US Online Poker Sites December 2024

Playing poker online remains a very popular option among avid US players despite huge setbacks in the 2010s. The best online poker sites give those players an opportunity to play poker legally online and, if they're lucky and make smart bets, win some real money while they're at it.

POKER WELCOME BONUSES

Updated on : 12/27/2024

Follow our breakdown of the top poker sites so you can cash in on the best welcome bonuses, tournaments, and more.

CONTENTS

• Best Online Poker Sites
• Legality in the US
• Poker Event Schedule
• How Are Poker Sites Different?
• History
• Online Poker FAQ

BEST ONLINE POKER SITES

Playing poker on an online casino is fun, but the most fun comes when you're playing online poker against real people for real money.

Testing your skills and decision-making against other players in states with legal poker apps is a fun way to pass the time and hone your ability to think on the fly.

The best online poker sites offer a comparable experience to land-based poker rooms at casinos without too much fluff. Looking for an app that offers features that you want while giving you the information you need to make an informed bet is a hallmark of a good online poker site.

Do you want to be warned when you're in a blind or are you tuned in? Do you want to have an option to check/fold without having to wait your turn? These are the considerations you should keep in mind while choosing from among the best in the online poker world:

BETMGM POKER

As one of the leading online gaming brands, BetMGM Poker holds a prominent place on the list. This starts with competitive welcome offers with promo codes. The site also has an extensive menu of poker playing options.

BetMGM Poker continues to expand its market presence through the mobile poker app. Games are broken down into three main segments: Cash Games, Sit and Go Tournaments and Multi-Table Tournaments.

Tournament play is available on a daily basis, so if you're interested in jumping into the fray regularly, make sure you get signed up for the BetMGM Cashback Grind program to earn points when you play and redeem them for BRPs (BetMGM Rewards Points) and therefore, more cash.

POKERSTARS

This popular online poker site has received high grades across the board in various online reviews. PokerStars has established itself as the biggest brand on a global scale. If you've ever read or watched anything about poker, you're probably aware of this brand.

A wide variety of poker games are available through the PokerStars site and mobile app. The app is available for download by both iOS and Android devices.

The most popular cash poker games at PokerStars Casino are Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud. Spin & Go tournaments offer a faster rate of play. Multi-table tournaments are available on a daily basis with special events on Sundays.

PARTY POKER

Launched in 2001, Party Poker gained notoriety on a global basis as a free-play poker app. The site boasts more than 80,000 members around the world.

Real money poker play at Party Poker is available in the state of New Jersey. The site’s affiliation with Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City is a major draw. Party Poker has gained the reputation for offering some of the most lucrative online tournament play.

Party Poker will use promo codes in conjunction with any available promotional offers. The initial welcome offer for new players is one of the best in the industry.

WSOP

The World Series of Poker is the most recognized poker tournament series among avid players. The WSOP poker site was developed to be a companion to the experience of WSOP satellite events and the big show televised yearly on ESPN+.

This site is available for free play. Poker games include the standard Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, Omaha, and other variants such as the lesser known variants like Badugi or Razz.

The real money poker site is owned and operated by Caesars Interactive Entertainment in Las Vegas, Nevada. A few of the states where WSOP offers legal poker play are Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

WSOP is probably the most comprehensive poker app in terms of ongoing tournament action. This covers a number of poker variants led by Texas Hold’em as the most popular option for tournament play.

WHERE IS ONLINE POKER LEGAL?

Online poker sites offering free play are legal throughout the US. These types of apps and sites offering no-deposit, play money poker are commonly referred to as social gaming sites.

Players can still win cash and prizes at social sites since poker is classified as a game of skill. The fact that the games are free to play also makes them legal in most states.

Real money poker rooms are a different classification. Poker apps offering real money play must be licensed. Currently, there are five states in the US market offering legal play.

Along with Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, real money poker is legal in Delaware and Michigan.

You can also play free video poker online!

Check out the ClubGG Poker Bonus Code and if you're from Canada, take a look at the ClubGG poker review when you're ready to apply these strats!

MAJOR POKER TOURNAMENTS EVENT SCHEDULE

Last Updated December 27, 2024

HOW ARE POKER SITES DIFFERENT?

Poker sites tend to offer the same types of competition. This includes cash poker games, sit-and-go tournaments and multi-table tournaments.

There is quite a bit of crossover in poker variants offered such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud.

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The biggest difference between all the various poker sites is the competition itself. Each site sets the rules and regulations for tournament play. This includes the initial stakes and guaranteed payouts.

Another big point of difference is each poker site’s promotional incentives and bonus offers. Just about every poker site has an initial welcome bonus offer and promo code.

However, the entire promotional calendar will vary from site to site.

Players in legal states offering online play are free to join multiple sites offering poker. This is the best way to take full advantage of the various bonus offers and promotional incentives that are available.

Rules and regulations covering actual play remain rather standard across the industry. Players should still familiarize themselves with all the rules and regulations at any poker site they decide to join.

HISTORY OF ONLINE POKER

The origins of online poker can be traced back to the late 1990’s. In 1998, Planet Poker made its debut.

While Planet Poker is commonly given credit as the first online poker site, it never achieved any meaningful level of success. Online gambling wasn't going to take off for another 15 years or so.

Paradise Poker was another early site. This was the first room to offer a wide variety of online poker games for playing Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud.

In 2000, Poker Spot made its debut as the first site to introduce tournament play. The site’s lifespan was short lived due to numerous technical difficulties. However, the popularity of online tournament play had been established.

The turning point in the online poker industry was in 2001. That was the year that Party Poker first went live. Soon after, PartyStars launched.

With each site attracting players for ongoing tournaments, the growth rate of online players started to explode. This was fueled by the popularity of televised poker tournaments at Las Vegas casinos.

Chris Moneymaker (yes, that’s his real name) is often credited with the online poker boom of the early 2000’s. He won the World Series of Poker tournament in 2003 and a first-place prize of $2.5 million.

Moneymaker gained entry into this prestigious tournament by winning a $40 qualifying event at PokerStars. Pretty soon, anyone with an interest in playing Texas Hold’em turned to online poker sites to hone their poker playing skills.

Given this overwhelming popularity, the legality of poker was called into question. In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed by the US federal government, and then, even worse, United States v. Scheinberg.

For more insights into poker's evolution and strategies, check out our article on how to Master Live Caribbean Stud Poker to enhance your understanding and gameplay.

BLACK FRIDAY 2011 AND THE FUTURE OF POKER

In United States v. Scheinberg, the federal government brought suit against 3 of the largest online poker companies at the time to claim they violated the UIGEA. They wee very successful in pressuring online poker companies with this lawsuit, and on April 15, 2011, many of the biggest names in poker decided to shut their doors to avoid further punishment or prosecution.

Since then, online poker has never fully recovered in the US, but we're seeing some evidence of a slow resurgence. Today, you can bet on online poker and play against people both in your state and across state lines in four states. Those same states are also offering casino games online for eligible players, but poker platforms are typically not built in to those online casino apps.

FOUR US STATES IN MSIGA

Michigan is now officially the fourth state added to the Internet Gaming Association. The other states include Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware. The compact was established as the Multistate Internet Gaming Acgreement and signed by New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware in 2014 and Michigan in 2022. This means that poker players from any of those 4 states can play poker against each other online for real money.

Pennsylvania still has yet to join the MSIGA, but there is talk of them being included in the reciprocal agreement in 2024. Eager players are hoping to see the federal government release restrictions regarding online poker and let players play across the country, but for now, only players in five states are able to play online for real money, and one of those can only play with in-state players.

POKER FAQ

IS IT LEGAL TO PLAY ONLINE POKER IN THE US?

It is legal to play real money poker online in the five states mentioned above. Social gaming poker sites that are free to play are available in most states.

WILL MORE STATES BEGIN TO OFFER ONLINE POKER FOR REAL MONEY?

Changes to online gaming laws are always taking place in the US. Since online gaming is regulated on a state-by-state basis, there should be additional poker markets joining the current list.

IS IT SAFE TO PLAY POKER ONLINE?

Since legal online poker is governed and regulated in specific markets, it does guarantee safe and fair play. Players should always use caution when playing poker at an online social gaming site. These sites are generally not regulated by an in-state gaming commission.

Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun