US Online Poker: Best Online Poker Sites for US Players (2025 Update)

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May 08, 2024 25 min read Last updated Jun 18, 2025

Looking for the best US poker sites to play online poker games for free and real money? Check out these poker rooms!

Finding a great site to play online poker games in the US is not that difficult. But with all the different states allowing different operators, things can get a little messy for the uninitiated poker players in the US.

On this page, you'll learn:

• The best poker sites in regulated, legal US states
• How many states allow you to play online poker in the US
• How to get started and play online poker
• Why off-shore poker sites are always a bad idea
• and lots more

Our team of poker experts havetested and reviewed all the US poker rooms in this article. This way, you can find everything about the games, the level, and the bonuses available.

In other words, if you are looking for a list of the best online poker sites for US players in 2025, you'll love this one!

Best Legal Real Money US Poker Sites

Let's jump right in and give you a list of the best real money poker sites available to US players in 2025.

In a nutshell, the best poker rooms in the US are:

Keep reading as we go in-depth with each of them and break it down by state.

Where can I play poker online for real money in the US?

Despite the first legalized online poker site launching back in 2013, online poker in the United States is still a growing market. Ten years on, just eight states have legalized online poker, but only six of them have a product available for online poker players: Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Rhode Island and Connecticut have both legalized online poker, but as yet no operators have chose to launch there.

The right online site for you will largely depend on the state in which you live. For example, if you’re in Nevada, then WSOP.com is the only game in town. Conversely, if you’re in New Jersey, you have a lot more choice, with WSOP.com, BetMGM, and PokerStars US, amongst others all available.

Due to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which was established in 2014, US States with legalized online poker who joined the compact are allowed to share player liquidity across borders, creating larger, more competitive poker ecosystems. Initially formed between Nevada and Delaware, New Jersey joined in 2017, followed by Michigan in 2022 and Pennsylvania in 2023.

As of 2025, WSOP.com (NJ, NV, MI, PA) and BetRivers Poker (PA, MI, WV, DE) operate fully integrated four-state networks, with the latter being the only operator available in Delaware and West Virginia.

Here at PokerNews we have been in the business of reviewing online poker sites and online casinos for over 15 years, and readers have continuously benefitted from the high-quality content we deliver.

This comprehensive guide will cover all this and more on the legal framework of real-money online poker gambling in specific US states.

Check out our interactive US Online Poker Map Here!

Best Pennsylvania Poker Sites

Licensed poker sites in Pennsylvania make it very easy for new players to sign up and join the online poker action in PA. Here, we'll take you through the pick of the bunch in each State.

PokerStars PA

The games on PokerStars PA are ring-fenced. While Pennsylvania gambling laws (as of May 2025) now allow for PA online poker sites to share liquidity (and player pool) with any of the poker sites in New Jersey and Michigan, PokerStars PA is yet to open up to the multi-state compact. However, this is expected to happen soon.

The PokerStars PA online poker site is operated in cooperation with the Mount Airy Casino Resort, the brands' partner in the State. The PokerStars PA poker client features an extensive offer of both cash games and poker tournaments, so whatever your preference, it shouldn't be hard to find a game that suits you.

BetMGM Poker PA

Another great option for online poker in Pennsylvania is BetMGM Poker PA, which
launched in April 2021. When it comes to PA online poker games, such as thrilling Texas No-Limit Hold'em tournaments and juicy Omaha cash games, BetMGM is one of the best online casinos to scratch your poker urge. BetMGM Poker, which the partypoker US Network powers, also operates in New Jersey and Michigan. Though the three markets were all ring-fenced and therefore, players could only compete against players in the state where they are physically located, this has since changed.

As of the end of April 2025, BetMGM has welcomed and implemented shared liquidity between the three states; NJ, MI and PA. As such, players from each state can now play against players from the other states in an expanded, shared liquidity player pool.

Borgata Poker PA

An additional regulated online poker option in Pennsylvania is Borgata Poker PA, which, like BetMGM Poker PA, is operated by the partypoker US Network and runs on the same software. Borgata Poker also functions in New Jersey, with players pools also recently being combined in a shared liquidity structure.

Though it is owned by the same company and uses the same software, Borgata Poker PA still offers players a great experience and is undoubtedly an online poker site worth checking out. Playing on Borgata Poker PA, players will find plenty of cash game action at various stakes, tournaments in a variety of formats, and bonuses to incentivize putting in volume.

WSOP Online PA

WSOP PA launched in July 2021 and is another option for online poker in Pennsylvania. WSOP PA operates using 888poker software and is made possible through a license of Harrah’s Philadelphia casino. The player pool in Pennsylvania is now open to benefit from shared, cross-state liquidity. Michigan recently joined an interstate compact with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, and Pennsylvania has quickly followed suit.

BetRivers Poker PA

BetRivers Poker is the newest edition to an already illustrious offering of poker operators in Pennsylvania.

Launched in PA October 2024, Bet Rivers has expanded quickly and is now also available in Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia, with shared liquidity across all those States.

Despite BetRivers' infancy as a brand in the poker world, it's not exactly a venture that has started from scratch. BetRivers has morphed from the former international poker site 'Run It Once,' created by pro Phil Galfond. The new brand uses much of the same software and features that were proven to be a success under the former entity. BetRivers Poker is now looking to challenge the industry big boys in the US, building on a legacy foundation left by Run It Once.

Other Pennsylvania Poker Sites

PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP are not the only companies that have decided to shape Pennsylvania's online poker market.

The list of companies that hold a license to launch poker sites in Pennsylvania includes:

• SugarHouse Poker
• Harrah's Poker
• Hollywood Casino Poker
• Mount Airy Poker
• Parx Poker
• Valley Forge Poker
• Wind Creek Poker

Best New Jersey Poker Sites

Find all the best New Jersey poker sites so you can play online poker in NJ today! Whether you want to play poker freeroll tournaments, are looking for the best poker bonuses, or want to know what the best poker apps in NJ are, PokerNews has got you covered.

PokerStars NJ

The leading online poker site in the world, PokerStars is extremely popular in the Garden State. Established in 2001, making it one of the oldest online poker sites ever, PokerStars cemented itself to be by far the world leader for real money online poker. After receiving approval from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement, PokerStars, which is licensed through its partner Resorts Digital Gaming LLC, launched its online poker room in the Garden State in March 2016, quickly growing into the largest regulated online poker room in the United States.

PokerStars software offers the widest variety of poker variants in both cash games and tournaments. They include Texas Hold'em (Limit and No-Limit), Omaha (Pot-Limit and Hi-Lo),Seven-Card Stud, Razz and a variety of mixed games including 8-Game, Draw games and Badugi. These are all easily accessible from within the PokerStars NJ client.

Each poker variant is different and requires an understanding of the poker rules that are particular to that game. While everyone may have played Texas Hold'em, they may not know how Stud games are dealt or played. The online software on PokerStars NJ makes it easy — players don't have to worry about anteing as it is done automatically — so it makes it a great place to learn new mixed game variants.

WSOP Online NJ

WSOP.com, home of the world-famous World Series of Poker brand, is booming in New Jersey, giving the Garden State’s poker-playing population access to their favorite real money games. Whether you play on your desktop or use the WSOP NJ poker app, the action is non-stop and fast-paced. WSOP.com poker rooms are always buzzing with activity thanks to a shared liquidity deal with Nevada, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

The market leader online poker site in New Jersey, WSOP.com, shares its player pool with Nevada and more recently Michigan & Pennsylvania, while also enjoying the popularity of the WSOP, one of the world's top poker brands.

The WSOP NJ online poker site was launched on November 21, 2013, and became one of the first internet gaming sites available in NJ. As you would expect from a WSOP product, competitors will have their hands full with tournament events. WSOP NJ has a wide variety of both weekly and daily poker tournaments with generous prize pools. Players can also participate in bracelet events and the WSOP Online Series of Championships. The champion will be awarded an exclusive WSOP ring. New Jersey poker players also have access to many exclusive promos on WSOP.com. The site offers a good variety of games, which includes
Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-card stud,five-card draw, lowball, draw badugi.

Borgata Poker NJ

Borgata Poker NJ is the official online poker site of the famous New Jersey land-based
casino Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. This popular destination has hosted numerous World Poker Tour events in the past. Borgata Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at Borgata’s land-based casino.

Thesign-up bonus is excellent, and it's easy to deposit and withdraw money on and off the site. Borgata Poker NJ has partnered with BetMGM and PartyPoker to create a smooth and visually appealing platform. If you have an Android or iOS-powered device you can enjoy Borgata Poker’s products while on the move. Cash games, fast forward poker, and sit & go tournaments are all available, as are casino games. It also relies on players liquidity sharing with PartyPoker and BetMGM, which are also part of the Borgata network.

The site users can take part in daily and weekly tournaments. Another possibility is to join the PartyPoker US Network Online Series. The poker variants on offer include Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em. The software used by Poker Borgata is the same as PartyPoker, with a different skin presentation. Users need to download the desktop client or the Borgata Poker app in order to play.

PartyPoker NJ

Another large online poker site with a lot to offer players in New Jersey is the world-famous brand PartyPoker. With plenty of experience in the online poker business, this trusted and famous brand has been around since 2001, which makes it one of the oldest in the world, and one of the top places for playing online poker.

PartyPoker NJ has a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as some good promotions. They're part of the MGM-owned PartyPoker US network, which also includes Borgata poker and BetMGM poker. PartyPoker NJ shares an integrated platform with PartyCasino, allowing players to use the same account for both sites.

Another popular online poker site, PartyPoker NJ was acquired by Borgata. As previously mentioned, it provides the engine used by its sister sites. PartyPoker also shares its New Jersey players network with the other two sites. PartyPoker NJ also shares the same tournament's pool with Borgata, hosting daily and weekly tournaments as well as the US Network Mini Series. Variants include Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em.

In order to play real money online poker at PartyPoker, one of the top NJ poker sites, you need to either download the PC/Mac software or the mobile app.

BetMGM Poker NJ

This online poker site is operated by MGM, one of the largest casino operators in the world, and an overall fantastic place to play real money online poker. BetMGM Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at MGM’s famous
land-based casinos.

BetMGM Poker runs on one of the best poker software available to players in New Jersey. The platform is the same that powers its sister site PartyPoker NJ and is considered to be one of the most advanced in the business. It is also worth noting that the platform integrates all the casino games available to BetMGM users in New Jersey. The fact that BetMGM is so popular amongst casino players means the field is softer than at PokerStars, with a lot more recreational players active at the MGM Poker tables.

The third and most recent addition to the Borgata family, BetMGM Poker also uses the PartyPoker engine and shares its player pool with the other two sister sites.

BetMGM offers different game variations, which include Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Limit Hold'em and 7-card stud. It also offers the same tournaments and prize pools as its other two sister sites, which includes daily and weekly events as well as the Party Poker US Network Online Series. You will be required to download the BetMGM software in order to play, which is available for PC. Another option is to play on the go by downloading the BetMGM mobile app.

Best Michigan Poker Sites

In 2019, Michigan became the fifth state to pass legislation offering online gaming and legal online poker. It took a couple of years for operators, who must be partnered with a land-based casino, to get things up and running, but right now it's full steam ahead for online operations in the Wolverine State.

As of 2025, PokerStars, BetMGM, WSOP MI and BetRivers are the legal online poker operators in Michigan.

PokerStars Michigan

PokerStars Michigan, which shares an interstate compact and
combined player pools with PokerStars New Jersey players, offers real money poker, sports, and casino games as a gaming operator for Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. You need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN) to play
real money gaming on PokerStars in the state of Michigan.

PokerStars is arguably the most famous of the poker sites in the online gambling industry and its Michigan counterpart abides by all of the Michigan online poker laws and those for casino gaming.

BetMGM Poker Michigan

One of the most popular brands and poker sites on the East Coast, BetMGM operates in several markets including Michigan. In order to play BetMGM Poker MI powered by partypoker US (AKA RoarDigital), players need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN).

WSOP Online Michigan

WSOP MI, one of WSOP's many ventures into the world of online poker sites, operates using 8 Poker software by 888poker, which is a fresher update on the WSOP client used in Nevada and New Jersey.

The WSOP brand recognition carries over to trust in their online platforms, including WSOP Michigan, as players expect a high level of quality and integrity in games and operations. WSOP Michigan typically offers a wide range of poker games, including popular variants like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and others, catering to a variety of players of all preferences and skill levels.

The site has a strong tournament schedule, including daily and weekly tournaments with various buy-ins and prize pools, and also offers satellite tournaments where players can win seats to bigger events, including live WSOP events, with the chance to win a coveted bracelet.

Best Nevada Poker Sites

Despite being the first state in the U.S. to legalize and launch regulated online poker, with the first sites going live in 2013, options for real money online poker in Nevada are currently very limited, with WSOP.com Nevada the only feasible legal option. WSOP Nevada benefits from the brand recognition of the World Series of Poker, which takes place in Las Vegas each summer, and is part of an interstate compact to share online poker player pools with New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, enhancing the availability of games and the size of tournament prize pools.

Best Online Poker Sites in Delaware

Although it was offline for sometime, having initially been provided by 888poker, as of 2025, online poker in Delaware is back up and running thanks to the launch of BetRivers Poker. After the Delaware Lottery switched its exclusive igaming partner from 888Poker to Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Phil Galfond's Run It Once (RIO), which is owned by RSI, launched in Delaware in the summer of 2025. As a member of the MSIGA, players in Delaware share liquidity with Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.

Best Poker Sites in West Virginia

In summer 2025, BetRivers Poker became the first legal online poker operator to launch in West Virginia. West Virginia had legalized online poker back in 2019, but no operator entered the market until BetRivers, which, as part of the MSIGA, connects players to those in PA, MI, and DE, meaning larger player pools and bigger prizes.

Play Online Pker for Free - Best Free Social Poker Games in the US

If you're looking for other ways to play free online poker, there are many social poker apps and games that provide a great option to do so. These apps provide a less-serious environment to play online poker, but still without any financial risk (*although some will have pay-to-play options where you can buy more chips with real money). Here are some of our top picks for free online poker apps.

WSOP App

If you know poker, no, even if you don't know poker, you should have heard of the WSOP brand. It's, of course, the name behind the World Series of Poker, the biggest poker series in the world. So, high expectations for their free-to-play app, but it certainly doesn't disappoint.

With a massive 1,000,000 FREE chip welcome bonus, you'll be set from the start to properly explore all the poker games on offer and crush it at the tables. Just click the link below to claim the bonus. Also, with daily chip boosts and virtual rings and bracelets to be won, the hunt for glory doesn't end. What's more, the WSOP App one of the most accessible poker apps, with it being available in multiple locations.

Replay Poker

Replay Poker is one of the best options for players looking to fully immerse themselves into a supportive, social poker community. With daily free chips, bonuses and a vibrant, active community, it's easy to see why the game has become so popular.

Upon signup through the PokerNews link (below), you'll get an instant, free 20,000 free chips. You can also take advantage of a first-time player bonus, where you can buy one million (1,000,000) chips for $4.99.

GTO Wizard Play Mode

GTO Wizard - isn't that a poker training tool? Yes, but now with GTO Wizard Play Mode, the brand has expanded out to offer a free-to-play environment to easily learn to play poker. It's different, and honestly there was some apprehension about how good this would be and exactly how it would work, but there needn't have been.

GTO Wizard Play Mode requires no signup or download - just click the link below to get started and instantly play free online poker. What's more, unlike other free poker games, you can play an unlimited amount of games. If you lose 20 games in a row, you don't have to wait to replenish your account chips, you can simply continue playing to your heart's content.

This is a great option to use to learn and hone in your poker skills. With different game modes to choose from, you can invite up to eight of your friends to join you in a game - or use GTO Play Mode's skill-based matchmaking to find a random opponent. It so simple and with a seemless software interface, it's hard to find better choices when it comes to playing free online poker games.

Best Deposit Options for US Online Poker Players

Top US poker sites offer several popular deposit methods for their players. The most frequently used deposit method is credit/debit bank cards, such as Discover, Visa, and Mastercard, but there are plenty of other options as well. Almost all banks in regulated states will process such payments, so you won't have any problems making a fast and secure deposit. Here’s a look at some popular online poker deposit methods:

Is Online Poker Legal in the US?

The situation with the legality of online poker in the US is not as clear-cut as you might expect. To get to the bottom of this, we must look at the applicable gambling laws. First of all, gambling in the US is regulated on a state, federal, and, of course, local level. Looking at these levels of regulations, the only viable conjecture you can derive is that things are bound to get messy.

At the moment, the Constitution allows all states to make their own laws regarding online gambling.

• A handful of states have already legalized online poker, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. In these states, online operators are required to sign licensing agreements with land-based casinos to launch their online poker rooms, and plenty of big names have already done so.
• Other states are exploring the possibility of online gaming expansion, including online poker. By doing so, the states will benefit from taxes these operators will pay and will ensure their citizens have fair and safe gambling opportunities.
• Among the states to have considered online poker in recent years include New York, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Illinois, and North Dakota. Efforts often get bogged down in the political process, but there’s no denying that as online poker continues to grow in the United States, more and more states are taking notice.

You can find out more on a State-by-State level with our US Poker Regulation Map.

How to Play Online Poker in the US in 5 Easy Steps

With the popularity of online gaming on the rise, finding an online poker room in the US should be a breeze. Even so, there are multiple factors you need to consider getting in on the action.

Here are four steps to follow to find the right poker site for you:

1. Check if Online Poker is Legal in Your State
The first step is to ensure the state you are playing in has legalized online poker. The states that offer full-blown poker sites are:

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

Some even share player pools, such as WSOP.com in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey, and PokerStars in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey. Players from these “merged” states can participate in poker tournaments, which, consequently, have larger prize pools and are more appealing.

Another vital thing to remember here is that you don't need to be a resident in any of these states to play online poker legally, you need to be located inside state borders to participate. Once you’ve identified some sites, then consider personal preferences, such as:

• Types of games you like to play
• Betting limits
• Payment methods
• Support options
• Mobile poker apps for US players

All the US poker sites listed here will have a thing or two to offer, but the more you understand your playing habits, the better.

2. Register an Account
Once you have chosen the poker site, you can proceed to the registration process. To do so, you will be required to provide personal details, such as name, DOB, address, email, etc. Poker sites will ask you to provide a proof of identity as a part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) policy imposed by the legislation.

The proof of identity is usually in the form of a copy of your ID or another personal document, the final four digits of your Social Security number (SSN), a copy of your bank statement, etc. These poker rooms make sure no underage gambling can take place and also prevent money laundering and fraud.

3. Deposit Funds to Your Account and Claim the Bonus Offer
The next step involves selecting the deposit method from the site's banking section and making the first deposit. The top US poker sites presented here offer exciting and generous deposit match bonus offers once the players make qualifying deposits. Check out the promotions tab and see which types of bonuses and freebies you can claim.

4. Get Familiar with the Site
You may have checked out the site prior to signing up, but now that you have it is time to really familiarize yourself with all its features and offerings. Check out if and when freerolls may be held, have a look and the tournament schedule, and pay attention to when traffic is at its peak and cash games are the best.

5. Get in on the Action
The final step you need to take is to choose between the different types of poker games offered by the site and take a virtual seat at the table. The most common formats of poker include cash games and tournament poker.

-In cash games, the value of your chips corresponds directly to the monetary value, while in tournaments, you will have to buy in for a stack of chips and continue playing until you run out of chips or another player claims them all.

-In poker tournaments, the size of bets increases over time to make sure the game is action-packed.

What Makes a Poker Site Good and How Do We Rate US Online Poker Sites?

Our long history of 15+ years in the business and hard-earned reputation ensures our entire review process of online poker sites is completed with the utmost care and diligence. Over the years, PokerNews has been declared the number one online poker guide several times, and we have been on the receiving end of several awards.

To fill you in on the process, we will try to break down the criteria we impose for our selection of key US poker sites into a couple of segments. Below you will learn about:

• Only licensed operators
• Scrutinized bonuses
• Choice and quality of games
• Testing of site software
• Deposit Methods
• Customer Support

We List Only the Licensed Operators
All poker sites listed here have been licensed and certified by the appointed jurisdictions and authorities, guaranteeing the safety, legality, and fairness of those sites and their poker games. What's more, we look into the reputation of these sites to make sure players are content with the services provided and treatment. Only after we make sure the site ticks all the right boxes do we present it here.

We Scrutinize the Bonuses
We never cease to look for the heftiest poker bonuses out there, so that our visitors can rest assured only the best possible bonus offers are listed. What's more, we don't get carried away just by the sheer size of the bonus. No sir. There needs to be a balance between what is being offered as a bonus and what you need to do to turn that bonus into real cash.

We look into wagering requirements, the validity period of the bonus, and other requirements that appear as the small print in the terms and conditions that, sadly, only a few players consult. Luckily for you, we check that info as well.

Our Pro Players Look Into the Choice of Games and Quality
Did you know that one of our reviewers won an actual WSOP bracelet in Las Vegas? Our reviewers are experienced poker players who know every nook and cranny of the game and where to look for any hidden flaws in the choice of games and rules. The sites offered here host several different types of poker, with plenty of poker formats and competitions, and their player traffic is a clear sign of quality.

We Test the Site's Software
Another essential part of our testing process is the test of the site's software. We want to make sure that sites have both web apps that allow instant in-browser play and mobile apps that enable players to engage in poker games on the go. That said, we spend hours playing the actual games before reaching a verdict.

Also, if the poker room has a fully downloadable app for PCs, we will download it and make sure its functionality and gaming experience are top-notch. These sites need to be responsive, easy to use, simple to navigate, and user-friendly. Only
such poker rooms and mobile poker sites end up on our top list.

We Look Into Deposit Methods
Another important aspect of our review process is the examination of banking methods offered by the poker room. This list includes only sites that offer the greatest variety of online banking, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and other methods, all of which need to be fast, convenient, and protected by the latest SSL encryption and firewalls.

We put Customer Support to the Test
Having knowledgeable and reliable customer support on your side when a problem occurs is imperative for poker players. We put each site's customer support to a rigorous test to check their knowledge, response times, and amiableness. If all goes well, only then the site gets on our list.

Online Poker in US FAQ

PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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