The best online poker sites provide a wide range of cash games, sit’n’gos, and multi-table tournaments with buy-ins to suit every budget and are available 24/7 on both desktop and mobile. They also feature low rake, high rakeback, and generous bonuses for both new and returning players.
Our expert team has tested dozens of top-rated platforms, and these are the best real money poker sites available in the US:
-
Popular
- Freerolls
- Satellites
- Rakeback
- Mobile app
- Anonymous tables
- High traffic
Key Takeaways
The best poker sites for US players are Coin Poker, BetOnline, Bovada, Ignition, and ACR Poker, as all of them:
- Have high traffic weekends and weekdays
- Have daily tournaments with massive prize pots
- Provide high rates of rakeback and many bonuses
- Host a wide range of MTTs, cash games, and Sit’n’Gos with buy-ins to suit all budgets
The Best Online Poker Rooms Compared
In the following table, we compare the best online poker sites for US players, taking a look at bonuses, rakeback, and more.
| Online Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Freerolls? | Qualifiers | Rakeback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 150% up to $2,000 | ✅ | ✅ | 33% |
| BetOnline | 100% up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | $0.01 for every $0.18 in the pot |
| Bovada | 100% up to $500 | ✅ | ✅ | $0.01 for every $0.20 in the pot |
| Ignition | 150% up to $1,500 for poker and $1,500 for casino games | ✅ | ✅ | $0.01 for every $0.20 in pot |
| ACR Poker | 150% up to $1,500 for poker and $1,500 for casino games | ✅ | ✅ | 1- 4.5% |
| Black Chip Poker | 100% up to $2,000 | ✅ | ✅ | 1- 4.5% |
| Everygame | 200% up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | 36% paid in $10 increments |
Best Poker Rooms for US Players
Learn more about the best online poker rooms for real money in the US by reading through the following reviews.
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Omaha
- Most Popular Tournaments: CSOP Tournament Series
- Min Stake: $0.01
- Max Stake: $2K
- Cash Games Rake: 33%
CoinPoker is the No.1 anonymous poker site in the US. It does not require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, and with its support of 10+ cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and Ethereum, you can enjoy fast, secure, and private gameplay without compromising your identity.
As a member, you have access to a diverse selection of cash and tournament variations of No Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and 5 Card Pot Limit Omaha games on the downloadable software on your desktop computer. You can also play online poker for real money on the go with the CoinPoker app, which is available now for all Android devices, and an iOS version is set to launch soon.
There is a 150% welcome bonus to claim, which comes with wagering requirements of just 2x the rake. The 33% rakeback is also highly competitive, and you won’t find better at most other sites. You can also enter freeroll and Sunday special tournaments, with up to $15,000 available through monthly leaderboards.
Pros:
- Offers daily tournaments and weekly promotions
- Excellent site for high rollers with a max stake of $2k
- Enjoy Saturday Progressive Knockouts, Big Bangs & other big events
- Official Discord page offers live support
Cons:
- Download is required for desktop users
2. BetOnline - Best MTT Poker Site with over a Million Dollars in Weekly Prize Pools
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Fixed Limit Hold’em, Omaha
- Most Popular Tournaments: $3 Million Championship
- Min Stake: $0.01
- Max Stake: $30
- Cash Games Rake: $0.01 for every $0.18 in the pot
BetOnline is the top multi-table tournament Poker site for US players. More than 50 tournaments are held daily, offering over $1,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools each week. Throughout the year, special events feature even larger prize pools, reaching up to $3,000,000. You can also join daily freeroll tournaments, and new players get exclusive access to a $10,000 welcome freeroll.
This site accepts both USD and cryptocurrency payments and has a minimum deposit limit of $20. The site is also home to an extensive library of free resources to help you learn how to play the game, and there are several BetOnline promo codes that can be used for online poker.
BetOnline’s online poker platform is the Chico Poker Network, which offers both real money games and poker tournaments. Texas Hold’em and Omaha are the primary variants on offer, and for each, you will find Limit, Pot Limit, and No Limit options. The site also offers 7 Card Stud, but this variant is only available in standalone games.
Pros:
- Minimum stake is $0.01
- Offers Sit N Go’s with prize pools of $5,000
- New poker players get to enjoy a $10,000 freeroll tournament
- Best online poker site for beginner players with free how-to-play guides
Cons:
- Might not be the best fit for high rollers
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo
- Most Popular Tournaments: $10,000 GTD Turbo Tournament
- Min Stake: $0.05
- Max Stake: $60
- Cash Games Rake: $0.01 for every $0.20 in the pot
Bovada is a top choice for low-stakes poker tables with minimums starting at just $0.05. You’ll find plenty of action on these lower-stakes tables around the clock. The site also offers a variety of low-stakes Sit & Go tournaments, with buy-ins starting as low as $1.
While you can play poker online on standalone cash tables and sit’n’gos, Bovada is also a popular platform for tournaments. You can usually find up to four freerolls available each week. Prize pools vary in value but can go up as high as $5,000. Sunday tournaments feature some of the highest prize pools on the platform. These can be as high as $150,000, with a top prize of $20,000.
Bovada uses the PaiWngLui Poker Network, which features several online poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo. There is always high traffic, so you’ll never struggle to find a game. While there is no rakeback, poker players earn loyalty points that can be redeemed for bonus cash, freerolls, or other prizes.
Pros:
- Accepts stakes as low as $0.05
- 5% rake capped at $3
- Enjoy Turbo & Knockout tournaments
- Loyalty points can be redeemed for bonus cash
Cons:
- Max stake is much lower compared to other sites
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo
- Most Popular Tournaments: $200,000 GTD Sunday Tournament
- Min Stake: $0.05
- Max Stake: $60
- Cash Games Rake: $0.01 for every $0.20 in pot
Ignition is an excellent online poker site for beginners, offering a variety of tutorials, a free play mode for casino-style variants, and low-stakes games starting at just $0.05. In addition, its fast-fold Zone Poker format provides built-in shark protection by constantly rotating poker players, preventing being stuck on a table with experienced players who can get a read on you.
The site is part of the PaiWangLuo Poker Network, which offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo with features like Zone Poker for reduced wait times and Anonymous Tables for privacy. Players can enter the popular $1 million Monthly Milly tournament with a $535 buy-in.
With a rake of just $0.01 per $0.20 in the pot, and no rake if there’s no flop, Ignition offers excellent value for cash game players. Tournament fees average around 10%, and you can gain access to weekly $2,500 freerolls. Players can also take advantage of generous promotions, including a bad beat bonus of up to $1,000 and a $200 royal flush bonus when hitting the hand using both hole cards.
Pros:
- Weekly $2,500 freerolls available
- Enjoy the Zone Poker feature & anonymous tables
- Top site for beginners with low-stakes games and poker guides
- Win big by participating in the $1 Million Monthly Milly tournament
Cons:
- Doesn’t have as much traffic as other top US poker rooms
- Poker Variations: Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit, Jackpot
- Most Popular Tournaments: $200,000 GTD Sunday Tournament
- Min Stake: $0.02
- Max Stake: $400
- Cash Games Rake: 1- 4.5%
ACR is the top online poker site for high-stakes action in the US as it features a dedicated high-stakes section with cash games offering blinds up to $200/$400. The platform also hosts several high buy-in MTTs with prize pools reaching up to $12.5 million, giving high rollers plenty of opportunities to score big wins. It’s not only geared at high rollers with small-stakes cash games with $0.01/$0.02 blinds.
Games are hosted on the high-traffic World Poker Network (WPN), with over 5,000 players online at any time. Available formats include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 5-Card PLO, and 7-Card Stud. The poker app is downloadable on iOS, Android, and Windows, while casino games and the sportsbook are accessible instantly without a download.
It is one of the best online poker sites for bonuses. The welcome bonus is worth 100% up to $2,000. Reload, refer-a-friend, mystery bounty, and freeroll bonuses help keep existing members satisfied. Weekly rakeback of up to 27% is another selling point.
Pros:
- One of the best poker bonus sites with a 27% weekly rakeback
- Cash blinds range from $0.01/$0.02 to $200/$400
- Daily tournaments with massive prize pools
- High traffic with thousands of players online during peak times
Cons:
- Max stake is lower compared to other poker rooms
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Stud, 32 Card
- Most Popular Tournaments: $200,000 GTD Sunday Tournament
- Min Stake: $0.02
- Max Stake: $200
- Cash Games Rake: 1-4.5%
BlackChip is the top-rated poker site for freeroll tournaments. It offers up to eight daily freeroll events with $50 guaranteed. You can also win seats in bigger MTTs like “The Beast” and “Sit n Crush,” which award free entry to the weekly $200,000 GTD. Special freeroll satellites even offer chances to qualify for high-stakes events and live tournaments like the WSOP.
BlackChip offers a variety of ways to enjoy poker beyond just satellites. Cash games provide a wide range of stakes, starting as low as $0.02/$0.04 and reaching up to $100/$200. If you’re a tournament fan, you’ll appreciate the packed daily schedule, featuring a mix of formats and prize pools that can climb as high as $500,000.
There’s no shortage of traffic either, as BlackChip is part of the World Poker Network (WPN), which consistently hosts thousands of active players. On the security front, the platform uses reliable, secure software with multiple protective measures in place, including two-factor authentication (2FA).
Pros:
- Offers a weekly GTD $200,000 tournament
- Enjoy daily tournaments with massive prize pools
- Eight daily $50 GTD prize pool free rolls
- Gain entry into big MTTs by participating in satellites
Cons:
- Daily freerolls have small prizes
- Poker Variations: Texas Hold’em, Omaha
- Most Popular Tournaments: $10,000 Sunday Myriad
- Min Stake: $0.02
- Max Stake: $100
- Cash Games Rake: 5-6.67%
Everygame is the best online poker site for rakeback. It offers an industry-leading 36% paid directly into your account each week. That’s higher than most other sites, which typically don’t payout rakeback of more than 33%. With a low 5% rake on most cash games and a no-flop, no-rake policy, more of the money wagered stays in players’ hands.
Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi Lo, and other poker variants are playable. We were impressed with the range of poker tournaments. STARS, Sunday Myriad, and Sit and Go contests help to keep players entertained. Everygame offers an industry-leading 36% daily rakeback, which is paid in $10 increments.
Games are accessible on mobile devices, with no downloads required. Players can earn up to $400 weekly through the FPP Race feature. A 200% welcome bonus up to $1,000 is available to new players, along with 25 free casino spins and additional rewards are awarded through Everygame’s loyalty program.
Pros:
- Downloadable poker software
- Industry-leading 36% rakeback
- “Instant Play” option is available
- Play Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi Lo & more
Cons:
- Overall site design is basic
Legal Status and Facts About Poker in the USA
Rules and regulations surrounding online poker in the US have changed over recent years. The points below show some key dates.
- Legal status: By 2023, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Connecticut has also introduced laws allowing online poker but there are currently no state-based platforms in operation.
- Most popular game online: No Limit Hold’em.
- The largest prize pool for an online poker tournament: $27,559,500.
- Estimated number of US-based online poker players: 60 million.
- The average age of US-based professional poker players: 20 – 30 years.
Legal Status of Online Poker in US States & Around the World.
The short answer is both yes and no. US states have the autonomy to determine their own online gambling regulations. Currently, six states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, provide licenses for state-based operators. Many of the other states have a robust land-based licensing system but have yet to introduce licenses for poker websites.
Offshore Poker Sites
You can play poker online in all 50 US states using offshore poker sites. These sites are based in other countries, oftentimes Caribbean ones such as Curacao or Panama. Moreover, US players won’t face any legal action from the federal government for playing at these casinos.
Online poker at offshore sites is entirely legitimate. While these platforms aren’t licensed by U.S. federal or state authorities, they are fully licensed and regulated by reputable gaming commissions in the countries where they operate.
Global Online Poker Sites
Poker is popular globally. As a result, there are many top online poker sites that cater to players based outside the US. They feature multiple poker variants, tournaments, bonuses, and extras.
Why Play Online Poker: Games, Payouts, Bonuses & More
You can enjoy some of the best online poker bonuses and events when signing up to one of our recommended sites. Poker rooms are home to regular tournaments, a variety of games, attractive promotions, and mobile play. Beginners and professionals are catered for, with the following selling points helping to entice players into joining.
Variety of Games
Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other games help to keep you entertained at the best online poker sites in the US. The rules differ slightly between variants. You can also find games with varying buy-ins and table limits. Many poker rooms also offer anonymous tables, perfect for those wishing to stay under the radar.
Instant Payouts
You can use a cryptocurrency to immediately withdraw winnings. Alternative payment methods also facilitate fast and secure payouts. Credit cards, bank wire, and e-wallets are common options.
Rakeback
Rakeback is one of the first things you should look at when comparing poker rooms. This is the percentage of funds that you will receive back. It is calculated based on the rake of tournaments. We have found rakeback of up to 35%.
Mobile Play
Online poker is mobile-friendly through your chosen browser or a native app. You can join a table on the go using your smartphone or tablet.
Bonus Offers
Freerolls, deposit bonuses, cashback, and reload bonuses are among the additional promotions up for grabs on free online poker sites. Each bonus has unique terms and conditions. Many poker rooms now feature loyalty/VIP programs.
Key Differences Between Free & Real Money Online Poker
The main difference between free and real money poker is the ability to wager and win real funds. These days, you can play and win real money at CoinPoker, BetOnline, and many other top-rated sites. If you’re just starting out or want to practice, there are also free online poker sites that let you play without risking any money.
There are many benefits that come with playing both free and real money poker. For example, when you play online poker for free, it allows you to learn the game without risk, whereas real money poker provides you with the chance to win big. Next, we’ll take a closer look at both of these options.
| Feature | Free Poker | Real Money Online Poker |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For practice, fun, and learning the game | To win real money |
| Risk | No financial risk | Involves real stakes and potential for winnings |
| Accessibility | Easy to access for beginners | Access to a broader range of tournaments and games |
| Playing Style | Often casual and experimental | Players are more strategic and cautious, and tend to be highly skilled |
| Prize Pools | No real cash prizes | Real cash prizes and access to poker bonuses and loyalty rewards |
| Legal Status | Not regulated, and no poker tax apply | Regulated by gambling laws |
Popular Online Poker Games & Tournaments
Online poker has gone from strength to strength. It is the preferred method of gambling for many players in the US. You can choose between multiple variants, enter lucrative tournaments, and qualify for generous bonuses. The best poker sites are accessible on desktop and mobile devices, meaning that you can play anytime, anywhere.
Our favorite poker rooms feature games that meet the needs of beginners and professionals. Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other variants are available. We suggest that players in Texas play the field to determine which game type is best for them. You will find RNG-powered games, along with live versions. These games are created by reputable providers, with instant play available in many cases.
Specialist poker software can be downloaded with some brands. Offering enhanced usability, these platforms are accessible almost instantly on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. You can also play real money poker via your chosen mobile internet browser.
You can control your playing sessions to better manage your bankroll. Start and end sessions as you wish and only wager what you can afford to lose. You may also find that entering tournaments boosts your experience. Tournaments come with varying prize pools and entry fees. Look out for freerolls tournaments!
Tournaments get underway daily on most poker sites and have different timeframes. Read the tournament rules in full before entering. More information about the different forms of online poker is found below.
Real Money Games
Real money games found on the top online poker sites come in different formats. You can play Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other variants. Place bets within your budget and take regular breaks to help manage your bankroll better. Any winnings made can be withdrawn quickly using traditional and modern payment methods.
Online Poker Tournaments
Poker tournaments and contests are held daily on our recommended sites. Featuring differing buy-ins, prize pools, and formats, you can find tournaments for beginner, intermediate, and professional players. Common online poker tournament types are outlined below.
Sit and Go’s
Sit and Go’s (SNGs) are one of the most popular types of poker tournaments. Tournaments begin once the required number of players has entered. You can expect to find up to 10 other players; however, SNGs with more capacity are available. Poker sites online featuring high traffic suit these tournaments. This is because there are no lengthy waiting times.
Multi-Table Tournaments
Multi-table tournaments, or MTTs, is exactly what you’d expect. Played across more than one table, this contest type will often involve thousands of players. A table has the capacity to seat up to 10 players at once. You will win a share of the prize pool if you finish in the top 10-20% of players. The winner walks away with up to 50% of the total prize money.
Heads-Up Tournaments
Also known as HUs, heads-up tournaments are played at a rapid pace. They are unique in the fact that you will be partnered with another entrant. Upon you or your partner being eliminated, the other player takes over. Hold’em and Omaha are the games most commonly associated with HUs.
Freezeout Tournaments
You are awarded a specific amount of chips upon entering a freezeout poker tournament. Your tournament only ends when you run out of chips. This tournament type is increasingly common and is known for its competitiveness.
Turbo Tournaments
Another fast-paced poker tournament is Turbo. The speed attracts many, as you are required to make faster decisions and potentially reconsider your playing style.
Satellite Tournaments
Success in a satellite tournament may see you gain entry to more lucrative competitions, which feature larger prize pools. As a result, they appeal to professionals and high rollers.
Free Roll Tournaments
Catering to beginners in particular, free roll tournaments have no entry fee. These tournaments often come with smaller prize pools. However, they allow you to try out different strategies and understand how such contests work.
How to Sign Up & Play at Online Poker Sites
One of the benefits of the featured poker websites is a fast and simple registration process. You can sign up, deposit funds, and start playing online poker in just a few minutes. To do this, you will simply need to follow the steps below. While we’re using CoinPoker in this example, a simple process is necessary for all our featured casinos.
Step 1: Create Your CoinPoker Casino Account
Visit CoinPoker and click on ‘Register’. Enter your personal, contact, and residential information as requested on-screen.Step 2: Confirm Your Email Address
Within a few seconds following registration, you should receive a welcome email from CoinPoker. In this email, you’ll also be asked to click a link to confirm your email address. Do this to complete this step.Step 3: Complete Your First Payment
On the ‘Deposit’ page, select your preferred payment method and follow the instructions to complete your first deposit. Remember to include the promo code READW to claim your 150% deposit match up to $2,000 poker bonus.Step 4: Play Online Poker
Click on ‘Poker’ and choose one of the poker games or tournaments. You’ll be redirected to the CoinPoker platform where you’ll be asked to sign in once more. You’ll then be able to join a table and start playing poker.
Best Online Poker Sites by Skill Level
Poker is a game that suits everyone. There are tables for beginners, intermediate, and professional players. Our recommended poker websites feature multiple game types and tournaments. Below, we have explained what to look out for at each skill level, as well as which casino is best.
Online Poker Apps
Online poker has gone from strength to strength. It remains one of the standout forms of online gambling. This is thanks, in part, to its accessibility. You can access games on desktop and mobile devices. Selected operators offer downloadable mobile poker apps. Catering to iOS, Android, and Windows users, apps offer enhanced usability.
Today, online poker games are developed with mobile users in mind. HTML5 technology helps games to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets. Apps are free to download and offer near-instant access. They are also safe to use, with multiple tools in place to guard against third-party involvement.
Just ensure that you have enough storage space on your device before starting the download. Top poker apps require regular updates, which is something that cannot be helped. Game developers work alongside casinos to make poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha as accessible as possible. iPhone and Samsung Galaxy are examples of the devices that are compatible with online poker.
When apps are unavailable, you can access poker websites through your chosen mobile internet browser. Although speed and usability can be issues, these platforms have been optimized for use on different devices. You can even bookmark the page for quicker access in the future.
CoinPoker is an example of a poker operator that offers a downloadable app. Available on iOS, Android, and Windows, the app offers great usability and generous bonuses. ACR and Everygame have chosen not to develop an app of their own, but remain accessible on mobile.
Top Payment Methods for Playing Online Poker
Bitcoin is the leading payment method for online poker, offering greater privacy and security since your banking details aren’t shared with the site. Its decentralized nature eliminates middlemen, resulting in faster, fee-free transactions.
These savings often translate into special Bitcoin bonuses for players. Other convenient payment options include:
The Best Poker Strategies Explained
There are many ways to approach a game of poker, each with its own strengths. The best strategy depends on your playstyle, experience, and the specific game you’re in. However, these three poker strategies are among the most effective and widely used by successful players:
TAG (Tight-Aggressive)
The TAG (Tight-Aggressive) strategy combines disciplined hand selection with assertive betting. You’ll fold most hands preflop, only playing when you have strong hole cards or are in a favorable position.
Once you enter a hand, however, the aggression kicks in. Preflop, you’ll usually raise rather than limp, and post-flop, you’ll apply pressure with continuation bets and well-timed raises.
This strategy works well for both beginners and experienced players, as it relies on patience, solid positional awareness, and a strong understanding of poker hand rankings.
Exploit Player Tendencies
This strategy is best reserved for experienced players who are confident in their ability to read opponents and adapt on the fly. Instead of following a fixed approach, you adjust your betting based on how others at the table are playing.
For example, against a TAG player, you might steal blinds preflop or challenge their continuation bets with raises. When facing a hyper-aggressive opponent, you can lay low early on, setting a trap to exploit their overbets or slow-play strong hands for maximum value.
Because it relies heavily on opponent profiling and quick decision-making, this strategy is riskier and better suited for large tournaments or cash games where you have time to observe player tendencies and keep track of their styles.
Exploit Your Stack Lead
If you find yourself as the stack leader at the table, it’s a prime opportunity to apply pressure and control the action. Use your chip advantage to “bully” shorter stacks by raising aggressively pre-flop, especially when you’re in position. You can also isolate smaller stacks when they raise by re-raising to potentially force them all-in, giving you a strong chance to win the pot pre-flop or at showdown.
While increased aggression is key, avoid overplaying hands or getting reckless. Be especially cautious when facing other big stacks, as one misstep can cost you your lead. By targeting weaker stacks selectively and avoiding unnecessary risks, you can steadily grow your chip count whilst dwindling away smaller stacks and maintain control of the table.
Our Top Tips for Playing at Online Poker Sites
Playing online poker is enjoyable. However, if you are placing real money bets, you must give yourself the best possible chance of success. We have created the expert tips below to give you a helping hand.
- Master the rules – Poker is a game that incorporates both skill and luck. Ensure that you have a strong grasp of the rules before getting started. This includes possible hands and how they rank.
- Manage your bankroll – Set and stick to a budget to make sure that you have funds remaining for future playing sessions. This will also help you to maintain responsible gambling.
- Test different games – Try out multiple poker variants to find out which best meets your needs. Omaha and Texas Hold’em are the most common. However, others are available on selected sites.
- Quit while you’re ahead – Limit your session times and take regular breaks. Instead of chasing losses, exit the game and return when you have regrouped.
How We Rate Poker Sites
The Best Online Poker Site for 2025
Of all the sites, CoinPoker stands out as the top choice in the US. It offers anonymous gameplay across a variety of poker variants, along with a well-balanced mix of cash games and tournaments to fit any budget. Players also enjoy a high rakeback rate, generous poker bonuses, and fast, secure crypto-based deposits and withdrawals.
Sign up To Claim 150% Deposit Bonus Up To $2,000
- The main CSOP tournament series guarantees $1,000,000 in prize money
- Low and high-stakes tables are always available, 33% Rakeback
- No KYC process, decentralized blockchain poker
