The world of online poker is going through a major upheaval in the United States. While the online poker boom of the previous decade may have ended, real money games are rising again nationwide. Legal, sweepstakes poker is also available in areas where restrictions remain on this type of gambling.
This guide will take you through several key areas, including the current legislative landscape for online poker, the best sites and the different types of bonuses which are available to players.
Online poker sites: Quick facts
- States with legal online poker: Five (Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware)
- West Virginia has legalized the industry, but not launched it
- Current operators: BetMGM Casino, among others
- Social casinos with poker: Global Poker and others
- Last updated: September 26th, 2024
BetMGM Casino
Those who play poker on BetMGM Casino can enjoy a $75 bonus on one’s first deposit, plus a $1,000 deposit match. This bonus is available to customers in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Poker for free vs. poker for real money
Both real money and free poker games are widely available at online casinos. Real money changes the dynamics of poker significantly when compared to games which are operated with play money.
In the latter, the focus is on seeing a flop and hitting hands, while there is less strategic thinking – players, for example, will rarely fold. Such games are an outlet for light entertainment without a serious incentive to win.
In contrast, real money poker games can be a grueling mental battle, where players have to pick their hands carefully. Playing every hand is a losing strategy here, while playing too few can be construed as predictable and exploitative.
Real money poker requires several skills, including the ability to understand your position and opponents’ bets; as well as math concepts like odds and equity. Real money poker is more engaging and educational for players, with even top poker aces continually refining and working on their strategies.
One can learn poker over a few hands – mastering it, meanwhile, takes a lifetime.
What is the legal status of online poker in the United States?
Poker has a long tradition in the US, experiencing periods of both boom and bust depending on contemporary fashions and trends.
Now, a new era is emerging as individual states license and regulate real money online poker.
Five states have legalized real money online poker: Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. These states require that online poker sites be licensed by a brick-and-mortar casino. A sixth state, West Virginia, approved online poker but has yet to see any major real money sites go live.
The state of Delaware additionally shares player pools with New Jersey at 888 and WSOP online poker rooms. Players from these states can compete in larger tournaments with significant guaranteed prize pools and a broader selection of cash games.
Online poker bonuses
Online casino bonuses can take many forms, and some of them are game-specific. Poker players can enjoy many promos from legal, regulated sites upon signing up.
The most common ones are deposit match bonuses and n0-deposit bonuses. However, each operator will have its own menu of online poker bonuses for players to enjoy. Make sure you look around to find the gambling environment that’s right for you!
Games at online poker sites
Each online poker room will offer a wide assortment of games for players to participate in. The most common, by far, is No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, made popular during the online poker boom. Players start with two hole cards, use five community cards to make the best possible hand, and can move all their chips in at any time.
Other games, including Limit Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hold ‘Em, and Seven-Card Stud, are also spread at online poker sites. In addition to cash games, players can also participate in tournaments, which end when one participant has all the chips in play.
Social casinos and sweepstakes poker sites
If you’re in a state where legal, real money online poker isn’t an option, you may be able to shuffle up and deal at social casinos. Instead of real money deposits, social casinos (or sweepstakes casinos) give players Sweeps Coins when purchasing play money coins. Sweeps Coins can be used to play poker, with each hand or tournament considered an individual sweepstakes contest. Accumulated Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for dollars in the cashier and withdrawn to a bank account.
As of now, this method is legal and becoming popular as a workaround in unregulated states. However, these sites are coming under increased scrutiny in recent years, especially as online casino legalization has slowed down. Keep abreast of any updates that may affect the legality of these platforms.
Deposit and withdrawal options
To enjoy real money poker, you need to fund your initial bankroll.
Legal, regulated poker rooms offer various secure deposit options. Using your regular debit or credit card is the easiest option, and most banks in regulated states approve these transactions. Prepaid debit cards or branded debit cards from licensed casinos are alternatives.
Deposit options using your bank account include e-checks, bill pay, or wire transfers, depending on the site. E-checks allow for instant transfers after verification by a third party like VIP Preferred, while bill pay works with specific banks listed by each site, similar to paying a utility bill.
Third-party wallet services like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are popular for separate banking from gambling, despite small fees. Cash deposits are available by visiting the casino cage or using services like PayNearMe at 7-Eleven stores.
To withdraw your winnings from tournaments or cash games, you’ll typically use the same method you initially deposited with.
E-wallet services like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller allow for quick withdrawals if you’re verified, and ACH transfers can also send funds quickly once you’re verified. Alternatives include paper checks, which can be sent to your home.
All poker rooms will take a day or two to verify your withdrawal request. You’ll need to complete the ID verification process before you can withdraw.
Responsible gambling and KYC regulations
Legitimate, regulated, legal USA poker rooms require backup documentation as part of their verification process.
ID checks are necessary to prevent money laundering, fraud, and underage gambling. Providing proof of ID, proof of address, and backups for your deposit method is essential for the verification process.
Examples include a photo of the front of your credit card, with the option to black out all but the last four numbers.
Know Your Customer (KYC) helps prevent underage gambling and promotes responsible gaming. Poker sites often provide links to help organizations (such as 1-800-GAMBLER) and allow players to self-exclude if needed.
Online poker sites: FAQs
Is online poker legal in the United States?
Yes, but only in certain areas. You can play online poker in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware. West Virginia has legalized the industry but has yet to go live.
What types of poker games can I find on regulated online poker sites?
Hold ’em (the most popular game by far), Omaha and Stud are the most prevalent type of poker games and are found on almost all platforms. Other may carry further variations of those three games or other options.
What is the minimum age requirement for playing online poker in the United States?
Players must be aged at least 21 to take part in online poker games.
How do player pools function in online poker?
A player pool is the amount of players available to sit at online tables. Many online poker operators share their pools, including in some cases across state lines. International player pools, however, are not permitted at online poker games regulated in the US.
Are online poker winnings subject to taxation?
All gambling winnings in the US, including online poker earnings, are considered taxable income by the IRS and must be included on a tax return.
How does video poker differ from traditional online poker?
Video poker is played against a machine, and players must simply construct the best hand possible from five cards.
