The Ultimate Guide to Playing Online Poker for Real Money in the US

Online poker has exploded in popularity in recent years, allowing players across the US to enjoy Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other popular variants from the comfort of home. However, the legal landscape is complex, and choosing the right poker site can be overwhelming for beginners.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to start playing real money online poker legally and safely in the United States.

TLDR; The best site to play poker in the US is BetOnline. Click here to sign up with BetOnline and use promo code POKER1000 to get a 100% up to $1,000 bonus.

The Best Online Poker Sites and Casinos for US Players

Looking to play real money poker online in the US? This guide explores the top poker sites and online casinos, breaking down their poker offerings, bonuses, and more.

BetOnline — Best Overall Poker

BetOnline is our top pick for American poker players thanks to its versatile poker platform, numerous game options, and valuable welcome bonus.

Poker Games: BetOnline spreads all the popular variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, and more. You’ll find fixed limit, pot limit, and no limit action.

Tournaments: Choose from guaranteed prize pool events, sit and gos, and multi-table tournaments starting under $1. Numerous daily tournaments available.

Traffic: As an industry giant, BetOnline provides substantial traffic and full tables around the clock. Finding a game is never an issue.

Bonus: 100% poker bonus up to $1,000. You’ll also find ongoing reload bonuses and additional poker promos.

Boasting excellent software, a busy poker room, and valuable bonuses, BetOnline is a top choice for poker enthusiasts in the United States.

Use promo code POKER1000 at sign up to get the bonus.

Click here to sign up with BetOnline

Bovada Poker — Best for Beginners

Bovada Poker shines with an easy-to-use platform, recreational player base, and $500 poker bonus for new players. It’s a great site for poker beginners.

Games: All the essential poker games are available, including Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud. Lots of low stakes tables accommodate casual players.

Tournaments: Scheduled tournaments run frequently with guarantees up to $15,000. Sit and gos and multiplayer tournaments are also available.

Traffic: As an industry leader, Bovada has one of the largest US player pools. Newbies won’t feel intimidated playing here.

Bonus: A 100% poker bonus up to $500 is available for new accounts. Additional weekly bonuses provide extra value.

Thanks to weak competition and simple software, Bovada is the ideal poker starting point for casual players and amateurs in the US.

Click here to get the Bovada poker bonus and start playing

Use promo code PWB500.

Ignition Casino — Top Poker & Casino Site

Boasting a poker room merged with Bovada’s plus a full online casino, Ignition Casino is a top poker and casino option.

Poker Platform: Ignition spreads all the popular poker variants in tournaments, cash games, and fast-fold poker formats. The poker software is highly rated.

Casino Games: You’ll find over 200 casino games from slots, blackjack, roulette, and more from leading developers. New titles are added regularly.

Bonuses: A 100% poker welcome bonus up to $1,000. The casino also offers a separate welcome bonus up to $3,000 for you to take advantage of.

Traffic: By pooling players with Bovada, Ignition provides substantial poker traffic and full tables around the clock.

For poker players wanting casino gaming under one account as well, Ignition can’t be beat. You get the best of both worlds.

Global Poker — Best Free Play Site

Global Poker stands out by allowing free poker play and real money play without any deposit. It utilizes a dual currency system.

Gameplay: Play poker using free “Sweeps Coins” which can be cashed out for real money prizes in tournaments. You can also purchase Gold Coins for real money play.

Games Offered: No limit Hold’em, Omaha, and more. Scheduled tournaments, sit and gos, and cash games available.

Tournaments: Global Poker provides a solid tournament schedule, with major events like the Sunday Scrimmage. Guarantees reach up to $150,000.

Bonuses: Signing up earns you 20,000 in free Sweeps Coins to play real money poker for no cost. Additional free Sweeps are awarded regularly.

For poker entertainment with no deposit needed, Global Poker and its unique free play model can’t be beaten. It’s a fun, risk-free way to play.

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Americas Cardroom — Best Rewards Program

Offering valuable rewards, huge guaranteed MTTs, and reliable software, Americas Cardroom is a top online poker pick.

Games Offered: Hold’em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, and more are spread in fixed limit, pot limit, no limit, and mixed game formats to appeal to all players.

Tournaments: The site is known for its $1 million guaranteed poker tournaments. Satellites award seats starting at just $0.50.

Rewards: Americas Cardroom provides one of the most lucrative loyalty programs. You can earn up to 40% rakeback based on your status.

Bonus: A 100% first deposit bonus up to $2,000 kicks off your bankroll. The clearance requirements are better than most sites.

With its strong rewards program, enormous guarantees, and quality poker platform, Americas Cardroom is a top choice for serious US poker players.

Legality of Online Poker in the US

In which USA states is poker legal?

The legality of online poker depends on which state you are located in. Here is a breakdown:

Regulated States

The following states have legal, regulated online poker sites available to players physically located within state borders:

• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Nevada
• West Virginia
• Michigan
• California
• Florida
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• New Hampshire
• Arizona

Players in these states can sign up for sites authorized by state gaming commissions, or just use the off-shore sites we have listed above. These sites offer the highest level of player protection and oversight.

Offshore Sites for Other States

In most other states, online poker falls into a legal gray area. While not explicitly legal, playing on offshore poker sites is also not prohibited.

These offshore sites are licensed and regulated in jurisdictions outside the US but still accept American players. Popular options include BetOnline, Bovada, Ignition and Americas Cardroom.

While offshore poker rooms carry some risks compared to regulated options, we only recommend reputable sites that have been safely serving US customers for many years.

Pro Tip: Check your local laws before playing on any real money online poker site. Use regulated options where available, and offshore sites otherwise.

Choosing the Best Online Poker Site

With so many online poker rooms available, here are the key factors to evaluate:

License and Regulation

A license ensures oversight and accountability. For your safety, only play at licensed sites.

Regulated state sites or reputable offshore operators like the ones we recommend all hold licenses. Unlicensed poker sites should be avoided.

Game Selection

A good poker site will spread popular variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha in a range of formats, buy-in levels, and betting structures. Ensure the site offers the types of poker games and tournaments you want to play.

Software and Platform

The poker client should be user-friendly, offer customizable tables and lobbies, run smoothly, and have mobile compatibility. Check for quality graphics, convenient features, and reliable connectivity.

Bonus Offers and Promotions

The best real money poker sites provide generous welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and regular promos. This gives your bankroll a boost when starting out. Be sure to understand any playthrough or withdrawal requirements.

Banking Options

Convenient, free deposit and fast payout methods are a must. Leading poker rooms accept credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency.

Mobile Compatibility

Most poker clients are available via mobile app or mobile web browser, allowing you to play on the go. Ensure the site offers a solid mobile poker platform.

By considering these key factors, you can find the best online poker room for your specific needs and preferences as a US player.

Opening an Account and Making a Deposit

Ready to hit the virtual felt? Here are the simple steps to get started:

1. Visit your chosen online poker site and click “Join” or “Register”
2. Enter a promo code at sign up to get a welcome bonus
3. Enter your personal info to create your account
4. Choose a unique username and secure password
5. If required, send ID documents to verify your identity
6. Head to the cashier section and select your preferred deposit method
7. Complete the transaction by entering your payment details
8. Funds will instantly appear in your account, ready to play!

Pro Tip: Take advantage of welcome bonuses by depositing the minimum required amount to earn the full bonus. This will maximize the value you get from the poker room’s signup offer.

Common Poker Variants Online

While Texas Hold’em reigns supreme, online poker rooms spread many variants. Popular choices include:

• Omaha: Similar to Hold’em but players get 4 hole cards. Often has bigger pots.
• Omaha Hi-Lo: Half the pot goes to best high hand, other half to lowest hand. Requires careful hand selection.
• Seven Card Stud: Players get 3 hole cards and 4 exposed upcards. No community cards.
• Razz: Lowest hand wins. Straights and flushes don’t count against your hand value.
• Mixed Games: Rotation between multiple variants like HORSE or 8-Game. Adds diversity.

Try out different poker game types beyond just Hold’em to become a more well-rounded player.

Poker Strategy and Tips for Beginners

While becoming an expert poker player takes time and practice, following these basic strategy tips will give beginners a solid foundation:

Learn Hand Rankings

Memorize hand rankings front to back until they are second nature. Knowing hand values pre-flop, on the flop, turn, and river is essential to making optimal decisions.

Play Tight As a Beginner

Stick to premium starting hands when first starting out. Hands like high pairs, AK, AQ have the best equity when facing multiple opponents at low stakes. Avoid speculative holdings.

Look For Tells in Opponents

Pay attention to betting patterns, reaction times, and chatting tendencies of villains. This can provide valuable insight into the relative strength of their hands.

Manage Your Bankroll

Have 50 buy-ins minimum for the stakes you play and use proper BR management. This ensures you can withstand the inevitable downswings without going broke. Don’t move up stakes prematurely.

Following these tips will help beginners develop a patient, disciplined approach and make the most +EV plays in common scenarios when starting out in online poker.

Withdrawing Your Winnings

Cashing out your online poker winnings is easy. Simply visit the cashier section of the site, enter the amount you wish to withdraw, and provide the necessary details for your chosen withdrawal method.

Most sites process payouts within 1–3 business days. Leading online poker rooms for US players offer a variety of fast, convenient withdrawal options:

• Bitcoin: Fastest option, delivered instantly. Anonymous.
• Paper Check: Mailed to your address. Takes 1–2 weeks.
• Bank Wire: Funds deposited directly into your bank account. 1–5 business days.
• PayPal: Instant e-wallet transfers. Must have initially deposited via PayPal.

The cashier will indicate the minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts for each method.

Customer Support

If you ever face issues like a lost password, frozen account, or general questions, top-rated online poker sites offer reliable 24/7 customer support through:

• Live Chat: Get instant answers to common questions
• Email: Send detailed inquiries and get a response within 24 hours
• Phone: Speak to a support rep immediately
• FAQ Section: Find solutions to common issues quickly

Reputable operators like the rooms we recommend make customer satisfaction a top priority. Their support teams will happily assist you via various contact methods.

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