Debates whether poker is a game of chance or a skill-based game have been raging for decades now. We believe that both are equally important when you sit down at the table for a round of good ol’ Texas Hold’em.
And if you’d rather join a table from the comfort of your own home, there are hundreds, if not thousands of online poker rooms available. And the best part is, they welcome both poker pros and rookies alike.
Still, the sheer number of available options begs the question of: “How do I choose the best online poker room?” That’s precisely what we’re going to answer in this article.
Make Sure It’s Legal
First things first, you have to make sure that you can legally play online poker in your state. To date, out of the 50 states, only 4 have legalized online gambling, in general. These states are Nevada (duh!), New Jersey, Delaware, and since recently — Pennsylvania.
If you’re based anywhere else in the United States, then you’re out of luck. Every online poker site states that it is the player’s (your) responsibility to know and comply with the gambling laws of their state. Although no charges will be pressed against you if you partake in illegal online gambling, any reputable casino will close your account and void your winnings as soon as they catch wind of it.
As disheartening as it may be, legal online poker is only available in the aforementioned four states. If yours isn’t among them, then the best alternative would be to visit any of the esteemed land-based casinos where you won’t have to worry about the legality of the poker games.
Only Go for Reputable Online Poker Rooms or Casinos
Like we’ve mentioned, countless online poker rooms cater to US players. As you would imagine, not all of them are created equal. Some offer plenty of generous deposit bonuses, while others have no promotions whatsoever. At one poker room, you might experience a smooth withdrawal process, while another might not be keen on paying out your winnings.
Don’t fret; you won’t have to tediously browse the web in search for the perfect place to play online poker at. We’ve already done the heavy lifting for you! Here’s a list of the 5 best US-friendly online poker sites:
1. Ignition Casino
Although relatively new in the online gambling industry, Ignition Casino has quickly risen to the very top. Established in 2016, this online casino earned a rock-solid reputation, thanks to both the variety of games available and their fast & secure payouts.
Apart from the poker classics like Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-card stud, there are plenty of other cash games you can participate in. What’s better, the casino regularly hosts incredible poker tournaments with enticing prize pools. If you enjoy the distinct Las Vegas theme, you’ll have a blast at the Ignition Casino.
2. 888 Poker
Another solid choice, 888 Poker boasts an enormous player pool. This poker room is home to hundreds of thousands of players from all over the world. After a recent software makeover, it firmly stands as one of the best US-friendly poker sites and offers a comprehensive gaming experience.
Moreover, players can enjoy a variety of games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Snap, and Blast. On top of that, you can check out the site completely risk-free by claiming their $88 no-deposit bonus. And if you happen to like what you see, you can claim a total of $1,000 in matching deposit bonuses, giving yourself room for more aggressive plays or significantly boosting your playtime.
3. Sports Betting Poker
Sports Betting houses some of the most exhilarating poker tournaments and ring games online.
There are options galore for both casual players, as well as high rollers. The variety of guarantee tournaments and stake levels of ring games mean you’ll have no trouble finding a table that perfectly suits your gambling needs.
If you want to take playing poker to a whole other level, you can fight for your spot on the monthly leaderboard and show off your skills in Sports Betting’s tournament series. With constant promotions this poker room is offering, you’ll have plenty of chances to win big!
4. Full Tilt
If you’re looking for fast-paced, adrenaline-filled action, then check out Zoom at Full Tilt online casino. Zoom features lightning-speed head-to-head action, where you’ll have to rely on instinct to make the right play.
For instance, if you fold, you’re automatically moved to a new table, with a brand-new hand. How long do you think you’ll last before you go into the “full tilt” mode?
Zoom is just one of many extraordinary casino games Full Tilt offers. From classic Texas Hold’em and Omaha to refreshing Razz and Draw Poker, there are plenty of poker variants to keep things interesting for hours on end.
Additionally, if you become a regular at Full Tilt, make sure to play their signature The Deal every day for a chance at handsome prizes. Moreover, you’ll earn Star Coins as you play at the casino. You can use these to spin the wheel and scoop some prizes ranging from $300 to the $25,000+ progressive jackpot.
5. America’s Cardroom
And last, but certainly not least, we have America’s Cardroom — a US-facing online poker room that hosts the Million Dollar Sunday poker tournaments. That’s right; there’s $1 Million up for grabs every Sunday. Apart from this world-class tournament, players can sign up for weekly rake races and take advantage of other incentives and generous promotions.
This site is one of the most trusted poker rooms in the online poker market. They’ve quickly earned an impeccable reputation, thanks in large to convenient deposit options, quick payouts, and hefty tournament guarantees.