Best Online Poker Sites for Real Money
Choosing where to play real money poker online can feel overwhelming, especially with so many sites claiming to be the best. To simplify your decision, we tested, analyzed, and played at dozens of poker rooms to find the safest, most reliable, and most rewarding options.
Whether you’re into Texas Hold’em cash games or Omaha tournaments, our top recommendations highlight poker sites that offer secure payments, and trustworthy service. Let’s find the right poker site for you.
| Online Casinos | # of Poker Games | Poker Bonus | Tournaments? | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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# of Poker Games 7 | Poker Bonus 100% up to $500 | Tournaments? Yes | PLAY NOW |
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# of Poker Games 7 | Poker Bonus 100% up to $500 | Tournaments? Yes | PLAY NOW |
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# of Poker Games 18 | Poker Bonus 100% up to $1,000 | Tournaments? Yes | PLAY NOW |
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# of Poker Games 2 | Poker Bonus 200% up to $1,000 | Tournaments? Yes | PLAY NOW |
Best USA Online Poker Sites Reviewed
Read our poker sites reviews for a clear look into what each poker room offers. We cover important details like licensing, tournaments, game variety, bonuses, freerolls, and payment reliability.
Bovada | Best USA Real Money Poker Site
One of the more well-known and top-rated real money poker sites for US players is Bovada. While it has a casino, it also offers a dedicated poker room with cash games and a full lineup of tournaments.
I’m not just talking about your standard Sit & Go tournaments, either. They have knock-out competitions, turbo-speed tournaments, and multiple contests with over $100,000 in guaranteed payouts.
In fact, there are over $2 million in weekly guaranteed prizes, including a $200,000 Sunday Gtd.
Bovada also offers unique perks like “zone” gameplay for faster hands, mobile compatibility, and anonymous tables to protect your identity from experienced players.
Whether you prefer No-Limit Hold’em or Omaha, you’ll find a busy table at any stake, from $0.02/$0.05 to $10/$20.
With steady traffic and diverse game options, Bovada remains a top choice for poker players. And for those willing to put in the effort, there’s potential for big wins, as shown by players who’ve made significant profits here.
Best Features
- Poker Game Variety: No-Limit Hold’em and Omaha tables at stakes from $0.02/$0.05 up to $10/$20.
- Tournaments and Freerolls: $2 million+ in weekly guaranteed prizes; big events like the $200K Sunday Gtd.
- Software and Mobile Play: Smooth, user-friendly software with anonymous tables and fast “Zone” poker gameplay.
- Traffic and Competition Level: High player traffic, soft competition with steady table availability.
- Bonuses and Promotions: 100% up to $500 poker welcome bonus.
- Banking and Payouts: Fastest payouts via cryptocurrency within 1–5 business days; minimum deposit for bonus eligibility is $20.
Ignition Casino | Long-Standing Reputation
Ignition Casino is another great option for US poker players looking for games.
You’ll find all the popular games here, Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo. Cash games range from tiny $0.02/$0.05 stakes up to $10/$20, so there’s something for everyone.
If you like fast-paced action, check out Zone Poker, where you’re moved to a new hand right after each one ends with stakes from $0.02/$0.05 up to $2.50/$5.
Ignition also offers plenty of Sit & Go tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from $0.50 for a shot at $600 to $100 games for a chance to hit a $120,000 jackpot.
For bigger competition, Ignition hosts hundreds of tournaments, including big events like the $200,000 Guaranteed.
You can get started with just $1, and there are weekly freerolls with smaller prizes if you’re not looking to spend much.
Overall, Ignition Poker has a little bit of everything. Start playing poker here for your chance to win guaranteed prizes in the hundreds of thousands or even millions!
Features
- Poker Game Variety: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo cash games, from $0.02/$0.05 to $10/$20 stakes.
- Tournaments and Freerolls: Extensive tournament schedule including Sit & Gos from $0.50; weekly freerolls and $200K guaranteed events.
- Software and Mobile Play: Mobile-friendly interface, quick filters, Zone Poker for fast-paced action.
- Traffic and Competition Level: High volume of players offering competitive yet manageable gameplay.
- Bonuses and Promotions: 150% up to $1500 Poker bonus
- Banking and Payouts: Fastest payouts via cryptocurrency within 1 hour; minimum deposit for bonus eligibility is $20.
BetOnline | Variety of Real Money Poker Games
BetOnline offers a solid platform for poker players. You can play through their poker app or directly in your browser.
The site features popular games like No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, along with a variety of tournaments for both.
Ring games start at $0.05/$0.10 blinds, with a minimum buy-in set at 20 times the small blind.
Their tournament lineup is impressive, with over 150 events available and prize pools ranging from $20 to $250,000.
Entry fees go from $1 to $215, and there are freerolls you can enter by earning tickets through your rake.
BetOnline also offers a 100% welcome bonus of up to $1,000 for poker, with a $50 minimum deposit. The bonus is released in $5 increments for every $50 in rake.
- Poker Game Variety: Features No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha with ring games starting at $0.05/$0.10 blinds.
- Tournaments and Freerolls: Hosts over 150 weekly tournaments with prize pools ranging from $20 to $250,000; offers freerolls accessible through earned tickets.
- Software and Mobile Play: Provides gameplay through both a dedicated poker app and in-browser play.
- Traffic and Competition Level: Maintains solid traffic, ensuring consistent player availability across various stakes.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Offers a 100% Poker Welcome Bonus up to $1,000.
- Banking and Payouts: Pays in up to 24 hours when using crypto; requires a $50 minimum deposit for the welcome bonus.
Everygame | Solid US Poker Site
Everygame is one of the few US online casinos with its own poker room, accessible through Instant Play or by downloading the software.
The poker room features Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo cash games, plus Sit & Go, and multi-table tournaments.
While the poker room is on the smaller Horizon Poker Network, this can be a plus if you prefer a quieter environment with less intense competition.
The downloadable software feels similar to traditional poker rooms. However, keep in mind that traffic is on the lower side, so tables and tournaments may not always be full.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed environment and simpler games, Everygame Poker could be worth checking out.
- Poker Game Variety: Offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo.
- Tournaments and Freerolls: Provides Sit & Go and multi-table tournaments.
- Software and Mobile Play: Features traditional poker software available via download or instant play.
- Traffic and Competition Level: Experiences lower traffic, offering a more relaxed environment suitable for casual players.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Offers a 200% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000.
- Banking and Payouts: Fastest payouts within 48 hours; minimum deposit for bonus eligibility is $25.
How We Review USA Real Money Poker Sites
We follow a clear and detailed process to ensure our poker site recommendations meet high standards. Here’s a look at exactly how we evaluate each site:
- Reputation and Licensing: We confirm each site has current and valid licensing to make sure it meets security standards. We thoroughly research player feedback on platforms such as Trustpilot, ScamAdviser, and Reddit.
Our aim is to verify whether general player experiences match our own. Sites recommended by us consistently show positive player sentiment and have strong reputations. - Poker Table Game Experience: To evaluate gameplay accurately, we actively play on each poker site, placing real bets. We specifically check the reliability and stability of the software, ensuring it does not crash or freeze frequently. We also review customization features such as bet sizing options, table layouts, and user preferences.
Our recommended sites must maintain stability, meaning the software does not crash in at least 9 out of 10 tests. - Game Selection: We prioritize sites offering essential poker variants, primarily Texas Hold’em and Omaha. We also look for additional variants like Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, and other popular options.
Sites must provide a wide range of stakes, catering to both low-stakes players (micro-stakes games from as low as $0.01/$0.02) and high-stakes (games up to $10/$20 or higher). - Poker Tournaments: Tournaments are crucial to the online poker experience. We evaluate the variety and frequency of tournaments available, prize pool guarantees, buy-in ranges, and the availability of freerolls for newer players.
Additionally, we verify that tournament structures are clear and fair, payout processes are transparent, and events are reliably hosted without frequent cancellations. - Rake and Fees: We thoroughly examine the rake structure at each site to determine if it’s fair and competitive. Sites with excessively high rakes or hidden fees are excluded from our top picks.
We look closely at how rake is calculated for both cash games and tournaments, comparing rates with industry averages. Sites with transparent, reasonable rake structures and clearly disclosed fees receive priority in our rankings.
Key Details to Know About Online Poker Sites
Playing poker online can feel different from playing in person at a casino or with friends at home. Here’s a practical look at what to expect from online poker sites and how to navigate your way comfortably as a beginner.
Game Variety
Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular poker game online. It’s easy to learn but challenging enough to keep experienced players engaged. However, the best poker sites also offer other variations:
- Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo
- Seven Card Stud
- Razz
- Draw Poker
Generally, the bigger the poker site, the more variety of games you’ll find.
Gaming Format
One of the major differences and advantages of playing poker online is the option to play multiple tables simultaneously. This is a great way to maximize your action and potential profits, though it can feel overwhelming at first.
Most sites allow you to easily tile or stack tables to manage your gameplay efficiently.
Poker Players
Players at online poker tables are typically matched randomly based on the chosen stake level. This ensures fair competition.
Some poker rooms also offer anonymous tables, which protect beginners from experienced players who might track playing habits.
Many poker sites offer private tables or “home games,” allowing you to create your own poker rooms. You can invite friends and play together.
Is It Legal to Play Poker Online in the US?
In short, yes—but only in eight states. The largest and most accessible poker rooms for US players are actually offshore casinos. These offshore sites are licensed in their home countries and typically accept players from across the US without any issues.
You might be familiar with big-name US-based poker brands like BetMGM, WSOP.com, or PokerStars. However, these platforms can operate in only a few states, such as: Nevada (NV), New Jersey (NJ), Delaware (DE), Pennsylvania (PA), and Michigan (MI).
Online poker has also been authorized but is not yet operational in Connecticut (CT), Rhode Island (RI), and West Virginia (WV).
For the rest of the US, only offshore poker sites (like the ones you’ll find here) are available. The good news is that we carefully review these options to make sure they’re safe and trustworthy for US players.
Real Money Online Poker Pros & Cons
- Access real money poker games 24/7.
- Free to enter poker tournaments.
- Dozens of tables with different bet limits.
- All popular poker games can be found.
- Enhance your gameplay with bonuses and rewards.
- Playing against real players has a higher degree of variance.
- No way of seeing physical tells or bluffs.
- Potential higher-than-normal rake fees.
How to Start Playing Poker for Real Money
It’s pretty easy to start playing; just follow this straightforward step-by-step guide, and you’ll be sitting at a table in no time.
Sign Up At an Online Poker Site
Join one of our recommended poker sites in the table above. All you need is some basic info and an email address to get started. Just make sure everything you enter is accurate because the cashier will confirm everything before approving your withdrawal.Make a Deposit
To play for real money, you need to have funds in your account. After you log in, you can deposit on the cashier page. Choose your preferred payment method and a dollar amount to complete the transaction.Claim a Poker Bonus (Optional)
Many poker rooms and online casinos have bonus offers that build your bankroll up when you make your deposit. Check out the promotions tab and see if any of the deals apply to you and the casino games you want to play.Find a Game or Tournament
Sometimes you’ll see a dedicated tab labeled “poker” that takes you to the poker room. Here you will find cash games and tournament options listed in the lobby.
If you don’t see a poker room link on the homepage, then the site you’re at might only have casino poker. Look for poker options under the table games.Play Real Money Poker & Cashout
You can play poker games, join tournaments, check out the site’s features, and build up your bankroll. When you’re ready to withdraw, visit the cashier and select your preferred method.
Real Money Casino Poker Games Variations
If you prefer to play single-player casino poker games against the house like video poker, you have a lot of options. Some titles use traditional 5 card hands and rankings, while others have unique layouts and structures that keep you on your toes.
Below are some of the most popular real money table poker games available at online casinos. Try them out in practice mode, and you’re sure to find something you enjoy, with each one having different rules, side bets, and limits.
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em: Play against the dealer using traditional Hold’em rules. Bonus bets offer extra ways to win.
- 3 Card Poker: Simple and fast-paced, you only need to beat the dealer’s three-card hand. Side bets add excitement.
- Let It Ride: Win by building the strongest poker hand from three cards dealt and two community cards. Control your bets as cards are revealed.
- Caribbean Stud: Beat the dealer’s five-card hand to win; includes a progressive jackpot side bet for bigger wins.
- Pai Gow Poker: A strategic game where you split seven cards into two separate poker hands. Beat the dealer’s two hands to win.
- Live Casino Hold’em: Enjoy a real casino experience by playing Hold’em with a live dealer online. Side bets and live interaction boost the excitement.
- Live Caribbean Stud: Face off with a live dealer, building your best five-card hand. Progressive jackpot bets offer chances for large payouts.
- Live 3 Card Poker: Compete against a live dealer, aiming for the best three-card hand. Bonus bets make the action even more rewarding.
Poker Online Tournaments: How Do They Work?
Poker tournaments are one of the most exciting ways to play poker online. Unlike cash games, where you can join or leave at any time and chips have real money value, tournaments have a fixed structure.
Everyone pays a buy-in to enter—for example, $10+$1 means $10 goes to the prize pool and $1 is the fee for the site.
You receive a fixed number of tournament chips (which aren’t real money), and once you lose them all, you’re out. No cashing out early, no reloading. Some tournaments offer rebuys or add-ons, allowing you to buy more chips if you bust early or top off at a specific break.
These are the most popular tournaments types you’ll find at online casinos:
- Sit & Go (SNG): These start immediately after the required number of players (usually 6 to 10) join. They usually last 20–45 minutes and are great for players short on time.
- Freerolls: Free to enter but offer real money or ticket prizes. They typically run for 1–2 hours and are ideal for beginners or bankroll builders. The prizes regularly have rollover, though.
- Scheduled Tournaments: These begin at a specific time and often attract hundreds of players. Depending on structure and field size, they can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours—or more.
- Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs): These are larger events spread across many tables. As players bust out, remaining players consolidate to fewer tables until one final table remains. Expect to commit 3–8 hours depending on the prize pool and number of entrants.
Free vs. Real Money Online Poker
Most online poker rooms have “play money” tables that are great for practicing and seeing how the site’s features work. However, your balance doesn’t carry over, and of course, you can’t cash out.
Take a look at some of the benefits of real money gameplay vs. free gameplay.
Real Money Poker
- Access the best poker rooms and games
- Keep all prizes and jackpots
- Use reload and welcome bonuses
- Better wagering requirements
- Low-limit games for all comfort levels
- Ongoing promotions and tournaments
Free Poker
- No Setup or registration
- Practice games and strategies
- Have hours of fun at no cost
- Don’t get to keep winnings or jackpots
- Strict terms on no-deposit offers
- Limited selection & no poker rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that new players have.
Is online poker for real money legal in the US?
Yes, you can legally play online poker for real money in the US. Some states have regulated online gambling run by the state.
There are also offshore casinos that accept US players in most other states. It is good to check with your local legislation on current rules and guidelines.
Are online poker games rigged?
No, online poker is not rigged. The software deals the cards using random number generators that ensure fairness. Just like in-person poker, you will come across bad beats from time to time.
Are there bots in online poker?
While poker rooms and casinos do their best to combat them, poker bots can make their way to the table once in a while. They do their best to train and beat human players, but the cards are the cards at the end of the day. The best defense here is smart gameplay or moving to another table.
Who bets first in poker?
The first bet in poker is placed by the player to the left of the dealer. Blind wagers also go at the beginning. In some versions of stud, the player with the highest card bets first.
What is a three-bet in poker?
A three-bet in poker is a raise of a raise or a re-raise. In other words, it is an initial re-raise before the flop.
What is a straddle bet in poker?
A straddle bet in poker is an extra ante bet by a player that usually doubles the initial pot.
What are the best online poker games?
The best online poker games are Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, and Stud varieties. Hold ’em is the most popular, but many online players also like the challenge of High-Low Omaha for the winning potential.
Is poker a strategy or skill game?
Poker is both a strategy and skill game. You should know a strategy but have the skill to make the right move at the right time.
