Last Updated: September 28, 2026
Online poker is legal and regulated in nine US states, with real-money poker sites currently live in six: Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
The leading legal US online poker sites include BetRivers Poker, PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, partypoker, and DraftKings Poker. Availability varies by state, and players must be physically located in a state where their chosen poker site is authorized when playing for real money.
Shared liquidity has transformed the regulated US market. Major poker networks now combine players across multiple states, creating larger player pools, more active cash games, and bigger tournament fields than individual state markets could support on their own.
Below, we compare the best legal US online poker sites, explain where real-money poker is available, and cover shared liquidity, bonuses, tournaments, banking, geolocation, and everything else you need to know before playing.
| Detail | US Online Poker Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Online poker is legal and regulated at the state level |
| States Where Online Poker Is Legal | 9 |
| States With Live Regulated Poker Sites | 6 |
| Live Online Poker States | Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia |
| Legal But Not Yet Live | Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine |
| First Regulated US Online Poker Site | Ultimate Poker — Nevada, April 30, 2013 |
| Shared Liquidity | Available through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) |
| MSIGA States With Live Poker | Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia |
| Major Poker Networks | BetRivers Poker, PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker |
| Our #1 US Poker Site | BetRivers Poker |
| Residency Required | No — players generally only need to be physically located in an authorized state while playing |
| Geolocation Required | Yes |
Legal US online poker has become significantly more competitive as operators expand across states and connect their player pools through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
BetRivers Poker is our #1 pick, combining low rake, modern software, built-in player tools, and a four-state network spanning Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.
PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, and BetMGM Poker operate other major multi-state networks, while Borgata Poker and partypoker provide separate skins on the BetMGM network. DraftKings Electric Poker offers a specialized three-handed format in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
| Poker Site | States | Shared Network | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers Poker | PA, MI, DE, WV | 4 states | Our #1 pick; low rake & modern software |
| PokerStars FanDuel | NJ, MI, PA | 3 states | Tournaments & broad game selection |
| WSOP Online | NV, NJ, MI, PA | 4 states | WSOP bracelets, rings & satellites |
| BetMGM Poker | NJ, MI, PA | 3 states | Cash games, tournaments & BetMGM Rewards |
| Borgata Poker | NJ, PA | BetMGM network | Separate skin on BetMGM network |
| partypoker | NJ | BetMGM network | Separate skin on BetMGM network |
| DraftKings Electric Poker | NJ, MI, PA | 3 states | Fast three-handed Electric Poker |
BetRivers Poker is our #1 rated US online poker site. Although it is one of the newer operators in the regulated market, it has quickly developed a distinctive product built around low rake, modern software, integrated player statistics, and a four-state shared network.
BetRivers connects players in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia. It also brought regulated real-money online poker back to Delaware in 2025 following an 18-month blackout and became the first regulated poker operator to launch in West Virginia.
The platform offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, cash games, multi-table tournaments, and SNG Select, its fast-play Sit & Go product.
What makes BetRivers stand out:
BetRivers has also continued to gain market share since creating its four-state network. New Jersey remains its next intended expansion market, although no firm launch date has been announced.
For further information, read our BetRivers Poker Review.
| BetRivers Poker US: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Best feature | Sleek Modern software |
| 🤑 Deposit match bonus | 100% up to $1000 |
| 📱 Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| 🔦 Main highlight | Merged player pools in MI, DE, WV, PA |
PokerStars on FanDuel operates a shared three-state poker network covering Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
The new PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel platform launched in April 2026, replacing the previous PokerStars US software and bringing players in all three states together for the first time.
PokerStars FanDuel offers cash games, multi-table tournaments, Spin & Gos, Zoom Poker, and a broader selection of poker variants than most regulated US competitors, including mixed games and Stud.
The combined player pool also gives the operator a stronger foundation for major tournament series and recurring events such as the Sunday Million.
Read our full PokerStars FanDuel Review for additional details.
| PokerStars US: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Freeplay bonus | $30 in tournament tickets after signing up |
| 🤑 Deposit match bonus | 100% up to $1,000 |
| 📱Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS and Android |
| 🔦 Main highlight | Sunday Million |
WSOP Online operates in New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, connecting players across all four states through one of the country’s largest regulated poker networks.
WSOP is the only regulated US online poker operator where players can compete for official World Series of Poker online bracelets. The site also runs online WSOP Circuit ring events and satellites into the live World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
That connection to the WSOP makes the platform particularly appealing to tournament players who want opportunities to qualify online for major live events or compete for official WSOP hardware from home.
Read our full WSOP Online Review or sign up to start playing
| WSOP US: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Freeplay Bonus | Up to $100 extra with your first deposit |
| 🤑 Deposit Match Bonus | 100% up to $1000 & Winner Spinner Wheel tickets |
| 📱Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| 🔦 Main Highlight | Bracelet-awarding events, combined network in NV, PA, MI, NJ |
BetMGM Poker operates in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey and shares its underlying network with Borgata Poker and partypoker.
Players across the three states compete in the same player pool, supporting cash games, multi-table tournaments, and SPINS jackpot Sit & Gos.
BetMGM also connects poker with the broader BetMGM gaming ecosystem and BetMGM Rewards program, making it particularly relevant to players who already use the brand’s casino or sportsbook products.
Discover more in our BetMGM Poker Review or join BetMGM Poker now
| BetMGM US: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Freeplay bonus | Up to $100 in tournament tickets |
| 🤑 Deposit match bonus | 100% up to $1000 |
| 📱 Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| 🔦 Main highlight | Merged player pools in MI and NJ |
Borgata Poker operates as a separate poker site while sharing the same underlying player pool and software network as BetMGM Poker.
Borgata Poker is available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its players share liquidity with BetMGM and partypoker players across the broader BetMGM network in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
The Borgata brand may particularly appeal to players familiar with the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City who want access to the same underlying poker network through a separate skin.
Learn more in our Borgata Poker Review or sign up to play now
| Borgata Poker US: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🎁Freeplay bonus | $75 in MTT tickets on first deposit |
| 🤑 Deposit match bonus | 100% up to $1000 |
| 📱 Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
| 🔦 Main highlight | BetMGM Network now combined player pools in NJ, PA and MI |
partypoker remains available as a distinct online poker skin in New Jersey.
Like Borgata Poker, partypoker shares its underlying liquidity with BetMGM Poker players. That means partypoker players benefit from the same broader multi-state network connecting New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Although the brand operates separately, players should understand that BetMGM, Borgata, and partypoker are not three independent player pools. They are separate sites sharing the same underlying poker network.
DraftKings offers Electric Poker, a fast real-money poker format available through its casino platform in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Electric Poker is not a conventional full-service poker room. Instead, it focuses on short three-handed Sit & Go games with randomly assigned prize multipliers and rapidly increasing blinds.
Since July 2026, Electric Poker players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have shared a single player pool under MSIGA.
The format is best suited to players looking for quick poker sessions rather than a traditional lobby filled with cash games and multi-table tournaments.
For details, check our DraftKings Poker Review or download the app and play












Yes. Real-money online poker is legal in the US where individual states have passed laws authorizing and regulating it.
There is no single federal licensing system for US online poker. Instead, states decide whether to legalize the game, establish licensing requirements, and regulate the operators serving players within their borders.
Nine states have legalized online poker: Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.
However, only six currently have live regulated poker sites:
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine have legalized online poker but do not yet have active regulated real-money poker rooms.
Players generally do not need to be residents of a regulated state. They must, however, be physically located within a state where their chosen poker site is authorized when playing for real money.
The six states with live regulated online poker differ considerably in the number of operators available, the size of their markets, and the multi-state networks their players can access.
After an approximately 18-month online poker blackout, regulated poker returned in June 2025 when BetRivers Poker launched in the state.
BetRivers is currently Delaware’s only regulated online poker operator. From launch, Delaware players joined BetRivers players in West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania through the operator’s four-state network.
Today, Nevada online poker is represented exclusively by WSOP Nevada. Nevada players share tables with players in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania through WSOP’s four-state network.
Nevada’s participation in shared liquidity is especially important because its relatively small resident population is supplemented by the millions of visitors who travel to Las Vegas each year.
Players can choose from PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, partypoker, and DraftKings Electric Poker.
All of New Jersey’s major peer-to-peer poker products benefit from interstate liquidity. WSOP shares players with Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. PokerStars FanDuel connects New Jersey with Michigan and Pennsylvania. BetMGM’s network connects New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with Borgata Poker and partypoker sharing the same underlying pool. DraftKings Electric Poker also combines New Jersey players with Michigan and Pennsylvania.
BetRivers Poker NJ remains an intended addition to the market. BetRivers currently operates in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia, but no firm New Jersey launch date has been announced.
For a full breakdown of sites, bonuses, and player pools, see our NJ online poker guide.
Players now have access to BetRivers Poker, BetMGM PA, Borgata PA, PokerStars PA exclusively on FanDuel Poker, WSOP PA, and DraftKings Poker.
In April 2025, Pennsylvania joined MSIGA, opening the door for its poker operators to combine players with other regulated states.
Today, Pennsylvania participates in the BetRivers, PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP, BetMGM, and DraftKings Electric Poker multi-state networks.
For more details, visit our full Pennsylvania online poker guide.
BetRivers Poker, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, and PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel offer full-service online poker in Michigan. DraftKings also offers Electric Poker, its specialized three-handed Sit & Go product.
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022, allowing its operators to begin connecting players with other regulated states.
Today, Michigan participates in every major shared US poker network: BetRivers, WSOP, PokerStars FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings Electric Poker.
BetRivers Poker launched in June 2025, becoming the state’s first regulated online poker operator.
West Virginia players share BetRivers tables with players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, giving the small state access to a much larger player pool than it could support independently.
Three states have legalized online poker but do not currently have live regulated poker rooms.
The market remains one to watch, particularly if Connecticut eventually pursues interstate shared liquidity that would make launching poker more attractive to existing multi-state operators.
Rhode Island authorized online poker as part of its 2023 iGaming legislation, which took effect in 2024.
No regulated poker site has launched. With a population of approximately 1.1 million, a standalone Rhode Island poker market would face significant liquidity limitations, making interstate shared liquidity particularly important to any future launch.
No regulated poker sites have launched yet as the state works through implementation, rules, and licensing.
Shared liquidity will likely be important to the viability of online poker in Maine because of the state’s relatively small population. However, Maine has not yet joined MSIGA.
| State | Online Poker Legal | Live Poker Sites | MSIGA Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Delaware | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Michigan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nevada | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| New Jersey | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rhode Island | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| West Virginia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Maine | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Most US states still do not have regulated real-money online poker, although legalization efforts continue in several markets.
Pokerfuse tracks legislative developments and the legal status of online poker across the country. Our state-specific pages also cover free-play alternatives and sweepstakes poker options where relevant.
Shared liquidity has become one of the most important developments in regulated US online poker.
Because poker players compete against each other rather than against the house, larger player pools generally produce more active cash games, larger tournament fields, bigger guarantees, and a wider selection of stakes and formats.
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allows participating states to authorize operators to combine their poker players across state lines.
The current MSIGA states with live online poker are Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
However, joining MSIGA does not automatically combine every poker player in every member state. Individual operators must be licensed in the participating states and integrate those markets into their own networks.
| Poker Network | Connected States |
|---|---|
| BetRivers Poker | PA, MI, DE, WV |
| WSOP Online | NV, NJ, MI, PA |
| PokerStars FanDuel | NJ, MI, PA |
| BetMGM Poker Network | NJ, MI, PA |
| DraftKings Electric Poker | NJ, MI, PA |
BetRivers connects Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.
The four-state network launched in June 2025 when BetRivers expanded into Delaware and West Virginia and connected those states with its existing Pennsylvania and Michigan player pools.
A future New Jersey launch could give BetRivers the first five-state poker network in the regulated US market, but no firm launch date has been announced.
WSOP Online connects Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Its four-state network is particularly significant for tournament players because WSOP uses the platform for official online bracelet events, WSOP Circuit events, and satellites connected to the live World Series of Poker.
PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel connects New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
The three-state network went live in April 2026 when PokerStars relaunched on the FanDuel platform and added Pennsylvania to the previous New Jersey-Michigan shared pool.
The BetMGM Poker network connects New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
BetMGM Poker is the primary brand, while Borgata Poker and partypoker operate as separate skins that share the same underlying network and player liquidity.
DraftKings combined Electric Poker players in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania in July 2026.
Unlike the other major networks, Electric Poker is a specialized three-handed product rather than a conventional poker room offering a full lobby of cash games and multi-table tournaments.
The Interstate Wire Act of 1961 played an important role in the development of interstate online poker.
A 2018 Department of Justice interpretation argued that the Wire Act applied beyond sports betting, creating uncertainty for interstate online gaming.
Legal challenges ultimately rejected that interpretation. Federal courts concluded that the Wire Act applies to sports betting rather than other forms of interstate online gambling, clearing a major legal obstacle to continued poker liquidity sharing between regulated states.
Players in regulated states now have several legal poker options, but the best site for an individual player depends on more than the size of a welcome bonus.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
For a deeper breakdown of legal operators and safety considerations, see our Independent Guide to Online Poker.
Playing regulated online poker in the US is straightforward once you are in a state where legal poker sites operate.
One of the most common misconceptions about regulated US online poker is that you must live in a legal poker state.
In most cases, residency is not required. What matters is your physical location when you play.
For example, a visitor to New Jersey can create an eligible account and play real-money online poker while physically located within New Jersey, even if that player permanently lives in another state.
Licensed poker sites use geolocation technology to verify that real-money play occurs within authorized state boundaries.
Depending on the device and operator, this can involve mobile location services, Wi-Fi signals, or geolocation software installed on a computer.
Players should keep location services and Wi-Fi enabled where required and disable VPNs or other location-masking tools. Attempting to circumvent geolocation controls can violate site rules and result in the account being restricted.
US players may encounter offshore poker sites that accept customers from states without regulated online poker.
These sites operate outside the state-regulated US online poker system and should not be confused with licensed operators such as BetRivers, PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP, or BetMGM.
| Feature | Regulated US Poker Sites | Offshore Poker Sites |
|---|---|---|
| State Gaming License | Yes | No |
| US Regulatory Oversight | Yes | No |
| Geolocation Required | Yes | Usually not |
| MSIGA Shared Liquidity | Available where applicable | No |
| State-Mandated Responsible Gambling Tools | Yes | No US state requirement |
| US Regulatory Complaint Process | Yes | No |
| Operator Availability | Only authorized states | May accept players more broadly |
Playing on a regulated site gives players access to the consumer protections, responsible gambling requirements, and regulatory oversight established by the state in which the operator is licensed.
Offshore sites are not licensed by those US state regulators, meaning players do not have access to the same regulatory framework if a dispute arises.
Players who are learning poker or do not want to risk real money have several free-play options.
Availability varies by state and operator, particularly for sweepstakes poker platforms.
Multi-table tournaments remain one of the biggest attractions at full-service regulated US poker sites.
PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM, and BetRivers offer daily tournament schedules alongside larger recurring series. Buy-ins range from freerolls and low-stakes events to high rollers costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Players can also find satellite tournaments that award seats into larger online events or major live tournaments.
Some of the most prominent tournament offerings include:
DraftKings Electric Poker differs from these full-service rooms because it focuses on short three-handed Sit & Go games rather than conventional multi-table tournaments.
Poker bonuses often work differently from casino bonuses. A large deposit-match offer is generally not credited as immediately withdrawable cash. Instead, players typically unlock portions of the bonus by generating rake through cash games or paying tournament fees.
Players should compare the release requirements, expiration period, maximum bonus, and ongoing rewards rather than choosing a poker site based only on the headline promotional amount.
Most major US poker sites offer a new-player promotion.
These can include deposit matches, tournament tickets, bonus cash, or combinations of several rewards. Exact offers vary by operator and state and can change over time.
Selected operators may offer tournament tickets, free play, or other promotions that do not require an initial deposit.
Availability changes frequently, so players should check the current offer before registering.
Ongoing rewards can be particularly important to regular poker players because rake and tournament fees accumulate over time.
Major regulated operators offer different approaches to rewards, including BetRivers Poker Rewards, BetMGM Rewards, and PokerStars rewards programs.
Players should compare how rewards are earned, whether points expire, and what benefits can actually be redeemed.
Freerolls are tournaments that do not require a conventional cash buy-in but award real prizes.
Some are open broadly, while others may be restricted to new players, depositors, loyalty members, or players who qualify through a promotion.
Licensed US poker sites support a variety of approved deposit and withdrawal methods.
Common options can include:
The exact options depend on the poker site and state.
Deposits are often processed quickly, while withdrawal times vary depending on the operator, payment method, verification status, and amount requested.
Players should expect identity verification as part of the regulated banking process. Completing verification early can help reduce delays when making a withdrawal.
Licensed US poker sites currently rely on approved fiat payment methods rather than cryptocurrency deposits.
The modern US online poker market developed from an unregulated national industry into today’s state-licensed system.
Licensed US poker sites are required to provide responsible gambling tools and resources.
Depending on the operator and state, these can include deposit limits, spending limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion, account history, and links to problem gambling support services.
Players who want to limit or stop their gambling can use the responsible gambling controls available through their poker account or the self-exclusion programs offered by state gaming regulators.
Yes, but online poker is regulated at the state level.
Nine states have legalized online poker: Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine. Regulated real-money poker sites are currently live in the first six of those states.
BetRivers Poker is our #1 pick for legal US online poker, thanks to its low rake, modern software, built-in player tools, and four-state shared network.
Other leading regulated options include PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, partypoker, and DraftKings Electric Poker. Availability depends on the state where you are physically located.
Online poker has been legalized in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine do not yet have live regulated poker rooms.
Regulated real-money online poker is currently live in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Yes. Players physically located in a state with regulated online poker can play for real money on poker sites authorized in that jurisdiction.
Generally, no.
Regulated poker sites verify where you are physically located when you play. A visitor can therefore play while physically present in a regulated state if the player meets the site’s age and account requirements.
Yes, provided regulated online poker is available there and you meet the operator’s eligibility requirements.
For example, an eligible visitor to New Jersey can play on regulated New Jersey poker sites while physically located within the state.
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement is an interstate compact that allows participating states to share online poker liquidity.
Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia currently participate and have live regulated poker.
BetRivers connects Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.
WSOP Online connects Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel and the BetMGM Poker network connect New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. DraftKings Electric Poker also shares players across those three states.
Yes. BetRivers Poker is licensed and regulated in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Players across those four states share the same poker network.
Yes. PokerStars operates as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Players in all three states share the same poker network.
Yes. WSOP Online operates regulated real-money poker in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Players across all four states share the same network.
GGPoker does not currently operate a state-regulated real-money online poker room in the US.
US players looking for regulated real-money poker should use operators licensed in the state where they are physically located.
No. DraftKings currently offers Electric Poker, a specialized three-handed Sit & Go format, in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
It does not offer the conventional selection of cash games and multi-table tournaments found at full-service poker rooms such as BetRivers, PokerStars FanDuel, WSOP, or BetMGM.
No. Regulated poker sites use geolocation technology to verify that players are physically located within an authorized state.
Using a VPN or other technology to disguise your location can violate operator rules and may result in your account being restricted.
Age requirements depend on the state.
Players should check the rules for the state and poker site they intend to use before registering.
State-regulated US poker sites must comply with gaming regulations governing game integrity, software, and player protections.
Licensed operators are subject to oversight by the gaming regulator in each state where they operate.
Regulated US poker sites operate under state gaming licenses and must comply with requirements covering areas such as identity verification, responsible gambling, game integrity, account security, and player funds.
Players should verify that a poker site is licensed in the state where they intend to play.
Gambling winnings can be subject to federal and state taxes.
Tax treatment depends on factors including the amount won and the player’s circumstances. Players with questions about reporting poker winnings should consult a qualified tax professional.