100% Deposit Match up to $600 + $25 on the House
Best Poker Sites for 2024
Our gambling experts tested and ranked the best poker sites for US players. Learn more about their games, tournaments, promotions, and other benefits in the following guide.
The platforms we hand-picked offer multiple online poker games and tournaments. They accommodate various budget types and offer appealing new customer offers. Of course, all of them operate legally in the states in which they’re licensed and comply with local gambling regulations. Some of the poker platforms we selected are owned by the same companies that operate online casinos sites, so you’ll come across industry-leading names.
Best Legal Online Poker Sites for November 2024
- WSOP: (Available in NJ, PA, MI, NV)
- betMGM: (Available in NJ, PA, MI)
- Borgata: Borgata (Available in NJ, PA)
- PartyPoker: (Available in NJ, PA)
- PokerStars: (Available in NJ, PA)
#1 WSOP
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most popular names in the poker industry worldwide. In the US, the brand operates online as well, with licenses from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. On its platform, you can compete with other players in Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. No-limit, pot-limit, and fixed-limit types of tournaments are available, in addition to a rewards program.
#2 BetMGM
Available in NJ, PA, and MI, BetMGM organizes daily and seasonal contests, some of which are freerolls. Heads-up tournaments, Sit & Go’s, multi-table tournaments, qualifiers, and satellites are available. The poker promotions section at BetMGM is well-equipped with offers tailored for every taste – cashback, high-roller tourneys, and cash prizes, to name a few.
#3 Borgata
Besides its appealing welcome offer, Borgata stands out with promotions like referral programs. Once you download its dedicated poker app, you can choose from Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. We rated it as one of the best US online poker sites because it accepts 12 flexible payment methods, including PayPal and Play+.
#4 PartyPoker
PartyPoker allows you to participate in Club Games, where you can join your friends and play with stakes you choose. You can set up your own private poker clubs and benefit from up to 40% cashback. A loyalty club where reward points are exchanged in cash is open to you. You can also benefit from the custom “partydollars” (P$) currency for playing poker MTT, SPINS Overdrive, Sit & Go’s, or cash games.
#5 PokerStars
PokerStars impressed us with its large selection of games, which is why we included it in our list of the best legal online poker sites. Omaha, Courchevel, Razz, and Badugi are only a few possible options, while you can participate in Spin & Go’s, Sit & Go’s, and heads-up and rebuy tournaments, among others.
Top Online Poker Sites by Category
Together with our research team, we teamed up to choose legitimate online poker platforms specializing in different categories to satisfy all your preferences. If you prefer playing from mobile, prioritize the variety of games, or you’re after a fair welcome bonus or loyalty program, we’ve got you covered.
Best Poker App | PartyPoker |
Most Poker Games | PokerStars |
These platforms have one particular quality we highlighted, but they have all been chosen following our precise criteria. One poker app may have more games or promotions than another, but they all share several characteristics. The featured sites are safe, provide trusted payment methods, are mobile-compatible, and have reliable customer support.
How We Rank Poker Sites – Our Criteria
We focused on several essential criteria when creating our list of the best poker sites for US players. For your safety, we first ensured each platform operates legally within states permitting online poker. The process included verifying their security measures and licensing to protect player safety and ensure game integrity.
The following step was evaluating the terms of each site’s promotional offers, including welcome bonuses and loyalty programs, and the diversity and quality of their poker games and tournaments. Further, we assessed each platform’s payment method and tested their mobile compatibility. Customer service effectiveness and commitment to responsible gambling were also key factors in our evaluation.
Security & Licensing
To verify if an online poker site is licensed, check the website’s footer, where licensing information is typically displayed. Each state has its own regulatory body, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Information about the licensees can be found on each authority’s official website.
Ensure that the site mentions its license number and the authority issuing it. It should also list the website owner so that you can check their background. It is crucial to confirm that the platform adheres to the regulatory standards set by local regulatory bodies. All featured online poker sites on our platform hold the required licenses, so you can proceed to explore them safely.
Best Poker Bonuses
The process of choosing the most suitable poker promotion is identical to picking the top online casino bonuses. To ensure you sign up for the right offer, you need to consider several factors. First, check the wagering requirements of the bonus, and if they exceed 30x – 35x, you should evaluate another offer.
The promotion’s validity should give you enough time to complete the wagering, ideally 15 – 30 days. If you’re a new player, you can claim a first deposit match or get free play funds, while regular customers can sign up for loyalty programs.
Poker Games & Tournaments
The best US online poker sites offer a variety of game types, with slight modifications in the rules or the number of cards used. Some sites may have only two or three games, while others feature a broader selection of game types. The most popular poker variations include:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- Five Card Omaha
- Seven Card Stud
- Razz
- Five Card Draw
- HORSE (a mix of several games)
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- 2-7 Triple Draw
- Badugi
- Courchevel
In states with legal online poker, you can participate in multiple tournaments varying in formats and stakes. One of the most popular types is Sit and Go’s – quick, small-scale contests that start once all seats are filled. Another popular type is multi-table tournaments (MTTs), composed of multiple tables with many players competing to reach the final game.
Freerolls are also popular among poker players as they have no entry fee but promise a cash prize or reward. Heads-up tournaments have one-on-one matches, and each round’s winner continues until only one player remains. Other popular contests include satellites, rebuy tournaments, re-entry tournaments, and guaranteed tournaments, to name a few.
Available Payments Methods
The most popular payment methods at the featured poker sites include e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, bank transfers, and debit and credit cards. For example, the best Visa online casinos are highly preferred by players due to the provider’s proven reliability over the years. Remember that not all payment methods are available for both deposits and withdrawals, so you’ll have to check beforehand.
Online Poker Site | Visa | MasterCard | American Express | PayPal | PayNearMe | Skrill | ApplePay | Bank Transfer | Discover |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WSOP | āļø | āļø | ā | āļø | ā | āļø | ā | āļø | āļø |
BetMGM | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | ā | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø |
Borgata | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø |
PartyPoker | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø | āļø |
PokerStars | āļø | āļø | ā | āļø | āļø | āļø | ā | āļø | ā |
Not all payment methods qualify for bonuses at online casinos. Sometimes, e-wallets like Skrill are excluded from bonus offers, but you may be able to pay via PayPal or another banking option. Deposit and withdrawal limits vary by payment method. For example, bank transfers typically allow higher limits, going up to $25,000, while e-wallets can process up to $5,000 – $10,000.
The minimum withdrawal is usually $1 – $10, depending on the chosen platform. When you pick a method, consider its eligibility for promotions, transaction speed, and user-friendliness. If you pick PayPal, for example, you will be able to complete a transaction within less than a few minutes. Deposits are instant, while payouts’ speed varies from 1 to 5 business days after customer support approval.
Customer Service
Whether you’re playing at the top poker sites or the best Mastercard online casinos, customer service is crucial for resolving issues and answering queries. You might need it for troubleshooting, payment problems, or understanding game rules, so it’s important to have 24/7 access. Popular contact channels include live chat, email, and telephone support, while FAQ sections can also be quite helpful.
Apps & Mobile Compatibility
We evaluated the user interface, game variety, security features, and customer feedback in selecting the best poker app. We appreciated that the app loaded within seconds and the navigation was easy. It stands out with its intuitive design, diverse tournament formats, and 24/7 availability of cash games. Here is the best poker app in the US for 2024:
We chose the above-featured app because it had the highest rating on the App Store, 4.0 out of 5.0, confirming that players appreciate the user experience. The rest of the poker sites we recommend are also safe, licensed, and fully optimized for mobile devices. We advise you to test several of them and decide which works best for you.
Responsible Gambling
Following responsible gambling practices can prevent developing an addiction and negatively affecting your life. Be aware of signs of compulsive gambling, such as chasing losses, betting with money you can’t afford to lose, and neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to gambling.
In the US, you can find support through organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous, which offer therapy and educational resources. You can contact them or local gambling addiction support groups for assistance. Each of the best US online poker sites will provide links to these organizations and will offer tools like deposit limits, time management options, and self-exclusion programs.
States with Legal Online Poker
Similar to the best online casinos for real money, online poker isn’t permitted in all states, but several have already taken steps to legalize it. Before we list any gaming platform, we double-check the local regulations and verify if it’s licensed within the respective jurisdiction. Currently, these are the US states with legal online poker:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Michigan
- Nevada
- West Virginia
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA)[1] allows certain states to share a pool of online poker players. These are Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan, which joined in 2022. There are no official announcements regarding other states planning to legalize online poker soon.
However, West Virginia[2] already has the legislative framework to join MSIGA, indicating potential future expansion. In terms of restrictions, the minimum age to play online poker in these states is set at 21 years old. Each state has its own local regulatory bodies, which monitor all activities and guarantee fair play.
Blacklisted Online Poker Sites to Avoid
Avoid online poker sites that aren’t licensed, have a history of delayed or non-payment, and have poor customer reviews. Common red flags include a lack of transparency in terms and conditions, unreliable software, and problematic payments. Playing at legal poker platforms guarantees they will protect your interests and personal information. Here are several blacklisted casinos we came across while writing this review:
- Pure Vegas
- Lucky 18
- Club Dice
- Blu Casino
Unlicensed poker sites may be unfair to US players by offering rigged games with non-random card distributions, withholding winnings under dubious conditions, and providing unreliable customer support. Without regulatory oversight, these sites operate without adhering to fair play standards, putting players at significant risk of fraud and abuse.
Legal vs. Unlicensed Poker Sites
To distinguish a legal online poker site from an unlicensed one, look for official licensing information, typically displayed at the site’s footer. Legal platforms also feature secure connections (HTTPS) and are regularly audited. We only feature licensed poker sites, ensuring safety and fairness. To avoid complications, beware of sites lacking transparency or regulatory details.
Legal Online Poker Sites | āļø Licensed by official gambling authorities | āļø SSL data encryption technology | āļø Regular audits by third-party agencies | āļø Transparent terms and conditions | āļø Reliable customer support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlicensed Poker Websites | ā No official licensing information | ā Poor security measures | ā Lack of game fairness audits | ā Vague terms and conditions | ā Unknowledgeable or no customer support |
Popular Questions
We prepared a short FAQ section where we address common queries about the best poker sites. Here, you’ll find answers to players’ most popular questions regarding games, tournaments, and payments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the FAQs can help you find the most suitable match.
Is online poker legal across all states?
Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are among the states that have licensed online poker. Among these, only Pennsylvania hasn't joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), but it still offers a good choice of legal poker sites with many tournaments.
What are the best online poker sites available in the US?
All the best US poker sites comply with strict gambling regulations regarding fair play, data protection, secure payments, and responsible gambling. They offer multiple poker variations, such as Omaha, Texas Hold'em, and Seven Card Stud. The top sites organize daily tournaments with diverse betting limits, so you will easily find a suitable game to join.
Do all poker sites host tournaments for players?
All the platforms we suggested here operate legally and offer diverse poker games and tournaments. Some websites only offer Texas Hold'em and Omaha, while others have extended their catalogs to Five Card Draw, Seven Card Stud, and Razz Poker as well. Popular contests ents you can participate in include Sit&Go's, multi-table tournaments, and satellites.
Do poker sites offer any bonuses for new players?
Yes, there are usually poker bonuses for new players, while some platforms may also offer loyalty programs. Before signing up for a promotion, read the terms and conditions carefully. Keep in mind an offer with wagering requirements above 30x isn't easily achievable.
What payment methods can I use for my deposits and withdrawals?
We agree that payment methods can be a decision-making factor in online gambling. Luckily, the poker sites we feature accept diverse banking options, including e-wallets, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and direct transfers. You can also pay via eCheck or use the Cash at Cage method.
Conclusion: Best US Online Poker Sites for 2024
If you choose one of the featured best poker sites for US players, you will be playing at secure, reputable platforms that stand out with excellent game selections. We also chose them for their competitive bonus offers, fast mobile apps, and trusted payment methods.
There are great opportunities for joining tournaments, and if you’re lucky to be a resident of one of the states that offers legal poker online, you’ll have a lot to choose from. After you try them, you may also want to check the best online casinos in the US because they offer a variety of gambling products. If you’re a fan of strategic card games like poker, you may also enjoy the many variations of blackjack.
References
- O’Boyle, Daniel, (May 23, 2022), Interstate poker launches in Michigan, iGaming Business, Retrieved April 18, 2024
- WEST VIRGINIA SET TO ENHANCE ONLINE POKER MARKET WITH MULTI-STATE AGREEMENT, Gaming Intelligence, (November 15, 2023), Retrieved April 18, 2024