Legal Us Online Poker Sites
Legal Online Poker Rooms For U.S. Legal online poker rooms are open to players from all over the world, including the United States. Finding legal poker rooms is somewhat difficult nowadays, but we have managed to pull out the best of the best, delivering a fair and legitimate gaming experience every step of the way. A 14-year insider to USA online poker sites dispels the BS in 8,240+ words. The ultimate guide to real-money legal and legit online options for Americans.
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- Legal Us Online Poker Sites
No portion of the online gambling industry has taken as much heat, speculation, and scrutiny as that of legal online poker. Entire forums, user groups, and even careers have been made through online poker. The vastness of the industry, the popularity of some of the major sites, and the publicity the industry receives has made it one of the primary targets of debate over whether or not poker is legal under the pretext that it is a game of skill rather than a game of luck. When ever you hear about the regulation of online gambling, you can almost always assume that the undertone of the proposed legislature is geared toward online poker above any other form of gambling.
Black Friday
April 15th, 2011, was a rough day for many online poker players. This is the day that the proverbial sky had begun to fall. On April 15th, the Department of Justice seized some of the largest online poker rooms. This includes Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, Absolute Poker and UltimateBet. On May 23d, the hammer had fallen again - this time taking out DoylesRoom. Dubbed poker's 'Black Friday,' the industry had been left reeling.The Poker Players Alliance, iMEGA, and many professional players had all spoken out against the move, mostly under the impression that the Department of Justice had acted out of line. Unfortunately, the effects of the seizures have left many players without money and many more players without a way to get involved in the World Series of Poker without buying directly into the events in question.
Millions of people all over the United States have joined in on online poker, and players have been scrambling for a new place to play. With online poker rooms coming and going, it is somewhat difficult to determine which ones are worth using and which ones are not. We have found that some of the poker rooms are attached to businesses that are much larger than only online poker. While a stand alone poker room could be targeted by the Department of Justice fairly easy, it is unlikely that a major gambling business, such as Bovada, would ever get targeted.
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BetOnline Poker Room
When it comes to online poker, BetOnline is part of the cake poker network. BetOnline offers their users a solid set of games and bonuses, all of which are finely tuned to help both amateur and professional players alike. They offer a series of bonuses, including step and satellite tournaments to the World Series of Poker's main event. They offer their users a 15% or 25% match to $1,000 on every deposit, which is one of the better bonuses around. BetOnline uses strong poker software which is tested and certified to be fair by independent 3rd parties. In the end, this poker room will provide you with a way to play various mixed games, Omaha, Texas Hold 'em, stud and draw games. As one of the more complete poker rooms out there, BetOnline will offer you a solid gaming experience.
25% - $1,000
ALL STATES
We cannot guarantee you will win in these poker rooms, but we can guarantee you one thing - a fair game play experience. In the event that you want to play online poker, you will be entitled to play some of the more exciting games online. Though not everyone becomes rich by playing online poker, you will definitely have a chance at earning real money if you stick to a reputable online poker room. If you have any degree of luck, you could very well walk away a winner by using any of the US legal online poker rooms.
FAQ's About Online Legal USA Online Poker
1) How has Black Friday affected those who play online poker?
Black Friday has shut down many online poker rooms, but this has not caused the industry to just stop. There are still many options available as playing online does not violate any of the online poker laws. These online poker rooms operate outside of the United States, but are the some of the best in the world.
2) Some players have not received their money from the online poker rooms that have shut down. How do I know this will not happen to me?
It is unlikely that none of these players will receive their money, but we can tell you that the sites we have put out here are some of the world's most trusted sources of gambling. That is arguably the most important part of the relationship between the poker site and player. If the sites did not pay out the winnings to the player, they would quickly go out of business.
3) Can I really enter the World Series of Poker through these online poker rooms?
Yes. Many online qualifiers have won their entry by way of online tournaments. When you visit an online poker site they will tell you if there are World Series of Poker qualifying tournaments coming up. These are legitimate qualifiers, and if you do well, you could be on your way to playing in some of the biggest poker events in the world just like Chris Moneymaker did back in the day.
4) Is it true that online poker rooms will let you play at a younger age than other forms of gambling?
In some states the legal gambling age for poker is lower than it is for casinos or sports betting. If you live in the United States, there will be two ages that you have to abide by. The first is the online poker site's gambling age that they will list. The second is the legal gambling age for players in the state that you live in.
5) How high can the stakes be at some of these poker rooms?
It is not entirely uncommon to find blinds in the $100's or $1,000's. There are plenty of big players out there who enjoy putting thousands of dollars on the line when they sit at these online tables. There can be a ton of money won at online poker sites.
6) How many players are usually on in these online poker rooms?
Some online poker rooms have tens of thousands of active players at any given moment. It really just depends on which site you are on. With online poker being so popular, these sites are more than capable of hosting thousands.
7) My poker bonus wasn't added into my account. Why is that?
Most online poker bonuses are not distributed immediately. For the most part, online poker bonuses are distributed over time as you earn frequent player/VIP points. This rewards players who play at more tables and in more tournaments as the bonus is then handed out.
8) Are there any wagering requirements on legal poker bonuses that are added in instantly?
Generally speaking, you do not have to contend with wagering requirements in the event that you receive an instant play bonus. There are some bonuses that might stipulate some form of a wagering requirement, but for the most part you will not have to worry about that.
9) Do these poker rooms offer a free play style of poker?
Yes. Every online poker room offers free to play card games for fun and for learning. Online poker sites will offers many free tables and tournaments for players who do not yet want to risk real money when they play. And like we said, it can also be utilized as a learning experience and tool, before making the jump to playing for real cash.
10) What assurance is there that these poker rooms accepting USA players are legitimate?
We have tested the poker rooms in order to offer you a completely legitimate experience. We play at these online poker sites ourselves, and would certainly not recommend an online poker site that we do not trust 100 percent. These online poker sites that we have reviewed meet all of our quality expectations.
We have tested the poker rooms in order to offer you a completely legitimate experience.
Legal, regulated online poker sites in the US offer a safe game that you won’t inherently find if you use offshore, unregulated (at least not by US gaming authorities) poker sites.
With that in mind, this guide will help you determine what exactly constitutes a safe online poker site. The goal is to help you sign up, deposit and play at only the most trusted and reliable poker sites.
Legal Us Online Poker Sites
When you play poker online for real money, safety and security are paramount. That includes ensuring:
- The game itself is fair.
- Your funds are always secure.
- Proper security is in place and persistent, effective efforts are in place to identify any hints of player collusion.
If you’re worried about finding a safe poker site to play on, this page we’ll answer all your questions including:
List of the safest poker sites for US players
The US online poker market consists of some of the most trusted names in online gaming. You can trust these major brands to offer you plenty of action in a secure and fair environment.
Among them will be many names you likely recognize including PokerStars, partypoker, WSOP, 888poker and Borgata Poker. If you don’t live in a fully legalized and licensed online poker state, Global Poker is a trusted and safe sweepstakes poker site many players use.
So far, these are the operators that offer legal and safe real money online poker in the US:
1. PokerStars – $30 Free Play
- Available in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Largest online poker operator in the world.
- Great software and tournament experience.
- Numerous promotions and major tournament series are available
- Home Games feature to set up and play private poker games and tournaments with friends online
- First-class customer support team on call 24/7
- Industry-leading security protocols to monitor fair play & collusion
2. WSOP.com – $10 Free
- Available in New Jersey and Nevada.
- It shares a liquidity market in the two states and with 888poker in Delaware.
- The site uses partner 888poker’s software.
- Offers online bracelet events and live WSOP event qualifiers.
- World-renowned brand with commitment to customer service and player protection
3. 888poker.com – $20 Free
- Available in New Jersey and Delaware.
- Remains the sole online poker operator in Delaware.
- Partners with WSOP on qualifiers.
- It’s a proven international brand with excellent poker experience.
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4. Partypoker/Borgata Poker/BetMGM – $25 Free
- Available in New Jersey and a leader in the industry.
- Both are major poker and gaming brands in New Jersey and abroad.
- Partypoker offers qualifiers for its live events.
- Borgata Poker & BetMGM Poker skins offer qualifiers to live events at the property.
Is Global Poker a safe, legal and legitimate online poker option?
If you’re outside the regulated markets mentioned above, you have another option: Global Poker.
This site is based on a poker sweepstakes model.Global Poker’s sweepstakes license (like the one given to McDonald’s Monopoly game) makes playing its free sweeps cash games legal in much of the US and Canada.
The site is based more on social gaming than traditional online poker. Players use virtual chips (Gold Coins) they can win for playing, but these don’t have any cash value and they can’t redeem them for real money.
However, when purchasing more Gold Coins, you also receive the site’s sweepstakes currency called Sweeps Coins. This virtual currency can be used for Sweeps Coin tournaments and ring games. Unlike Gold Coins, accumulated Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real money.
Global Poker offers a safe and secure alternative for poker players. VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia, owns Global Poker. The site is also licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Alongside the playing experience, excellent customer service and easy deposit and withdrawal methods have been confirmed with Global Poker. Like the regulated casino poker sites mentioned above, security and safety hasn’t been a concern.
What is a safe poker site?
So what should you consider when getting started with online poker? Some signs will easily show a poker site is safe and regulated. Here’s what to look for:
1. Safe poker sites are licensed and regulated by states
In the US, there are four states currently offering legalized online poker:
Michigan online poker and West Virginia online poker were also legalized in 2018/2019 but neither have not gone live yet. All six states feature a completely legal and regulated market overseen by state government authorities.
Just like traditional retail casinos and poker rooms, reliable online poker sites face strict licensing and regulation. The sites can only operate in complete compliance and enforcement.
2. Safe poker sites use proper technical security and geolocation
These regulations make your information and funds secure. Online casino and poker operators have systems in place to offer numerous player protections that are required by state laws and regulations.
Geolocation software also makes sure all players are located within the legal jurisdiction. State regulators require this technology to keep the game safe from outside influences.
Another key security issue is the prevention of player collusion and gameplay issues like chip dumping. Each operator monitors gameplay in this way. Software monitoring commonly uncovers player collusion and discrepancies. It assures you of a safe and fair game of poker.
3. Safe poker sites have proper deposit and withdrawal methods
Along with gameplay, online poker operators also make sure your funds are secure. That goes likewise for the deposit and withdrawal process. Whether you fund your account through e-check, debit card or another form of payment (e.g., PayPal), the licensed poker site ensures your personal information, account and other information are secure.
Players who use offshore sites will not encounter measures as stringent and have no way to know if their funds and information are safe. They also have little to no recourse if their funds are confiscated or their account is closed.
4. Safe poker sites have government oversight
Poker sites in legalized US states are regulated by laws and rules enforced by those states’ gaming commissions. This statute should give you a level of confidence in secure online poker rooms that don’t come with using unregulated poker sites.
In the four legalized states currently offering online poker, the regulating bodies are:
- Nevada Gaming Control Board
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
The entities ensure that play is truly random through random number generators and that the game is fair for everyone playing. They also monitor to make sure payouts are made fairly and that operators follow proper and legal procedures.
5. Safe poker sites have proper channels for customer service and disputes
The gaming regulators in each state offer recourse for those who may have a complaint or dispute. Reputable poker sites also provide customer service support for those looking to ask a question or have an issue resolved.
Most operators offer several means to contact customer service and support, including:
- An FAQ section
- User help database
- Email support
- Live chat
- Customer service phone number
How do I know it’s a safe and trustworthy poker site?
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an online poker operator. Beyond state regulators and gaming commissions, some other factors can help ensure numerous player protections:
- State-Approved Partnerships: Each online poker operator must have a live casino partner in each state. Casinos must meet extensive regulations, and this adds to player safety. It also gives you a local, trusted brand.
- Reputable Companies: In addition, most companies offering online poker within each state are trusted and proven brands. Many are also public companies and not the fly-by-night operations one might find in the offshore, unregulated market.
- Approvals and Inspections: Each legal site has a seal or statement somewhere on the home page, which indicates it is a regulated site. For example, PokerStars NJ has a link to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. These sites are regularly inspected and monitored by these commissions.
- Mainstream Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Along with being regulated and having casinos in the jurisdiction as partners, trusted online poker sites use accepted, mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods. Those include PayPal, e-checks, bank transfers, e-wallets, and debit and credit cards, among other options. Some even allow deposits at a casino partner’s cashier cage. You can also expect quick turnarounds on withdrawals as well.
- Support and Customer Service: Reliable poker sites offer numerous ways to help with an issue or concern, from email and FAQ to live chat and a customer service phone number. Offshore operators might not provide this support.
- SSL Encryption: A critical focus in the security effort, secure sockets layer (SSL) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. It helps keep your player information private and safe.
How to download a safe online poker site and set up an account
Because of SSL and encryption technology, downloading a poker app or desktop-based poker client is exceptionally secure. The same goes for depositing and cashing out.
Unlike offshore and unregulated sites, legal online poker sites guarantee your funds are safe and secure. Trouble or long delays getting payouts are a common complaint about unregulated sites, but this is not an issue if you use regulated, secure and reliable poker sites as mentioned here.
Downloading is simple. Simply use any of the links above to get started, which will also allow you to take advantage of the listed free no deposit poker bonuses and the additional deposit match bonuses.
You then enter some necessary information like name, address, email, username and password. Once that’s complete, you may have to confirm your identity and email.
Deposit and withdrawal methods at a legal online poker site
After getting an account set up, making a deposit is also a simple process. Reliable online poker sites offer several safe deposit methods, including:
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa or Mastercard
- Wire payments
- E-wallets, such as Neteller and Skrill
- Cash at partner casinos
When cashing out your winnings, the process is safe and secure as well. You can receive your winnings back via the method you used to deposit.
Trusted poker sites offer fast and secure payouts through several options. Some offer a paper check option for payouts as well. Many even provide cash payouts from casino partners at the cashier cage.
What’s one thing you don’t have to worry about with a regulated site? Funds not being there or disappearing out of the blue.
Your funds are not intermingled with operator or casino funds at a secure, legal poker site. The money is held in separate accounts and available to you 24/7 so you can feel confident that your funds are safe.
Are poker apps safe?
As online poker has grown, the use of mobile phones and tablets has become an even more popular way to play in the last several years. All major safe US poker sites offer mobile poker apps for iPhone/iPad and Android devices with excellent app interfaces .
Secure poker app providers include:
Poker apps provide the same security as desktop poker clients. Apps must still meet tight regulations from each jurisdiction’s gaming commission. Poker apps also include geolocation software to make sure every player is within the state offering legal online poker.
How do I keep my poker account secure?
Regulated and reliable online poker sites offer a secure environment for signing up, depositing, cashing out and playing. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your online poker experience remains safe.
Here are a few security recommendations:
- Use proper security protocols when depositing.
- Be careful when playing on public Wi-Fi.
- Don’t share usernames or passwords with anyone.
- Make passwords challenging to figure out.
- Don’t leave a game open on a device or computer that’s unattended.
How do I recognize an ‘unsafe’ poker site?
This question is good to keep in mind when jumping into online poker for the first time. Many offshore poker sites will not offer any regulatory information or display the legal sealof an appropriate governing body or regulatory commission.
They may also feature more obscure website addresses and not be a well-known brand. Offshore operators may also make use of less scrupulous deposit methods, which come with many security concerns.
Some unregulated poker sites make it challenging to find where they are based. It is a red flag as to the site’s legitimacy and security protocols. Your player funds may not be safe with these sites or using their deposit options.
You should never use a questionable deposit method. Also, transferring funds to players you don’t know can be sketchy. Look out for these types of scams on unregulated poker sites.
Safest poker sites FAQ
After considering all these facts and concepts, here are some key ideas to remember:
What do I do if I think I’m playing on an unsafe poker site?
Research the site and determine if it’s a legitimate US poker site. If not, look for a legal option, including those mentioned in this guide. You may want to withdraw your funds from an offshore site and use a legitimate, secure option.
How do I know if a poker site is reputable?
Make sure it’s a legal US site by looking for signs that it’s licensed by a state regulating body. However, beware of imposters that may represent themselves as a legal option. When in doubt, contact your state gaming commission to see if the site falls under its jurisdiction.
Is it safe to play against players from other countries?
Legal US online poker uses “fenced-in” markets, and only players within specific states can play. Any site featuring players from other countries doesn’t fall in line with American law. It can be a major security issue, and you should avoid these sites.
Best Legal Us Online Poker Sites
Are Bitcoin poker sites safe?
Again, many of these sites use cryptocurrency to get around American law. Just because a site accepts a deposit doesn’t mean that it’s a legal, regulated site. Review this article for websites that are legal in the US, including sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker.
Do I need to worry about viruses from poker sites?
Legal Us Online Poker Sites
Regulated online poker sites offer secure, safe environments. They meet rigorous licensing, technology and regulatory requirements to stay in business and to keep serving players. You will never download any malware or viruses from a legal and regulated poker site.