Real-money online poker is legal in nine states and operational in four.

The four operational states are Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Legal US online poker sites are available in each of those states and accept players 21 and above.

That leaves Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, and West Virginia as the remaining states where online poker is legal but not yet available for varying reasons that we will discuss below. Continue below for updates in those states, which operators are licensed in states with online poker, and a thorough guide to getting started.

ycgts.shop reviews legal US poker sites and evaluates promotions and bonus offers. We also covers industry news and legal updates. Read on for a complete introduction to online poker in the United States.

Legal US Poker Sites

BetMGM Poker$1000 Deposit BonusBetMGM Poker Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
WSOP100% up to $1000WSOP Promo Code: BUSA Get Bonus
Borgata Poker$1000 Deposit BonusBorgata Poker Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
Party Poker$25 + $600 BonusParty Poker Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus

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US Online Poker Reviews

A handful of prominent brands dominate online poker in the USA, and several are active in multiple states. Follow the links below for in-depth online poker site reviews.

Ranking The Best US Online Poker Sites

The US online poker market has drastically improved for players over the past few years. With more states legalizing online poker and high-quality operators expanding their reach, traffic is up, prize pools are bigger, and cash games are busier than ever.

More importantly, online poker is happening in a safe, secure, regulated environment.

In most states with legal online poker, players can choose from multiple poker sites run by reputable operators. There’s still a lot of room for growth, but there are enough options in most states for BettingUSA to rank the best online poker sites for US players based on traffic, game types, promotions, and welcome bonuses.

Below are BettingUSA’s recommended US real money poker sites, ranked according to multiple factors.

BetMGM Poker

BetMGM Poker$1000 Deposit BonusBetMGM Poker Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
  • States: Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
  • Best US Poker Site For: Soft cash games, SPINS tournaments, fastforward cash games, and mobile app
  • Shared Tables in: Michigan and New Jersey

BetMGM Online Poker earns the top spot in this list because it scores well in all the key areas players should value when choosing where to play online poker for real money in the USA.

As a product of MGM Resorts International, BetMGM Poker has a lock on legitimacy and no shortage of resources to dedicate to its software. BetMGM Poker frequently adds new game types and launches features like running it twice and bad beat protection (all-in cashout) in cash games.

In addition, BetMGM has the best poker app for mobile players, thanks to quick response times and intelligent design.

BetMGM Poker also attracts an active user base with significantly more casual players than other poker sites, thanks to it’s marketing budget and visibility as a leading online sportsbook.

Equally important, BetMGM Poker offers combined tables in Michigan and New Jersey, leading to significant traffic increases in both states. That means bigger tournaments, larger prize pools, and busier cash games.

BetMGM hosts a busy poker tournament schedule consisting of daily guarantees, weekly guarantees, and SPINS tournaments with prize multipliers of up to 1200x.

BetMGM Poker promotions are some of the best in the US market. The promotional lineup begins with a large first deposit bonus and continues with regular promos.

Players can often leverage loyalty point multipliers for earning BetMGM Rewards, cash bonuses, contests, cashback offers, and more.

WSOP Online

WSOP100% up to $1000WSOP Promo Code: BUSA Get Bonus
  • States: Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania
  • Best US Poker Site For: WSOP satellites, large prize pool tournaments, soft cash games
  • Shared Tables In: Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada

As the official poker site of the World Series of Poker, WSOP Online has several advantages that players won’t find elsewhere. Most notably, WSOP Online holds the most satellites to the World Series of Poker at buyin levels suitable for bankrolls of all sizes. WSOP Online is also the only poker site where players can win authentic World Series gold bracelets and earn Caesars Rewards perks for online play.

WSOP Poker’s prominence as a tournament destination also results in cash games that are neck-and-neck with BetMGM for softness. Much of the WSOP Poker user base consists of casual players drawn by the brand name and tournament scene, resulting in soft cash games.

PokerStars USA

  • States: Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
  • Best US Poker Site For: Reputation and reliability
  • Shared Tables In: Michigan and New Jersey

PokerStars is a deeply experienced online poker site with international operations and a sterling reputation. PokerStars has some of the toughest cash games and tightest players among US poker sites, but it offers a top-notch platform that functions without hiccups and can legitimately claim to have the most secure software on the planet.

Players who want the ultimate in reliability and security should consider PokerStars. However, they should not expect easy cash games or tournaments. PokerStars has a well-deserved reputation for tough players.

Online Poker Bonuses

All poker sites offer welcome bonuses and frequent promotions that reward players with cash, tournament entry fees, and other benefits.

The utility of every poker deposit bonus varies, but most are good deals because players release them for withdrawal by participating in real money games and tournaments.

Below is a summary of the best poker bonuses open to players in the USA. Every poker site on this table is legal, licensed, and safe. Use the latest poker promo codes below to claim the latest offer from each poker site.

Poker SiteBonus CodeWelcome Bonus
BetMGM Poker Bonus Code

BUSABONUS

100% up to $1,000 + up to $75 in Tournament Tickets

Available in: MI, NJ, PA
WSOP Poker Promo Code

Not Needed

$50 Free + 100% up to $1,000

Available in: MI, NJ, NV, PA
Borgata Poker Bonus Code

BUSABONUS

100% up to $1,000

Available in: NJ, PA
Party Poker Bonus CodeBUSABONUS$25 Free + 100% up to $600

Available in: NJ
PokerStars Bonus Code

STARS600

100% up to $600

Available in: MI, NJ, PA

See BettingUSA’s detailed guide below to learn more about online poker bonuses, including tips for extracting the maximum value from every signup offer.

Note: BettingUSA only recommends poker bonuses offered by legal and licensed operators in the USA.

Online Poker Bonuses

States With Legal Online Poker

Map Key

  • Blue = Online poker is legal and operational
  • Red = Online poker is legal but not yet live
Poker Placeholder
Poker

Every state regulates poker differently, but all jurisdictions share a few commonalities. Most notably, all states in the online poker market in the USA require players to be 21 or older and physically located within state lines to participate.

Note: Players do not need to be residents to play poker online. They only need to be physically present.

Even though only a handful of states have legalized online poker, lawmakers nationwide are showing signs of becoming increasingly comfortable with legalization.

And as more states legalize online poker, other states become likelier to follow suit.

In addition, interstate online poker is beginning to have an outsized impact on cash game traffic and tournament prizes.

Players in states without legal online poker should avoid playing at illegal offshore poker sites and consider writing their representatives.

Offshore poker sites frequently advertise in the USA, but players should be aware that those operators are unregulated, violate US law, and are likely not safe places to play poker for real money online.

Michigan Online Poker Sites

Michigan legalized online poker by passing a large gambling expansion package in the final days of 2019. In addition to authorizing online casino games and sports betting, the package included legislation to regulate online poker.

Under Michigan poker law, land-based casinos may apply for licenses to operate up to two online poker sites. The first Michigan poker sites opened in January 2021, beginning with PokerStars. BetMGM Poker and WSOP Poker joined the fray later to give players three Michigan online poker sites to choose from.

Michigan law permits shared liquidity agreements, meaning operators like BetMGM and WSOP may seat players from different states at the same tables.

New Jersey Online Poker Sites

New Jersey was among the first states to legalize online poker, passing the requisite legislation in 2013. The Garden State is now home to multiple poker sites and a large player base that keeps games running 24/7.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) issues licenses to online poker sites, monitors their conduct, and licensed poker sites.

State law permits New Jersey to enter liquidity compacts with other regulated states, allowing online poker sites licensed in both jurisdictions to share player pools across state lines. The provision led to New Jersey and other states forming the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites

Pennsylvania legalized online poker in 2018 and is home to several licensed poker sites.

All Pennsylvania poker sites are single-state operators for now, but that won’t remain the case for too much longer. Pennsylvania has officially begun the process of joining MSIGA and will soon have shared multi-state poker tables.

In the meantime, Pennsylvania’s population is large enough to sustain an active tournament calendar and 24/7 cash games.

Connecticut Online Poker Sites

Connecticut legalized online poker by renegotiating its gaming compacts with tribal gaming operators and passing accompanying legislation.

Under the amended gaming compacts, Connecticut’s Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes may operate online poker sites.

Neither tribe has launched an online poker site yet, but they will likely do so if Connecticut joins player-sharing agreements with other states.

West Virginia Online Poker Sites

Legal poker sites haven’t yet launched in West Virginia even though lawmakers passed the requisite legislation in 2019.

West Virginia’s small population discouraged poker sites from applying for online poker licenses the last few years because operators need considerable traffic to maintain active cash games and tournaments.

However, West Virginia became a significantly more attractive online poker market in November 2023 by joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) and clearing the way for interstate poker.

Multiple online poker operators have indicated they will apply for licenses since then because they now have a clear path to seating players in West Virginia at tables with players from other states, including Michigan and New Jersey.

Nevada Online Poker Sites

Nevada was the second state to pass online poker legislation and the first to launch a legal US online poker site.

Nevada’s small population has proven challenging to most operators, and all but one Nevada poker site have closed after failing to reach the critical mass of players needed to support regular games.

WSOP.com is the only legal online poker site in Nevada.

WSOP Nevada hosts cash games at a wide range of stakes, daily guaranteed prize pool tournaments, satellites to the World Series of Poker, and authentic WSOP bracelet events.

A part of WSOP Nevada’s success derives from sharing tables with players in Michigan and New Jersey, significantly expanding its player base. With players from three states seated at the same tables and tournaments, WSOP.com has the traffic it needs to support an active poker scene.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission regulate online poker and issue licenses.

Delaware Online Poker Sites

Delaware was the first state to legalize online poker when it passed in 2012.

The Delaware Lottery selected 888 Poker to be the state’s exclusive online poker and gambling operator for an initial ten-year period. When the contract expired in 2023, the Delaware Lottery dropped 888 and partnered with Rush Street Interactive.

The new contract marked the end of online poker in Delaware, for now at least, because Rush Street Interactive does not offer online poker in any state. However, Rush Street Interactive acquired the Run It Once poker platform in 2022 because it intends to offer online poker in multiple states, including Delaware.

Arkansas Online Poker Sites

Arkansas does not yet have online poker sites, but that can change quickly because the legal framework is already in place.

Unbeknownst to most voters, the 2018 ballot measure that legalized sports betting in Arkansas also authorized online poker. Later, the Arkansas Racing Commission adopted all the supplementary regulations needed to implement the law.

Although the regulations primarily deal with sports betting, they contain an entire chapter to online poker in Arkansas. Some of highlights include provisions requiring operators to apply for licenses, limiting online poker to players 21 and older, and establishing a $1,000 initial licensing fee. If the Commission decides to act on the opportunity and begin soliciting licenses from online poker operators, it won’t be long before the first poker sites are up and running in Arkansas.

Rhode Island Online Poker Sites

Online poker is legal but unavailable in Rhode Island.

Legislation approved in 2023 legalized online gambling and poker in Rhode Island, but it did not result in any immediate changes for poker players. Instead, the law directed the Rhode Island Lottery to partner with one operator for the exclusive right to offer online gambling and poker in Rhode Island.

Later, the Rhode Island Lottery chose Bally’s Corporation. That was an unfortunate choice for players because Bally’s Corporation does not offer online poker in any state, lacks a poker platform, and has not indicated it has imminent plans to offer online poker.

How Online Poker Became Legal

To understand how online poker became legal in the US, we must first look at how the US criminalized it.

The first online poker sites for US players opened in the late 90s.

Although federal law at the time did not specifically criminalize online poker, there were concerns that the Federal Wire Act could apply to online poker websites.

As a result, all the major poker sites operated “offshore” from outside the United States.

The online poker boom of the early 2000s pushed the game to the mainstream consciousness and resulted in rapid industry growth.

However, online poker’s explosive growth also invited increased scrutiny from regulators.

In 2006, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to crack down on unregulated offshore poker sites.

The UIGEA itself did not criminalize the act of playing online poker but instead made it a criminal offense for financial institutions in the United States to process transactions related to illegal gambling.

The offshore poker industry largely ignored the passage of the UIGEA and continued operations as normal despite increased difficulties in processing online poker deposits and withdrawals.

Black Friday

On April 15th, 2011, a day now known as “Black Friday” among US poker players, the US Department of Justice  against the offshore industry.

That day, the DOJ indicted eleven individuals and seized the domains and related bank accounts of the three largest US-facing poker sites (PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker) for violations of the UIGEA.

The Black Friday indictments prompted most remaining poker sites to exit the US market entirely once it was clear the US government was serious about cracking down on unlicensed online gambling

A handful of smaller poker sites pushed onward despite the legal risk, but the offshore poker industry would never fully recover.

The march to legal online poker in the USA began in earnest just months after the Black Friday indictments.

In 2009, officials associated with the New York and Illinois state lotteries asked the DOJ to weigh in on their plans to sell lottery tickets online.

Specifically, state lottery operators wanted to know if online ticket sales would violate the Federal Wire Act.

The DOJ responded in September 2011 with  stating that the DOJ interprets the Wire Act as applying to sports betting only.

Although the statement did not mention online poker, the implication was clear: states can legalize online poker without violating the Wire Act.

The states’ newfound ability to legalize online poker also cleared the UIGEA hurdle because the UIGEA specifically targets unlawful internet gambling.

New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware quickly moved to pass legislation authorizing online poker and were later followed by additional states.

Nine States Have Legalized Online Poker: Are More On The Way?

One group that begrudges the success of sports betting legislation is online poker players. Online poker players have the right to feel left out. The time and energy spent on multiyear legalization efforts are being pushed to the side in favor of legalizing sports betting.

That said, online poker advocates have reasons to cheer. Sports betting has quietly helped online poker in a couple of states, and eventually others will legalize online poker.

Where Else Could You See Legal Online Poker?

Multiple states have attempted to legalize online poker over the years. Some have even come close to passing an online poker bill.

States on the shortlist include Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Massachusetts.

But as Arkansas, Connecticut, and West Virginia demonstrated, there are a lot of sleeper states out there.

Legal Online Poker FAQ

Yes. Most operators offer mobile poker apps for iOS and Android devices. Some online poker apps even support multi-tabling.

Yes. Nearly every legal poker site offers a native Mac download for desktop users.

No. Poker laws only require players to be 21 or older and physically located within state lines to play online. State residency is not a requirement.

Yes, online poker sites licensed in the United States are safe and fair.

Regulators in states that have legalized online poker prioritize consumer protection in their licensing conditions, laws, and additional regulations.

Acquiring an online poker license in the USA is no small task. Prospective operators must prove to regulators that they are financially suitable, have the technical ability to protect the games, and have the ability to comply with all regulations.

Offshore poker sites offer no such guarantees, putting player funds at great risk.

Online poker sites make money by charging rake.

In cash games, online poker sites collect rake from every pot.

The percentage varies but is usually around 4 to 5% with a maximum cap. In lower-stake games, the rake may cap at anywhere from $0.30 to $1. As the stakes increase, the rake maxes out at around $5.

Additionally, most online poker sites do not rake pots if the hand doesn’t make it to the flop.

Most players consider the rake a fair price as long as poker sites don’t charge excessive amounts.

In online poker tournaments, an entry fee is charged on top of the buy-in amount.

For example, a poker site may list a tournament price as $5 + $0.50. The poker site keeps the $0.50 and puts the remaining $5 in the prize pool. Most tournaments charge a rake of about 10%.

Nine states have fully legalized and implemented online poker legislation, and legal poker sites are operational in four.

Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have active poker websites. Online poker is legal but not yet operational in Arkansas, Delaware, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Each state regulates online poker and issues licenses to operators according to local law. That said, a handful of operators account for most legal poker sites.

BetMGM Poker, WSOP, Borgata Poker, Party Poker, PokerStars, and 888 Poker are the largest active poker sites in the US market.

It has been speculated that GGPoker or Run It Once Poker might launch in the United States, but that has not yet happened.

All states with legal online poker have established a minimum age of 21 to play online.

Most states without legal online poker have laws on the books one could interpret as prohibiting residents from patronizing offshore poker sites.

In practice, the US does not prosecute players who visit unlicensed poker sites.

However, BettingUSA editors urge readers to avoid the legal and financial risks offshore poker entails.

Offshore poker sites are unregulated, players have no recourse if something goes wrong, and players cannot completely rule out any potential legal risks.

Yes, sweepstakes poker sites operate in every state except Washington without interference from local regulators.

Most states require a game to consist of three elements to consider it gambling: chance, consideration, and prize.

Sweepstakes poker sites remove one of those elements (consideration) by allowing customers to participate without paying anything, hence the phrase “no purchase necessary.”

Because poker is regulated at the state level, licensed online poker sites must ensure players can only participate when physically located within state lines.

As a result, legal poker sites in each state are limited in the number of players they can attract and the active tables they can sustain.

States can alleviate the problem by joining interstate online poker liquidity-sharing agreements, which allow poker sites licensed in two or more states to share tables across state lines.

For example, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia are members of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

Any poker site licensed in two or more of those states may host cash games and tournaments that seat players from multiple states at the same tables.

The result is more traffic for online poker operators and active tables for players.