players. Newer players receive welcome bonuses, whereas returning players receive loyalty rewards instead.
Additionally, poker sites should offer limited-time promotions, reward programs, contests, tournaments, 24/7 promotions, and crypto bonuses. These rewards eventually add up, making them an important factor in determining whether you will be making more money, breaking even, or losing.
Playing Online Poker Real Money For Beginners
Once you’ve chosen the desired real money poker sites, you will need to set up a new account on the website. Fortunately, the best online poker sites keep the process fairly streamlined and involve few complexities, if any.
Here’s a brief rundown of how you can get started with playing poker for real money.
1. Register Your Real Money Poker Account
Every online poker site comes with a simple account registration process, often accessible through the “Register” button located in a highly visible area of the page.
Clicking this button will redirect you to a form where you will be required to fill out various details that include basic information. You can expect it to include details like your full name, country that you are currently living in, currency, email, and password. Certain online poker sites may also require you to enter an address for billing purposes once you begin playing.
After you’ve filled out every required field, you can click on the “Register” button at the bottom of the page to finish the account registration process.
2. Verify Your Account
Account verification is almost universally present in online poker websites, requiring you to click a specific link or enter a code sent to your email address. This process is a quick and easy security step that ensures that your account details are correct and aren’t being misused.
When you click the link, it will redirect you to the online poker website, where you will be greeted by an account confirmation message. This marks the completion of the verification process, after which you will be asked to log into the website using your login credentials.
3. Deposit And Claim First Deposit Bonus
When logging into a poker website for the first time, you may be prompted to deposit a certain amount of money. And in return, the website will offer a set percentage of your first deposit as cashback.
Most online poker sites offer a myriad of bonuses for first-time players upon fulfilling certain conditions. These conditions can be gameplay-related, such as wager requirements or playing games for a certain period of time, or they can be deposit-related.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions related to deposits and relevant bonuses to have a complete understanding of what the website is offering. By arming yourself with the knowledge, you will be able to make the most out of the first-time bonus offered by the online poker website.
The Legalities Of Playing Poker Online In The USA
Currently, online poker is legal and heavily regulated, albeit in certain states only. States like Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Jersey allow the best online poker sites for US players to operate in the region with heavy restrictions in place.
These restrictions are put in place to ensure that people don’t lose their money to unfair and unlawful practices. Here’s a brief overview of the laws put in place by local authorities:
- Connecticut: The House Bill No. 6451, implemented in 2021
- Delaware: Title 29, chapter 48- Lotteries, implemented in 2013
- Michigan: Lawful Internet Gaming Act, implemented in 2019
- New Jersey: Assembly Bill No. 2578, implemented in 2013
- Nevada: Assembly Bill No. 114, implemented in 2013
- West Virginia: West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, implemented in 2019
- Pennsylvania: House Bill 271, implemented in 2017
In other states, however, regulation of online poker is either being discussed or not on the table at all. So, if you are not in the states mentioned earlier, you may not be able to play poker for real money online at all.
Legal Poker Games Types And Variants
Contrary to what a beginner may believe, there are several variations of poker, with Texas Hold’em being the most well-known of them all. Each variation of the real money poker game has its own rulesets and betting conditions that you must be aware of before you begin placing bets.
So, let’s take a brief look at the different online poker game types and see what separates one poker variant from the next.
1. Texas Hold ‘Em
The most popular variant of poker is Texas Hold’em, making it a “community” poker game. In this variant, the dealer deals two cards to each player while drawing a community card at the end of each betting round.
During each betting round, players have a few options that include raising the betting amount, matching the previous player, going “all-in,” folding, and more. These bets are often made based on the hand each player receives, and the player with the best hand wins the game.
The real money poker variant also allows for strategies like bluffing, where players can simply bet high enough to bluff others into folding, regardless of their hand.
2. Five-Card Stud
Five-card stud is a beginner-friendly variant of online poker that can serve as the gateway for newcomers to learn the basics of the game.
Like with Texas Hold’em, players are dealt two cards each, with one facing down (hole card) and the other facing up (door card). The player who holds the lowest value door card begins by placing a bring-in bet, which amounts to half the minimum bet for the round.
After each betting round, the dealer deals a face-up card to each player for a total of three betting rounds. Once the betting phases end, the players show their cards, and the best hand wins the pot.
3. Seven-Card Stud
Seven-card stud is yet another popular online poker variation that rewards highly strategic play. Unlike Hold’em, the stud games don’t include any community cards, except in unusual circumstances.
In this poker variant, the players are dealt one up-card and two downcards before the betting rounds even begin. After this, three more upcards and one more downcard are dealt for a total of seven cards in each player’s hand. Note that the first two betting phases are smaller bets, with the largest being reserved for the last three cards.
At the end of betting rounds, the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.
4. Omaha Hi
Omaha Hi is functionally identical to Texas Hold’em real money poker, with the difference being the number of cards dealt to each player. Here, each player is dealt a total of four cards that face down and are not revealed until the betting phases are over.
Then, the dealer deals five community cards on the table for each player to use. The objective of the game is to create the best possible hand using two cards in the player’s hand and three of the community cards. Naturally, the hand with the best card combination wins the pot.
5. Omaha Hi-Lo
Omaha Hi-Lo is a sub-variant of Omaha Hi, with the difference being the way in which the pot is divided. Otherwise, the objective of the game remains the same.
In Omaha Hi-Lo, the pot is awarded to the player with the best hand for high and the best hand for low. Incidentally, this is also where the real money poker game derives its name from.
6. Video Poker
Video poker typically uses the ruleset of the simpler poker variants, namely the five-card draw. Each player is dealt a five-card hand, after which they can either keep their cards or discard the ones they don’t need for one turn only. The discarded cards are replaced with new ones from the deck.
Once their hand is finalized, each player shows their hand, and the winner is then decided.
7. Live Table Poker
Live table poker is an online poker variant designed to accommodate up to ten players, where each player receives two hole cards. After the hole cards are dealt, the first betting round begins.
Next, the dealer deals five community cards in three stages: the three-card flop, the one-card turn, and the one-card river. The players place bets between these stages, and at the end of the final betting stage, their hands are revealed. Whoever has the best hand wins the entire pot at the showdown.
Live Poker Vs. Video Poker games
As far as drawing comparisons between live poker and video poker goes, the main thing to remember is the scale of the two variants.
Live poker is an online poker game of patience and strategy, where superficial knowledge of the game is not enough to win. The player has to compete with other players of varying skill levels and strategic approaches to the game. Those looking for simplicity may not prefer live poker because of its relatively stricter ruleset and complex strategies.
That said, the added challenge is what makes live poker appealing to seasoned poker players. The game can be a great tool for helping one develop self-control and perform under stress.
On the other hand, video poker is a relaxing experience for players of all skills, where the winning hand is dependent entirely on the card combinations. Players with a basic understanding of real money poker can play all variations of the game without any unexpected randomness at play.
Moreover, video poker is a much more controlled experience than live poker, offering a systematic betting system. The computerized elements of the game also add to its simplicity, which can make the game more appealing to certain players.
As far as the RTP ratio for either version of poker is concerned, note that it tends to vary from one casino to the next. But in general, video poker sites often offer better pay tables with returns starting at 99% and match player card returns. And while you may not win consistently due to house edge, the RTP for video poker can be higher, should luck be on your side.
At the end of the day, the version of poker you prefer will depend entirely on whether you like a more nuanced game or not. There is plenty to learn with live poker, whereas video poker can be seen as an online poker variant for casual gameplay.
Online Poker VS Offline Poker In The US
1. Convenience
One of the major drawing points of online poker is that accessing it is as easy as hitting a button on your web browser.
There are several factors at play that make online poker a lot more convenient than offline poker. For offline poker, a player has to ensure that there is a casino that is within their reach and that it offers the desired poker variant.
But for online poker, all you need to get started is a computer or a mobile phone. There are no waiting times, and tables are almost always available for play. Players also don’t need to search for parking spots in the parking lot as they can access play rooms from anywhere with internet access.
And given how the system is regulated by the government, the chances of foul play are also rather low.
2. Security
With online poker, you needn’t worry about the security at all. The best real-money poker sites are highly secure, offering secure gaming services for their range of games using top-grade encryption.
What also adds to the secure nature of online poker is the anonymity that it provides for each player. Each player has the option of either using their real name and picture or choosing a screen name and avatar to keep their identity hidden.
Anonymity makes it so that the player doesn’t have to worry about external judgments or biases and instead focuses entirely on the game at hand. This is something that isn’t reflected in offline poker at all, where certain players make decisions entirely based on others’ body language and reactions.
3. Accessibility
Players can access online poker rooms from anywhere in the world, provided that they have a stable internet connection. Because of this, online poker knows no limits.
Differently-abled players don’t have to worry about accessibility options for online poker sites that they often do for offline poker. Certain sites feature text-to-speech options, enhanced auditory options, and more features for everyone to enjoy the online gaming experience that poker sites bring to the table.
Physical boundaries can restrict offline play, but they don’t stop online play at all, no matter where the player is or when they choose to play.
4. Bonuses
Online poker sites often reward players with periodic bonuses, be it in the form of bonus cash or extra chips. These bonuses can be enjoyed by first-time players and returning players alike, as consumer retention is one of the primary goals of an online poker site.
Not only are these bonuses a neat cherry on top of the online poker experience, but it is also an incentive for players to keep playing.
5. Variety
The variety of games offered by online poker websites is practically unmatched by offline casinos. For instance, Ignition features over 250 games with unique rulesets for each in a single, easily accessible place, something that isn’t feasible in offline play.
You can choose from nearly all kinds of poker variations, slots, and more gambling games in a single platform without having to go anywhere else.
Strategies For Winning At Online Poker Sites
1. Play Games You Know
Being familiar with games is one of the best ways to increase your odds of winning consistently.
Say, for example, that you have played Texas Hold’em a few times and have a decent grasp of what the game is about. So, if you dedicate a few online poker sessions to Texas Hold’em, you will become better at the real money poker game at a rapid pace.
You will become more aware of the hand values and rules the more you play, enabling you to make bets more cautiously. And when you feel like branching out, consider reading more about the rules of the games and hand values specific to them before betting money.
2. Play At Peak Times
Choosing the right time to play at a real money poker site can help you match with players who are around or below your skill level. You can use online resources to find out peak user hours, allowing you to participate in a large player pool or tournament brackets.
Regular players are often highly skilled, and winning a game against them can be quite challenging. But those who play periodically or wait for large-scale events to play online poker are not, which is whom you will want to be matched up against.
The larger the competition, the higher your odds of winning consistently.
3. Know Your Poker Hands
Various games have their own poker hand values, being mindful of which can be the difference between winning or losing a real money poker game. Keep an eye on your cards, remember which cards would be the best possible play, and make smart moves based on what you see.
Keeping track of hand values through a manually-written sheet can be a good idea if you are practicing multiple games simultaneously.
Different Payment Options In Online Poker Sites
If there is one thing that is universally true about the best online poker sites for real money, it’s that they all offer multiple payment options.
You can make purchases on such sites using tried-and-tested credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Some websites may also accept cards from Discover as well, which can be rather convenient. Other traditional payment methods include wire transfers, cashier checks, and online banking, making payments even simpler for those unfamiliar with online poker sites.
In addition to these methods, you can also use online payment services and wallet apps like PayPal and Skrill, as well as online casino-specific services. Options like branded Play+ cards and ACH transfer are also available to you, should you need them.
And if you are unfamiliar with these methods, many casino sites also allow you to pay via PayNearMe at a local convenience store. Feel free to visit your local 7-Eleven or CVS to learn more about how this process works and how you can get started.
The important thing to remember about real money poker sites is that you should look for one that has a high deposit limit. Additionally, the deposits you make should always be free of additional charges to make the purchases as financially sound as possible.
Withdrawing Your Funds Via US Poker Rooms
After you’ve collected a decent amount of winnings, you may want to cash them out instead of continuing to play. The process may seem a little complex to first-timers, but it is rather straightforward.
Simply visit the dedicated banking page of the US poker sites you have been visiting and look for the options for adding or removing cash. If you have made the initial deposit using a payment method like a credit or debit card, you only need to click the removing cash button.
As such, it’s always advised to use a payment method that allows for both the addition and removal of cash to keep the flow of cash streamlined.
Additionally, you may want to keep an eye on the transaction fee while choosing a payment method. Poker sites don’t apply transaction fees for certain payment methods, but the opposite remains true for others.
And lastly, some transactions require a specific timeframe to complete. While certain payouts are immediate, others can take up to several days to finish.
Quick Rundown
The convenience of online poker is undeniable, but there are a few things that you must keep in mind while using any online casino platform.
It’s important to take note of the terms and conditions of the payment systems in particular. Many poker sites require additional steps to be taken or add a transaction fee each time you use a particular payment method. Keeping these conditions in mind can save you plenty of money, especially if you use such websites regularly.
Another thing to remember is that you should always go through a few practice rounds before investing real money into a particular game. Be mindful of how much money you spend on the best online poker sites, and try not to dwell on losses too much. Trying to recoup losses is where gambling addictions start, after all.
And lastly, it’s always a good idea to keep a sheet of game rules next to you while playing an online game. Knowing the rules can be the difference between winning big and losing, so continue to brush up on your game knowledge to make the best plays.
FAQs Regarding Real Money Poker Sites
Q1. What is the most reputable Online Poker site?
The most reputable online poker site is Ignition, offering plenty of poker games and a secure playing experience. Other reputable legal online poker sites include 7Bit, BetOnline, Cafe Casino, and more.
Q2. How long does it take to process withdrawals on top poker sites?
The withdrawal time on top poker sites depends on the payment method, which may range from instantaneous to several days. As a general rule, expect the withdrawal to take a minimum of 48 hours or seven to ten days on average.
Q3. Where can I play poker online for real money in the United States?
Currently, you can play poker for real money in Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Other states have yet to legalize online poker websites.
Q4. Are any online poker sites not rigged?
The majority of the revenue generated by online poker sites comes from their rake charges. For top poker sites, the rake from each game ends up being high enough for these sites to have no need for rigging them. As such, you can play online poker on any of the websites listed here without any fear of rigged games.
Q5. Do any poker sites offer deposits in Cryptocurrency?
Several poker sites like Ignition, 7Bit, and more offer deposits in various kinds of cryptocurrency.
Q6. Can I play real-money poker games on my mobile device?
Several real-money poker games are available on mobile devices, which include Ignition and Cafe Casino.
Q7. How does online poker work?
Online poker utilizes a classic version of poker where players purchase chips using real money. Each poker table has an upper and lower betting limit, and players must play games while adhering to these restrictions.
Q8. How to avoid online poker addiction if you have a losing streak?
One of the best ways to avoid poker addiction is to try and stave off the temptation of winning back your losses. Typically, trying to win back what you have lost ends up causing you to lose more money, creating a vicious money-churning cycle. Try to accept your losses and come back another day with a fresher outlook and greater self-control.
Concluding On The Best Online Poker Sites For Real Money In 2024
Online poker sites have created a safe space for people to play casino games safely and anonymously without feeling the pressure of being in a casino. The convenience they offer is directly dependent on the number of features they offer, which include deposit options, security, accessibility, bonuses, and more.
While testing various best real money poker sites, we found Ignition to stand above the rest by a significant margin. Its high game variety, regular competitive events, great bonuses, and complete player anonymity make it a great online casino website for players of all skill levels.
