In This Guide
The Best Online Poker Sites Reviewed
Based on our years of experience and hours at the tables testing offshore poker sites, the following online poker rooms are among the best.
Best Online Poker Site Overall: CoinPoker
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CoinPoker tops our list of the best online poker sites because it has something for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out and looking for soft cash games, or a seasoned veteran wanting to make bank at the site’s many MTTs, CoinPoker has it all.
With its RNG built on a public blockchain, you know that the games are going to be fair. One of the best welcome bonuses around and a generous weekly rakeback add to the growing list of reasons why we think CoinPoker is among the best places to play online poker.
Why Choose CoinPoker?
- Generous Rakeback: 33% weekly rakeback.
- Great Game Variety: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 5-Card Omaha.
- Fast Payouts: Withdrawals within 24 hours.
- Mobile-Friendly: Instant play through any mobile browser, no app installation required.
- 100% Decentralized: Advanced RNG that ensures every game is fair.
What Could Be Improved
- Live Chat Availability: You can’t get instant help via live chat.
User Review
“I’ve been using CoinPoker for a month or two. I like the platform and its simple UI.” MacFlyer81 – Reddit
Fun Fact
Did you know that CoinPoker hosted the biggest cash game pot in online poker history? Co-owner and poker legend Tony G was playing PLO at $5,000/$10,000 when he won over $7.7 million in a single hand after flopping the nuts.
Best Site for Online Poker Tournaments: ACR Poker
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
ACR is one of the best poker sites if you want to play for real money in a tournament format. The number of low-stakes MTTs increased by 13% in 2024, as did the amount of prize money up for grabs.
Today, you can play for more than $10.7 million in guaranteed prize money every week in MTTs, with plenty of buy-ins under $100. ACR is also famous for its Venom series, which pays out more than $20 million every year.
Why Choose ACR?
- Mega-Money MTTs: Events such as the Venom have top prizes worth as much as $12.5 million.
- Great Selection of Games: Choose between Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud.
- Innovative Payments: Fiat deposits, player-to-player transfers, and instant withdrawals.
- Excellent Mobile Apps: Play anywhere with the slick iOS and Android apps.
- Personalized Promotions: Pick either loyalty rewards or a flat 27% rakeback.
What Could Be Improved
- Server Issues: The site has been the victim of server attacks in the past.
- Tough Games: Big-money MTTs attract a lot of pros, making some games tough to beat.
User Review
“I have been playing at America’s Cardroom for several years and have always been impressed by the security measures in place to ensure that my account is safe and secure.” Bob G. – Trustpilot
Fun Fact
Did you know that ACR has broken multiple world records? ACR is known as the home of record-breaking tournaments thanks to its annual Venom series offering eight-figure prize pools.
Best Online Poker Site for Soft Games: Stake.us
Stake.us is an established gambling site that recently launched its poker product. With players pooling in from the casino section, you’ll find plenty of soft cash games and easy tournaments.
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Stake.us has a lot of fun, low-stakes games. It’s packed with features like straddles and Run it Twice, which keep games exciting.
You won’t find many tournaments with prize pools beyond $1,500, but the generally soft player pool means you’ll have plenty of opportunity to win and boost your bankroll.
Stake started by getting the important things right, with excellent software that makes things fun and easy. And when you’re ready to cash out, you’ll find plenty of crypto options to choose from.
Why Choose Stake?
- Soft Games: Lots of players lack poker experience
- Game Variety: Play rare poker variants such as Pineapple
- Fun Features: Run It Twice, straddle in cash games, and more
- Fast Withdrawals: It’s a crypto site, so you can cash out quickly
What could be improved?
- More tournaments: The MTT schedule is improving, but is still limited
- Higher stakes: There are no tourneys above $100 or ring games over $2.50/$5
User review:
“This has the possibility to be the site with the most fish, so I’m kinda interested.” – YoyoDevo, Reddit
Fun fact:
Not only does Stake.us allow you to straddle, but you can re-straddle if your opponent has already straddled. This can lead to some crazy pots!
Best Online Poker Site for Beginners: Ignition Poker
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
With people jumping over to the poker tables from the casino and sportsbook sections, Ignition has some of the easiest fields you can find, along with bonuses that make it one of the best online poker sites for beginners.
The welcome bonus varies by payment method. If you use crypto, you’ll get a 100% match up to $1,500. But if you’re a beginner unfamiliar with crypto or would rather use traditional banking, using a debit card will still get you a 100% match up to $1,000.
This bonus is complemented by reload rewards, leaderboard promotions, and one of the best loyalty programs available, making it a great destination for value hunters to enjoy online poker.
Why Choose Ignition Casino?
- Rewards for All: Every real-money poker player can earn exclusive rewards, even though there’s no set rakeback.
- Ideal for beginners and amateurs: Ignition calls itself a “shark-free zone,” with no “bumhunting” allowed.
- Major MTTs: Has beginner-friendly options like satellites to larger $200,000 GTD tourneys, along with signature events like the Black Diamond Open.
- Zone Poker: Zone Poker brings the fun of All-in-or-Fold without risking the all-in. But like AoF, you immediately move to a new table when you fold.
- Beginner-friendly Stakes:Hold’em and Omaha games have stakes ranging from $0.02/$0.05 to $10/$20.
What Could Be Improved
- Lulls: Ignition’s cash game traffic can drop during non-peak hours.
- Basic Software: The software doesn’t have as many advanced features as some sites, but is still good enough.
User Review
“I have made and cashed out 5 figures from that site, it’s treated me very well and I have nothing bad to say about them.” AA ZoeyFn – Reddit
Fun Fact
Ignition is part of the PaiWangLuo Network, with traffic shared across multiple poker skins such as Bovada and Bodog, catering to poker fans worldwide.
Best Poker Site for Experienced Players: Black Chip Poker
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Black Chip is the pro’s choice when it comes to online poker sites. This is largely due to the fact that you can play for $10 million in weekly tournament guarantees. Black Chip also hosts major events with $12.5 million prize pools and Seven-Card Stud.
Why Choose Black Chip Poker?
- Excellent MTTs: Play for more than $10.7 million every week.
- Games for Newbies and Pros: Play Stud in addition to Hold’em and Omaha.
- Fast Payouts: Receive your winnings within 48 hours in USD or one of 50 cryptos.
- Big Bonuses: Generous reload bonuses and 27% rakeback.
- Stellar Satellites: Win seats in major events, such as the WSOP, for less than $1.
What Could Be Improved
- Bots: Black Chip did previously have issues with bots, but the security team dealt with it well and reimbursed players.
- Design: The dark color scheme might not be to everyone’s tastes.
User Review
“Huge Player Pools -Good Customer Service – Rakeback programs.” flyguys1987 – Reddit
Fun Fact
Did you know that Black Chip is the stablemate of ACR? Both Black Chip and ACR are based on the Winning Poker Network, which is one of the world’s biggest poker networks.
Comparing the Best Online Poker Sites for Real Money
You’ve heard what we’ve got to say about the best poker websites, but here’s a quick overview of their most notable features.
| Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Rakeback | Poker Network | Poker Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 150% deposit bonus up to $2,000 | 33% | Independent | Hold’em, PLO, PLO5 |
| ACR | 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 | 27% | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, PLO5, Stud |
| Stake Poker | 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins | 5% | Independent | Texas Hold’em, Omaha |
| Ignition Poker | 300% Welcome Bonus up to $3,000 | Loyalty Rewards | PaiWangLuo | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo |
| Black Chip | 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 | 27% | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, PLO5, Stud |
| BetOnline | 100% Bonus up to $1,000 + 8 days of Tournament Tickets | 25% | Chico Poker Network | Hold’em, PLO, Short Deck |
| Ya Poker | 100% deposit bonus up to $2,000 | 27% | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, PLO5, Stud |
| SportsBetting.ag | 100% deposit bonus up to $1,000 | 25% | Chico Poker Network | Texas Hold’em, Omaha |
| Bovada | 100% deposit bonus up to $500 | Loyalty Rewards | PaiWangLuo | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo |
| Jack Poker | 300% deposit bonus up to $2,000 + 20% Instant Cash | 10% | Independent | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, PLO5 |
How We Rate the Best Poker Sites Online
Online poker sites differ in many ways but share several common features, including traffic, game selection, and added value.
Here’s a quick look at the factors we consider when picking our list of the best online poker sites for US players.
Games, Traffic and Availability
The games lobby is the heartbeat of any online poker site, as it’s where the action takes place. A healthy site offers a wide variety of games, like soft cash games and maintains a steady stream of players.
There will be fluctuations throughout the day, of course. But high and consistent traffic at the best rated online poker sites means you’ll always find action, no matter when you join. For many of these sites, traffic peaks during the evening hours in the US.
Access is also a crucial factor, as some US states have specific laws in place. For example, while you can access all the best poker sites in Nevada, some states like New York and Delaware have banned some online providers.
Reputation and Safety
Being licensed by a reputable regulator, like the Panama Gaming Control Board or the Curaçao Gaming Authority, proves a poker site is legit.
Not only can these sites allow players to join from anywhere in the world, but it also means the software meets various standards regarding safety, encryption, security, and fairness.
Cash Games and Tournaments
We expect sites to offer a broad mix of cash games and tournaments, making it suitable for people of all skill levels. Hold’em and Omaha are the standard, of course, but sprinkle in some Stud or Draw games, as well as exotic variants, like 5-Card Omaha and 6+ Hold’em, and we’re happy.
For tournaments, the buy-ins need to start from $0 (i.e., freerolls) and exceed $100 for major events. Plus, we want to see at least one weekly major offering a six-figure prize pool.
Most of the best poker sites online also have signature tournaments, like ACR’s Venom, with multi-million-dollar prize pools.
Banking Methods
Banking methods matter when you’re playing online poker for real money. The majority of US poker fans prefer classic payment processors, such as Visa and MasterCard.
Many have also transitioned to crypto payments over the last two years. Not only are they easier to make from any location in the world, but they’re also anonymous and safe.
Bonuses and Rewards
We don’t win every time we play poker, and the chances are you won’t either. That’s why bonuses and loyalty rewards are an important part of the online poker ecosystem.
What you should look for is a high top-end value and low wagering requirements.
By that, we mean there should be plenty of free credits up for grabs, and the amount you need to wager to get them should be reasonable.
Software and Mobile Optimization
The software can make or break an online poker site. There’s no point having hundreds of features if they slow down your phone or computer and make the app unusable. On the flip side, casual players might find super-simple poker layouts boring when they’re looking for fun features.
The user experience matters. Taking a long time to find a cash game or tournament will be a turn-off for anyone looking to jump in right away. Having a good mobile option, either through dedicated apps or a well-designed mobile site, is a huge plus. Our picks for the best online poker sites have excellent desktop and mobile software, and make your experience much better.
Top Poker Sites by Player Traffic
Traffic is often the main deciding factor for poker players. Using poker-tracking data and network-reported activity, these are some of the best US online poker sites for traffic.
| Poker Site | Average Weekly Players/Day | Peak 24-hour Traffic |
|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 4000+ | 5,000+ |
| Winning Poker Network (ACR, Black Chip, Ya Poker) | 6000+ | 12,000+ |
| BetOnline | 2,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Bovada | 2000+ | 4,500+ |
| GGNetwork | 11,000+ | 15,000+ |
How to Check Poker Site Traffic
If you’re curious about traffic numbers at any of the best poker sites online, you can directly check the site lobby, which will show you how many people are online at that time.
While they all might be at the tables, you’ll get a general idea of the site’s traffic numbers. Busy cash tables and full tournaments are another clear indication that a site has many active players throughout the day.
Best Online Poker Sites for US Players
Local legal restrictions mean that online poker availability in the US varies from state to state. While some will let you join any regional and offshore poker site, others have specific laws in place that restrict access.
Below, we’ve rounded up our guides for different US states, with detailed info about legalities and the best online poker real money sites you can access.
Best Rated Online Poker Sites Around the World
The best online poker sites vary across countries, based on local availability, laws, and other restrictions. Below, you’ll find our international guides for the top poker sites in different regions.
Bonuses at the Best Sites for Online Poker
Real money online poker is unpredictable, and while your poker strategy can get you so far, bonuses and promos are a great way to boost your bankroll and offset downswings. These are some of the bonuses you can claim at the top online poker sites.
Welcome Bonus
Bonuses at poker websites for new customers come in two forms: no-deposit and deposit. No-deposit bonuses are credited to your account once you’ve completed the registration process.
Deposit bonuses are credited to your account when you add funds to your account for the first time.
The majority of welcome bonuses are deposit multipliers, which means the bonus is a multiple of your deposit. For example, if you deposit $500 and claim a 100% bonus, you’ll receive $500 in site credit (i.e., 100% of $500 = $500).
Some of the best online poker sites for US players also add tournament tickets to their first deposit bonuses.
Top tip: CoinPoker offers one of the best welcome bonuses around, with a 150% first deposit match up to $2,000.
Reload Bonus
First deposit bonuses are for new players. Existing users get reload bonuses. For both offers, you deposit money and receive bonus credits.
The only difference worth noting is that reload bonuses are less lucrative because the deposit multipliers are smaller.
Top tip: Sign up to the mailing list when you join to receive targeted reload bonuses that aren’t available on the main site.
Rakeback and VIP Rewards
The best rakeback and VIP rewards allow you to earn bonus credits based on the amount of real money poker games you play.
- Rakeback: You get a percentage of the rakeback you pay each week. Rake is the money taken from cash game pots and tournament buy-ins to cover an operator’s costs. Rakeback is paid in cash, so you can withdraw it at any time.
- Loyalty Rewards: Special bonuses you unlock by earning points. Rake payments are converted to points. These points determine your VIP status, which gives you access to an increasing number of rewards.
Top tip: ACR Poker lets you choose what suits you best. Everyone is eligible for a solid 27% rakeback. But if you’re a grinder, signing up for the Elite Benefits program could help you take that all the way up to 65%, along with a slew of other perks and rewards.
Tournament Tickets
Free tournament tickets are great because they give you the chance to win big prizes for a comparatively small price. This potential increases significantly when you don’t have to cover the buy-in.
Free tournament tickets give you a seat in some of the biggest online poker tournaments in America, including ACR’s $12.5 million Venom main event.
Top tip: BetOnline’s welcome package includes a week’s worth of tournament tickets.
Freerolls
Freerolls are another risk-free way to play for tournament prizes. You don’t need a ticket for these tournaments, and these are regularly available at the best US online poker sites.
They don’t charge an entry fee, so you just need to register and play. If you make it into the money, you’ll win a cash prize.
Top tip: ACR Poker and Black Chip Poker have more than 20 freerolls a day.
Payment Methods at the Best Online Real Money Poker Sites
You can’t play at the best online poker sites for real money without funds in your account, and our recommended online poker sites offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Cryptocurrencies
Crypto is quickly becoming the preferred transaction method for many poker players. You don’t have to worry about banking restrictions or currency conversions. Transactions are anonymous, and in most cases, deposits and withdrawals are nearly instant.
All the best online poker sites we recommend accept a variety of cryptocurrencies, including BTC, USDT, ETH, and more.
Online Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are something most people are familiar with, and is the safe choice if you don’t want to mess around with crypto. The only catch is that some banks may not allow payments or withdrawals to or from gambling sites. And even if they do, the wait times can be quite long, and with hefty transaction fees involved.
Debit and Credit Cards
Debit and credit cards are another traditional and safe deposit method at the best online poker sites. All the sites we recommend accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover. That said, you can’t typically use them for withdrawals, and there are often fees involved.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker for Real Money in the US?
Yes, you can legally play online poker in the USA using state-licensed sites or internationally licensed platforms such as CoinPoker.
While there are state-specific laws, the best online poker rooms are located outside of the US, because their player pools aren’t ring-fenced. This means you gain access to more games, larger bonuses, and eight-figure tournament guarantees.
The only major exception is Washington state, which has also banned access to offshore poker sites.
Are Online Poker Sites Safe?
Yes, online poker sites are safe. The top sites on our list are licensed and adhere to stringent safety, payment processing, and game integrity standards.
Deposits and withdrawals are safe and secure, regardless of the transaction method you use. And of course, you’ll find plenty of safeguards to prevent cheating and collusion.