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US online poker site reviewsOnline 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.

US Online Poker Quick Facts

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
BetRivers Poker
Why BetRivers Poker is our #1 Rated US Online Poker Site
  • The best online poker software in the US with the lowest cash game rake.
  • Generous 100% deposit match bonus up to $1000  ($250 in Delaware)
  • Four-state network spanning Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware & West Virginia!
  • Player-first approach built around user satisfaction, value-driven promotions and meaningful rewards.
Sign up to BetRivers Poker today »
Or find out more in our complete BetRivers Poker Review »
Welcome bonus T&C apply. Please play responsibly. Must be 21+ years old and physically located in WV/PA/MI to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER. In DE call 1-888-850-8888.

Best US Online Poker Sites

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 — Our #1 Pick in the US

BetRivers Poker LogoBetRivers 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:

  • HeroIQ integrated HUD with built-in player statistics
  • Low cash-game rake
  • Four-state shared player pool
  • Dynamic avatars and variable timing
  • Auto-seating designed to reduce seat selection
  • Regular promotions and rewards
  • Desktop software for Mac and Windows plus mobile play

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 featureSleek Modern software
🤑 Deposit match bonus100% up to $1000
📱 AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
🔦 Main highlightMerged player pools in MI, DE, WV, PA

PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel — Best for Tournaments & Game Selection

PokerStars on FanDuelPokerStars 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 bonus100% up to $1,000
📱AppsWindows, Mac, iOS and Android
🔦 Main highlightSunday Million

WSOP Online — Best for WSOP Bracelets & Satellites

WSOP Online LogoWSOP 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 BonusUp to $100 extra with your first deposit
🤑 Deposit Match Bonus100% up to $1000 & Winner Spinner Wheel tickets
📱AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
🔦 Main HighlightBracelet-awarding events, combined network in NV, PA, MI, NJ

BetMGM Poker — Best for BetMGM Rewards & Network Liquidity

BetMGM Poker US LogoBetMGM 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

Terms & Conditions apply. Must be 21+. PA Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. If you or someone you know has a Gambling Problem, help is available, Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In Partnership with Hollywood Casino Penn National Race Course.
Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. Must be 21+. NJ only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit and/or tournament entries. Rewards subject to expiry. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Terms & Conditions apply. Must be 21+. MI Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Bet With Your Head, Not Over It. Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.

BetMGM US: Key Facts
🎁 Freeplay bonusUp to $100 in tournament tickets
🤑 Deposit match bonus100% up to $1000
📱 AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
🔦 Main highlightMerged player pools in MI and NJ

Borgata Poker — A Separate Skin on the BetMGM Network

Borgata Poker US LogoBorgata 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 bonus100% up to $1000
📱 AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
🔦 Main highlightBetMGM Network now combined player pools in NJ, PA and MI

partypoker — Another BetMGM Network Option

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 Electric Poker — Best for Fast Three-Handed Poker

DraftKings LogoDraftKings 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

Is Online Poker Legal in the US?

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:

  • Delaware
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • West Virginia

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.

Where Can You Play Legal Online Poker in the US?

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.

Delaware

Delaware legalized online poker in 2012 and launched regulated online poker in November 2013.

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.

Nevada

Nevada played a historic role in regulated US online poker. Ultimate Poker launched on April 30, 2013, becoming the first state-regulated real-money online poker room to go live in the US.

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.

New Jersey

New Jersey launched regulated online poker in November 2013 and remains one of the country’s most established and competitive markets.

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.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania legalized online poker in 2017 and launched its first regulated poker room in 2019.

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.

Michigan

Michigan is one of the country’s largest regulated online poker markets.

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.

West Virginia

West Virginia legalized online poker in 2019 but waited nearly six years for its first regulated poker room.

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.

States with Legal Online Poker — but No Sites Yet

Three states have legalized online poker but do not currently have live regulated poker rooms.

Connecticut

Connecticut authorized online poker as part of its 2021 expansion of online gambling, but no regulated poker operator has launched in the state.

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

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.

Maine

Maine legalized online poker in early 2026, becoming the ninth US state to authorize the game.

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 ✅ ❌ ❌

US States with No Legal Online Poker Yet

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.

US Online Poker Shared Liquidity & MSIGA

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 Poker Shared Liquidity

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 Shared Liquidity

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 FanDuel Shared Liquidity

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.

BetMGM Poker Shared Liquidity

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 Electric Poker Shared 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 Wire Act & Interstate Online Poker

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.

How to Choose a US Online Poker Site

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:

  • Licensed in Your State: A poker site must be authorized in the state where you are physically located when playing for real money.
  • Player Pool: Multi-state networks generally provide more opponents, more active tables, and larger tournament fields than isolated state markets.
  • Games: Check whether the site offers the cash games, tournaments, Sit & Gos, or poker variants you want to play.
  • Software: Mobile and desktop performance, table design, built-in statistics, multi-tabling, and other software features can vary considerably.
  • Rake: Cash-game rake and tournament fees directly affect long-term playing costs.
  • Bonuses & Rewards: Compare the actual release requirements and ongoing rewards rather than looking only at the headline bonus amount.
  • Banking: Deposit methods, withdrawal options, minimums, and processing times vary by operator.

For a deeper breakdown of legal operators and safety considerations, see our Independent Guide to Online Poker.

How to Play Online Poker in the US

Playing regulated online poker in the US is straightforward once you are in a state where legal poker sites operate.

  1. Choose a Legal Poker Site: Select an operator licensed in the state where you plan to play. The available sites differ from state to state.
  2. Create an Account: Provide the requested personal information and create your login credentials.
  3. Verify Your Identity: Regulated poker sites use identity verification to confirm your age and account information.
  4. Enable Geolocation: The operator must confirm that you are physically located within an authorized state before allowing real-money play.
  5. Make a Deposit: Fund your account using one of the operator’s approved payment methods.
  6. Choose a Game: Join a cash game, tournament, Sit & Go, or other available poker format.

You Don’t Have to Be a State Resident

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.

How Poker Geolocation Works

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.

Regulated US Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

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.

Where to Play Free Online Poker in the US

Players who are learning poker or do not want to risk real money have several free-play options.

  • Social Poker Apps — Free-play platforms such as PokerStars Play, WSOP Play, and Zynga Poker use virtual chips and are available more broadly than regulated real-money poker.
  • Sweepstakes Poker Sites — Sweepstakes poker sites such as Clubs Poker, Global Poker, ClubWPT, and ClubWPT Gold use alternative virtual-currency models and are available in many states, subject to individual operator restrictions.
  • Play-Money Games & Freerolls — Some poker platforms offer play-money games or freeroll tournaments that allow players to practice or compete without paying a conventional tournament buy-in.

Availability varies by state and operator, particularly for sweepstakes poker platforms.

US Online Poker Tournaments

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:

  • PokerStars FanDuel: Major tournament series and recurring events including the Sunday Million
  • WSOP Online: Online Bracelet Events, WSOP Online Circuit events, and WSOP satellites
  • BetMGM Poker: Online Poker Championships and other tournament series
  • BetRivers Poker: Daily tournaments and multi-state tournament series

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.

US Online Poker Bonuses & Promotions

Regulated US poker sites use welcome bonuses, tournament tickets, rewards programs, freerolls, and recurring promotions to attract and retain players.

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.

Welcome Bonuses

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.

No Deposit Bonuses

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.

Loyalty Programs & Rewards

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

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.

US Online Poker Banking Options

Licensed US poker sites support a variety of approved deposit and withdrawal methods.

Common options can include:

  • Visa and MasterCard
  • PayPal and other supported e-wallets
  • ACH and e-checks
  • Online banking
  • Bank transfers
  • Play+ or similar prepaid accounts
  • Cash deposits and withdrawals at selected partner casinos

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.

History of Online Poker in the US

The modern US online poker market developed from an unregulated national industry into today’s state-licensed system.

  1. 1990s — Online Poker Begins: Early online poker rooms including Planet Poker introduced real-money internet poker.
  2. 2003 — The Moneymaker Effect: Chris Moneymaker qualified online for the WSOP Main Event and went on to win the tournament, helping trigger the global poker boom.
  3. 2006 — UIGEA: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act targeted payment processing connected to unlawful online gambling, prompting several major poker operators to leave the US market.
  4. 2011 — Black Friday: Federal authorities seized the domains of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, dramatically reshaping the US online poker industry.
  5. 2012 — Delaware Legalizes Online Poker: Delaware became the second state to legalize online poker and the first to authorize a broader range of online casino gaming.
  6. 2013 — Regulated US Poker Launches: Ultimate Poker went live in Nevada on April 30, becoming the first regulated real-money online poker room in the US. Delaware and New Jersey followed later that year.
  7. 2019 — More States Legalize: Michigan and West Virginia authorized online poker, expanding the potential regulated market.
  8. 2022 — Michigan Joins MSIGA: Michigan joined the interstate poker compact, helping expand shared player pools.
  9. 2025 — Pennsylvania Joins MSIGA: Pennsylvania joined MSIGA, giving multi-state poker networks access to another major market. BetRivers also launched its four-state PA-MI-DE-WV network.
  10. 2026 — Maine Becomes the Ninth State: Maine legalized online poker, while PokerStars relaunched as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel and connected New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. DraftKings later combined its Electric Poker player pools across those same three states.

Responsible Gambling at US Poker Sites

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.

US Online Poker Sites FAQ

Is online poker legal in the US?

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.

What are the best online poker sites in the US?

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.

What states have legal online poker?

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.

Which states have live online poker sites?

Regulated real-money online poker is currently live in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Can you play real-money online poker in the US?

Yes. Players physically located in a state with regulated online poker can play for real money on poker sites authorized in that jurisdiction.

Do I have to live in a legal online poker state to play?

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.

Can I play online poker while visiting another state?

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.

What is MSIGA?

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.

Which US poker sites share players between states?

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.

Is BetRivers Poker legal in the US?

Yes. BetRivers Poker is licensed and regulated in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.

Players across those four states share the same poker network.

Is PokerStars legal in the US?

Yes. PokerStars operates as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Players in all three states share the same poker network.

Is WSOP Online legal in the US?

Yes. WSOP Online operates regulated real-money poker in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Players across all four states share the same network.

Is GGPoker legal in the US?

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.

Is DraftKings Poker a full online poker room?

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.

Can I use a VPN to play online poker in another state?

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.

How old do you have to be to play online poker in the US?

Age requirements depend on the state.

Players should check the rules for the state and poker site they intend to use before registering.

Are US online poker sites rigged?

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.

Are legal US online poker sites safe?

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.

Are online poker winnings taxable in the US?

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.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500