The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players
- The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Now
- The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Today
- Best Online Poker Rooms For Us Players
- The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Games
- Can You Play Poker Online For Money
Table Of Contents
The Top 5 Online Poker Sites Find the best places to play poker online in April 2021. For nearly two centuries, gamblers have competed against one another in versions of poker, making it perhaps the most popular type of “player vs. Player” gambling in the world. Zynga now has the largest poker site in the world with millions and millions of players online 24/7, 365. The partnership with the World Poker Tour makes for even more options – including tournaments and sit and gos. It may not be real money, but chip challenges keep players hungry for.
Who said free poker games are boring? From freeroll tournaments to mobile poker apps, there are a lot of ways for you to play poker online for free and enjoy it!
The PokerStars software is widely considered the best in the business and makes it very easy for primarily live players to transition to online fairly seamlessly. PokerStars also has some unique features that make it particularly appealing for playing free games online. That includes its Home Games option. TitanPoker.com, the top online poker room, has incredible games and tournaments and is best of all online poker sites for learning how to play Texas Holdem poker. ICIUM.ORG provides comprehensive information about the best US poker sites for US players in 2019, so you can make an educated decision about which best anti-US poker site is best for playing online poker with real money. Best Recommended US Poker sites have teamed up with the largest US-friendly poker rooms in the industry to offer players the best opportunities for a lucrative experience.
Get a glimpse of the best free poker sites as we get into 2020 and be prepared: the cards will soon be in the air!
Finding a reliable place to play free online poker can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are looking for some fun and you don't want to spend anything.
In this article, you'll learn:
- How to find free online poker games
- What is the best free online poker site
- The key differences between free poker and freerolls
- And lots more.
In case you are new to the poker scene, several online poker rooms offer these types of free poker games with no registration.
That's where you find the best free online poker games with fake money to play with other poker players from all over the world and engage in exciting Texas Holdem Poker and Omaha ring games and tournaments.
Playing on these play money poker sites helps you understand how poker works and how to use the right strategy to beat your opponents.
Many players started playing online poker from free games. That's because playing free poker online you can develop your poker skills and learn the ins and outs of popular games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker before you decide to play for real money.
Think of Anette Obrestad.
Once poker wunderkind, Obrestad started playing online poker for free — and then, one freeroll tournament after the other, she built the insane bankroll that helped finance games and tournaments for real money.
Use the free poker games online to become a better player.
The best online, free poker sites are essential to get some free poker practice. How else could you try our proven poker tips without risking a single cent of your bankroll?
In this article, you find all your best option to play free online poker in 2020.
All these sites have options to play free online poker games with fake money and help hone your poker skills with some good poker practice.
All the site in the list offer mobile poker apps or platforms, so you can play with other poker players on desktop, Android, and iOS.
The mobile poker apps feature the same games and tournaments you find on the desktop versions. Some (like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) app, Zynga Poker, and the World Poker Tour (WPT) Poker app) do not offer options to play for real money.
Others (like PokerStars, PartyPoker, and 888Poker) combine free poker games and tournaments with real money ones - so you can have an authentic 'full poker experience' always playing on the same website.
So, are you ready to start playing some poker? Join tens of thousands of other poker players on these exciting websites, claim all the poker bonuses available right now, and get busy with your first poker hand.
Best Free Poker Sites
Need more information to choose where to play some good free Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and stud games online?
Check out the description of all the free poker sites and don't forget you can read even more about them on the reviews published on our list of the top online poker sites.
WSOP Poker (US - All)
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Social Poker site is the best free-to-play poker sites in the world. This poker site and mobile poker app comes from the kitchens of Playtika, the same social Casino giant that came up with uber-successful apps like Slotomania and House of Fun.
WSOP Poker is the only option to play no-limit hold'em and pot-limit Omaha cash games against friends, family, and opponents from all around the world.
US players can play online poker games on the WSOP free mobile poker app.
Compared to other free poker sites, WSOP Poker hosts some massive games and tournaments where you compete for awesome prizes, including virtual WSOP bracelets.
Link the WSOP free poker app to your Facebook account to challenge your friends and brag to them when you beat them in a big pot or major free poker tournament.
The WSOP poker app offers the best free poker games online. It is a superb place to practise poker for free and hone your skills without any financial risk to your bankroll.
Play free poker games on WSOP Poker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
PokerStars NJ (US - NJ)
PokerStars NJ is the most obvious choice.
The New Jersey 'division' of the world's largest online poker site has been the first one to get back to the United States in the post-UIGEA world.
Here you'll play on (probably) the best poker client in the world and get the luxury to choose between the best (and juiciest) poker games in New Jersey.
Like all the other PokerStars websites, PokerStars NJ features a wide choice of real money and free online poker games.
Since this article is all about how to find the best free poker games online, know that PokerStars NJ is where you get the largest selection of poker freerolls - the tournaments with no buy-in but with real prizes on tap.
Play / fake money poker games are also an option on this site.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
PokerStars PA (US - PA)
As of today, PokerStars PA is the only legal online poker site in Pennsylvania. While we wait for the market to attract more operators, this world-famous poker site is your top (and only) choice to play some free online poker.
PokerStars is the most famous brand in the poker industry, with an unmatched offer in terms of free online poker games and real money options.
The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Now
There are several ways to play poker online for free on PokerStars PA. These include:
- The virtual poker games with fake money
- The free home games to play with friends
- The freeroll tournaments with no buy-in
The main difference between the three, obviously, is that the freerolls come with real money prizes. These are your best shot at creating a bankroll from nothing and continue to play poker online for free.
The other games, however, are best suited for those who are looking for ways to learn how to play poker or practice Texas Hold'em online.
To play free poker games on the PokerStars PA website you need to be located in Pennsylvania.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
WSOP.com NJ (US - NJ)
Not to be confused with the more generic free 'WSOP poker app', WSOP.com NJ is the other poker giant in the Garden State.
This site combines free online poker with real money action and is the only one allowed to run prestigious events like the World Series of Poker online.
While free games are always free - no matter what - there's an interesting opportunity for you if you are in New Jersey and want to play free online poke to win real money.
As a new player, you get 7x tickets to play $100 tournaments, meaning you get to play poker online for free and possibly take down some cash, too.
The competition is not the worse (these are new players-only events) so you actually have a decent shot at turning nothing into something.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
Borgata Poker NJ (US - NJ)
Using the same engine as partypoker NJ, Borgata Poker NJ is another giant where you find free and real money poker games.
The wide choice of game formats and the active community of players that populate the site make it one of the most popular free online poker destinations in New Jersey.
Can you play online poker for free on Borgata NJ?
Yes! You can train with some free online poker games for fun or you can use their welcome to test the waters and join some of the 'more serious' games
There's a handy free $20 bonus on signup so you don't need to stick to the free games if you don't want to and you don't need to spend anything if you want to try something more than a few free poker tournaments.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
888poker NJ (US - NJ)
PokerStars' arch-enemy landed in New Jersey to fight for the market and convince local poker players that the triple eight is better than the red spade.
To be honest with you, 888poker NJ is a great poker website with plenty of options to play online poker with fake money.
Frequent updates allow 888poker NJ to continue to meet their players' demands and expectations - and the way these guys care about their product is reflected in one of the most modern and appreciated poker clients out there.
888poker offers free and legal online poker games to all players in New Jersey.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
partypoker NJ (US - NJ)
Could a poker market ever see PokerStars and 888poker fight for the leadership without a partypoker product to make things harder for them?
partypoker NJ is a spectacular site to play online Texas Hold'em for free and probably also the bets free poker app you can download on your mobile today.
While you can play free online poker with no download and no money, we recommend you do not miss the welcome bonus so you can play to win some real money, too.
There's a free $25 signup bonus on registration that you can use to play cash games or free poker tournaments online.
You need to be in the state of NJ to access the games on partypoker NJ and claim their free poker bonus.
Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
PokerStars (Global)
If you already play poker, you know PokerStars.
PokerStars is like a mecca for poker. It is:
- The largest online poker site in the world.
- The host of the most successful online poker series.
- The only site everyone has an account on.
PokerStars is also known for providing great free poker games online — although this isn't a 100% free poker site like the one that operates under the World Series of Poker brand.
This online poker site is known for the breadth of poker games and tournament formats that you can get accustomed to if you're starting and learning to play online.
Playing free poker games on PokerStars is simple:
- Register a gaming account (it's free)
- Select the 'Play Money' option.
From there, you are good to go. Ready to take on the world.
Pro tip: when you run out of chips, you can top up by taking a seat at a ring game table. That way, you can continue with your free poker games.
PokerStars Team ProBarry Greenstein joins the action of free Texas hold'em games on PokerStars very often.
As an American player, Greenstein can't play real money poker in the US. So he often shows up at the play-money tables over at PokerStars.
To play free poker games with Barry Greenstein, you'll need to work yourself up to the highest play-money stakes and grow a bankroll able to survive those limits.
Play free poker games on PokerStars:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
888poker (Global)
888poker is another behemoth in the poker scene. They too offer both real-money and free poker games.
The free poker practice mode helps you familiarise yourself with the poker rules and learn how to avoid all the most common mistakes beginners make.
To play free poker games on 888poker:
- Register a gaming account (it's free)
- Head to the 888poker Practice Play Lobby
If you qualify for their welcome bonus, you can also play free online poker games to win real money.
Just for registering with 888poker, you get a free $8 instant bonus to play free poker games and an additional $80 free bonus as you collect status points.
888poker is where you get non-stop cash games, giving you the ultimate freedom to decide when and for how long you want to play poker online.
With the number of players who have signed up for 888, free games for play money are always on offer. You never have to wait long to play a play money cash game or free poker tournament.
And, when you're finally ready to stretch into real-money games, you can take your first deposit, get 888poker to double it, and gain entry into nine free tournaments.
Play free poker games on 888poker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
partypoker (Global)
Partypoker also allows you to play online poker free and for real money. These games allow you to explore your ability, strategy, and luck.
If you're serious about playing, you can jump right into a free game in the 'Play Money' tab or even go to the free poker school to learn about how to play online.
New players can receive a money bonus for when they decide to step up their game and try real-money poker.
On Partypoker, you can track your progress, take free poker missions for rewards, and grab free poker promotions for a wide variety of prizes and tournament offerings.
Like on 888poker and PokerStars, there are plenty of players on the free partypoker client, so you should never be bored. Free poker awaits!
Play free poker games on Partypoker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
GGPoker (Global)
GGPoker is one of the newest and most interesting poker sites out there - with plenty of free online poker options for you to discover and play.
The flagship site of the GGNetwork is a modern and truly 'mobile-first' poker product. After gaming traction in Asia at first, this poker site became a major global player and one of the fastest-growing poker sites in the game's history.
There's plenty to read about GGPoker here on PokerNews, so there's no point in describing the client, the free poker app, and the games available on the site.
Just know that GGPoker is where you find some of the best free online poker games to play Texas Hold'em and lots of other variants. All the action is available with real and play money.
To play free poker games online on GGpoker:
- Register a gaming account (it's free)
- Choose your free poker games and play
Play free poker games on GGPoker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.
Free Poker vs Freeroll
Freeroll tournaments are online multiplayer events that cost nothing to enter.
The difference between these free games and the ones with play money is that these are the event where you can win real money.
No other free poker event let you win real money for free. That's why freeroll poker tournaments are hugely popular with beginners.
Play is often reckless on these free poker events, so you have to be patient and smart about it.
Free Online Poker FAQ
According to our latest survey and market data, the best all-free online poker site is the World Series of Poker mobile poker app. In terms of hybrid sites (those where you can choose to free and real money poker games), the world's best poker site in 2020 is still PokerStars.
You can play free poker games in various forms. You can use a no deposit bonus to play real money games and tournaments (e.g. the one at 888poker), open an account on a hybrid site to combine play money and real money games (e.g. PokerStars), enter a freeroll tournament, or download a free mobile poker (e.g. WSOP Poker).
A: In what states can you play online poker?
As of June 2020, the only states where you can play online poker in the United States for real money are Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
To know what operators offer legal online poker games in these states, check our pages dedicated to PA Poker Sites and NJ Poker Sites. Also, you can follow the legislative process and know when more states are likely to regulate online poker via our US Poker Map.
The WSOP Poker app is legal in all US states.
Additional Readings
- PokerStars freeroll events (PokerNews-exclusive): full list of online, free poker tournaments available only to the readers of PokerNews.com.
- The best poker app in 2020: a complete overview of the top free poker apps available today with tips to play the best games of Texas hold'em, Omaha, and more.
- Best online poker sites in 2020: all the top websites to play online poker in 2019, ranked from the most beginner-friendly to the hardest ones.
This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2017. Last update: June 19, 2020.
Tags
888Free GamesOnline CasinoOnline PokerpartypokerPoker bonusPoker promotionsPokerStarsWPTWSOPPoker RulesRelated Tournaments
World Series of PokerWorld Poker Tour
Online poker players in most parts of the world have a huge amount of choice when it comes to deciding where to play. Since the game really started increasing in popularity just after the turn of the century the number of poker sites has grown dramatically and it can actually be quite hard to know which ones are best and which ones should be avoided. For US players, though, the choice is not quite as wide, as the number of sites that welcome players from the States has diminished somewhat in recent years. This is largely due to the uncertainty of the legal issues surrounding online poker in the US.
Having said this, there are still plenty of places that Americans can play and US players face the same challenges in trying to determine which the quality sites are and steering clear of those which don’t really have that much to offer. Choosing where to play really is an important decision and is something that any player should put some thought into. We can help with this, and we have listed our recommendations for the best US poker sites below. We have also looked at some of the factors that should be considered when deciding which poker room to join.
Recommended Poker Sites
We have extensively researched and tested a wide selection of poker sites, and carefully considered which ones stand out as being the best. The following are those that we recommend to anyone who is looking to play online poker from the United States. They are all of the highest standard, and you can be safe in the knowledge that you will have a positive experience playing at any one of them.
1. BetOnline Poker
2. Bovada Poker
3. Sportsbook Poker
The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Today
4. Carbon Poker
Best Online Poker Rooms For Us Players
Choosing Where to Play
We’ve already mentioned that choosing where to play can be something of a difficult process. Not all poker sites are of the same standard and, of course, what suits one online player may not necessarily suit another. When it comes to choosing an online poker room there are certain factors that will be important to everyone, but there are also some that are essentially down to personal preference. This is why you should put some effort into looking at your options before actually going ahead and signing up somewhere.
We are confident that you will get on just fine at any of our recommendations above, but you still may want to compare them yourself and deciding which one is likely to be the best for you. Below we have discussed some of the main considerations which we take into account when deciding which US poker sites to list here, and these are exactly the sort of things that you should be looking at yourself.
Quality of Software
The software that is used to power online poker games is different from one site to the next, and the quality of this software can vary quite significantly. Most rooms have software which at least handles the basics pretty well, although a handful do still use software that is outdated and pretty awful. You will find that the top sites put a lot of effort into their software, regularly upgrading it and constantly making improvements to ensure they offer their customers the very best experience possible.
Good quality poker software should perform well in a number of areas. Decent graphics with customizable layouts are important, and it should be user friendly too. There should be a well-designed lobby that makes it easy to find the games you are looking for and plenty of useful features such as being able to view hand histories and take notes on opponents. It should be completely secure, stable and run smoothly. Not all of our recommendations use the same software, but we do only list sites that use software that is of a decent standard.
Variety of Games & Stakes
Although Texas Holdem is by far the most common form of poker being played online at the moment, there are lots of variations of the game too. Some of these are becoming increasingly popular and it can fun, and profitable, to learn how to play other forms of poker too. The best poker rooms typically offer a range of games in addition to Holdem – such as Omaha, Seven Card Stud and Razz. We generally advise it is better to play where there is a good selection of different games and different stakes, as these sites tend to attract better player traffic.
Good traffic is important, as it means you are far more likely to find opponents to play against when you feel like playing. Although we only recommend sites where there is plenty of action, it is a good idea for you to look at the number of players playing your preferred games and stakes. Somewhere that has lots of players playing micro-stakes Texas Holdem is not much use to you if you want to play high-stakes Omaha. For the same reasons, you should look at the number of cash game players and the number of tournament players.
Bonuses & Rewards at Poker Websites
Most poker rooms offer new customers a sign up bonus to encourage them to join, and these bonuses can be pretty generous and help give your bankroll a boost. This doesn’t mean you should simply sign up at the site that offers the biggest bonus, but it is something that should be taken into consideration. Perhaps more important, particularly if you are a regular or high volume player, is what other rewards are available. Additional bonuses based on how much you play, or some kind of loyalty scheme that rewards you for how much you play, can provide you with some excellent extra value an on-going basis.
Other Considerations
The Best Online Poker Sites For Us Players Games
There are a few other factors that we consider when making our recommendations too. These include reputation, customer service, deposit options and speed of withdrawals. We try to stick to sites that have been around for a while and built up a decent reputation, as these are obviously doing something right to earn their reputation. That is not to say that we don’t consider any new rooms that enter the market as we do look at them too, we just prefer sites that have a good track record.
Customer service is something that is actually often not really considered by online players, but we believe it’s important. It can make a difference to your overall experience as it can be very frustrating to send an email to customer support and wait ages to get a response. On the other hand, it can be a pleasure to deal with customer service when the reps respond quickly and are both helpful and friendly. If you are based in the US, then you definitely need to look at the available methods for depositing, and withdrawing, funds. This is one of the biggest challenges facing US poker room and players, but the best places make it as easy as possible to get your money online and ensure that withdrawals are processed in a reasonable timeframe.
Online Poker in the United States
Can You Play Poker Online For Money
Online gambling in America was severely effected in 2006 by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). This is legislation that was introduced with a view to regulating online gambling and “prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law”. As a result of this act, many online gambling companies have decided to no longer accept US players – even though the legal issues are not entirely clear.
The UIGEA does not specifically clarify which forms of gambling are legal and which are illegal. With regards to poker, there is a strong argument that poker is a game of skill rather than chance and is not actually gambling at all. As such, several operators do continue to accept customers from the United States. Although there has been a lot of talk about the possibility of formal regulation of the online poker industry, at this point in time the future is still somewhat unclear. From a player perspective, there is nothing to explicitly say that playing poker online is an illegal act.
A particularly notable effect for companies that do accept players in the US is the difficulties they now face in processing deposits and withdrawals, which we alluded to earlier. This is one very important reason why you should use one of the poker sites that we recommend, as they are among the best when it comes to providing workable deposit options to US players and dealing with cash outs efficiently.