How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Real-money online poker is live in only six US states: Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
- WSOP Online is the only option in Nevada and shares a four-state player pool.
- PokerStars on FanDuel shares a tri-state pool across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
- BetRivers Poker is the only licensed option in Delaware and West Virginia.
- Offshore sites are excluded here because they operate outside US state regulation.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 WSOP Online | Multi-state tournaments | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 PokerStars on FanDuel | Largest tri-state pool | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 BetMGM Poker | MGM ecosystem players | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 Borgata Poker | New Jersey and Pennsylvania | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 BetRivers Poker | Delaware and West Virginia | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 partypoker | New Jersey players | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 DraftKings Electric Poker | DraftKings users | Free to download; real-money deposits | Yes |
 Global Poker | Sweepstakes alternative | Free to download; sweepstakes model | Yes |
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The best poker apps for real money
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
WSOP Online is the only online poker room with players from Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania in one shared pool, run under the World Series of Poker brand. That shared liquidity means larger tournaments and fuller cash games than any single-state room, and bracelet events give online players a path to live WSOP prestige.
It is the only option for Nevada players, and tournament fields can be tough for beginners. For a multi-state regular who wants the biggest regulated tournaments, WSOP Online is the strongest pick.
What we like- Only option in Nevada
- Four-state shared pool across NV, NJ, MI, and PA
- Bracelet events and large tournaments
Watch out for- Software trails PokerStars for some players
- Available only in four states
- Tournament fields can be tough
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
PokerStars on FanDuel is the relaunched PokerStars room, live since April 2026 with one shared player pool across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The April 2026 PokerStars and FanDuel merger united three previously state-siloed pools into a single tri-state network, and the FanDuel wallet works across poker, sportsbook, and casino.
It is not available in Nevada, and the newer app still has room to grow. For New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Michigan players who want the largest legal US pool and a shared wallet, PokerStars on FanDuel is the best choice.
What we like- Largest legal US pool after the April 2026 tri-state merger
- FanDuel wallet shared across poker, sportsbook, and casino
- Strong software
Watch out for- Not available in Nevada
- Newer app still growing
- Competition can be sharp at higher stakes
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
BetMGM Poker pools players from New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with fast cash games and regular tournaments. Players already inside the MGM ecosystem get one wallet across BetMGM Casino, BetMGM Sportsbook, and poker, plus MGM Rewards Tier Credits across all products.
It shares a network with Borgata Poker, so cash games overlap, and it is not available in Nevada, Delaware, or West Virginia. For a player already using BetMGM products, the shared wallet and rewards make BetMGM Poker the natural poker home.
What we like- Pools players from NJ, MI, and PA
- One wallet across casino and sportsbook
- MGM Rewards Tier Credits
Watch out for- Shares network with Borgata, so games overlap
- Not available in Nevada, Delaware, or West Virginia
- Software is solid but not flashy
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
Borgata Poker runs on the same network as BetMGM Poker, so players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania join the same cash games and tournaments with a different app skin. The interface feels smoother to many players, banking options are strong, and the Atlantic City Borgata brand carries trust for New Jersey players.
Availability is limited to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and games mirror BetMGM since they share liquidity. For a New Jersey or Pennsylvania player who prefers the Borgata app experience, this is the same network with a different front door.
What we like- Runs on the BetMGM network for fuller games
- Smoother interface
- Strong banking options
- Atlantic City brand trust
Watch out for- Available only in NJ and PA
- Games mirror BetMGM
- Not available in Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, or West Virginia
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
BetRivers Poker, from Rush Street Interactive, connects Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia in a fully integrated four-state network. It is the only licensed poker site in Delaware and West Virginia, which makes it the sole legal choice for players in those states. Low rake, modern software, and built-in player tools earned it top rankings from several reviewers.
The network is newer than WSOP or PokerStars, and brand recognition is smaller. For Delaware and West Virginia players, BetRivers is not just the best option, it is the only regulated one.
What we like- Only licensed poker site in Delaware and West Virginia
- Four-state network across PA, MI, WV, and DE
- Low rake and modern software
Watch out for- Newer network than WSOP or PokerStars
- Smaller brand recognition
- Limited availability outside its four states
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
partypoker is a long-running global poker brand with a licensed New Jersey room. Bonus offers and a clean mobile presentation suit New Jersey players who want an alternative to the bigger networks, and the brand history gives it credibility.
US availability is limited to New Jersey, and pools are smaller than WSOP or PokerStars networks. For a New Jersey player who wants a different room from the big networks, partypoker is a legitimate regulated option.
What we like- Long-running poker brand
- Bonus offers
- Clean mobile presentation
- New Jersey licensed
Watch out for- Available only in New Jersey
- Smaller US pools than WSOP or PokerStars
- Fewer US tournaments
Starting priceFree to download; real-money deposits
Free planYes
DraftKings Electric Poker brings poker to the DraftKings ecosystem, with shared player pools across its states and the familiar DraftKings wallet. Players who already bet sports or play fantasy on DraftKings can add poker without a new account or wallet.
It is a newer poker product, and poker depth trails dedicated rooms like WSOP and PokerStars. For a DraftKings user who wants poker alongside sportsbook and fantasy, Electric Poker is the convenient regulated choice.
What we like- DraftKings wallet and brand
- Shared pools across its states
- Modern app experience
Watch out for- Newer poker product
- Availability varies by state
- Poker depth trails dedicated poker rooms
Starting priceFree to download; sweepstakes model
Free planYes
Global Poker is not a real-money poker room, and it is included here as the alternative for players outside the six regulated states. Its sweepstakes model uses Gold Coins for play and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for prizes, which makes it available in most US states where regulated poker is absent.
The dual-currency prize-redemption model is not comparable to the real-money cash-game economy, and redemption carries rules and limits. For a player in a state without regulated poker who wants poker-style play with prizes, Global Poker is the most established sweepstakes option, but it is not a substitute for licensed real-money poker.
What we like- Available in most US states
- Sweepstakes model with prize redemption
- No real-money deposit needed to play
Watch out for- Not real-money poker
- Dual-currency model differs from cash games
- Prize redemption has rules and limits
How we chose
We compared apps on state availability, player liquidity, tournaments, software, and regulation, using operator announcements and published comparisons from October 2026. We favored state-licensed operators, since licensed rooms must verify age and identity, confirm physical location inside the state, segregate player funds, and offer deposit limits and self-exclusion. Offshore sites such as Americas Cardroom, Ignition, Bovada, and BetOnline are specifically excluded because they operate outside US state gaming regulation and consumer-protection law. We did not claim hands-on testing.
How to pick the right poker app
Start with your state, since that decides everything. Nevada players have only WSOP Online. Delaware and West Virginia players have only BetRivers Poker. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan players choose among WSOP, PokerStars on FanDuel, BetMGM, Borgata, BetRivers, and partypoker. Players elsewhere have no regulated real-money option and should treat sweepstakes rooms as entertainment, not as licensed poker.
Then match the network to how you play. Tournament players want the largest pools, which means WSOP Online or PokerStars on FanDuel. Cash game players want soft, full games, which BetMGM and Borgata networks offer. Ecosystem players should pick the app whose wallet they already use, whether FanDuel, BetMGM, or DraftKings. Check the tournament schedule, rake, and software on a free account before depositing, since these decide how many games you can actually find.
Most important is responsible play. Licensed US poker sites must offer deposit limits, spending limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion, and links to problem gambling support. Set deposit and time limits before your first session, never play with money you cannot afford to lose, and treat poker as entertainment with a cost, not as income. If gambling stops being fun, use self-exclusion tools or call 1-800-GAMBLER for help. You must be 21 or older to play real-money poker in every regulated state.
Common mistakes cost new players money. Many deposit on an offshore site without realizing it lacks regulation, fund segregation, and legal recourse. Others chase losses by raising stakes, which is the fastest way to lose a bankroll. Start at the lowest stakes, learn bankroll management, and keep poker spending inside an entertainment budget you set in advance.
A note on bonuses: welcome offers look generous but carry playthrough requirements and time limits, so read the terms before depositing for a bonus. A smaller bonus with fair terms beats a large bonus you cannot clear, and no bonus changes the math of rake and skill at the tables.
Frequently asked questions
Is online poker legal in the US?
Yes, but regulated at the state level. Nine states have legalized it, but regulated real-money rooms are currently live in only six: Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Which poker app is best for beginners?
BetMGM Poker or Borgata Poker for soft cash games, or WSOP Online for tournament variety. Start at the lowest stakes and use deposit limits from day one.
Can I play real-money poker in Texas or California?
No regulated real-money poker exists in Texas or California. Sweepstakes rooms like Global Poker operate in most states, but they are not licensed real-money poker.
What is the difference between regulated and offshore poker sites?
Regulated sites hold state licenses, verify age and location, segregate player funds, and offer responsible gambling tools. Offshore sites operate outside US state regulation and consumer-protection law.
Do I need to be 21 to play poker online?
Yes. Real-money poker in every regulated US state requires players to be 21 or older, with age and identity verification before play.
What should I do if gambling stops being fun?
Use deposit limits, cooling-off periods, or self-exclusion in your poker account, or call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential help. Licensed sites must offer these tools.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.wsop.com
- https://www.pokerstars.com
- https://www.betmgm.com
- https://www.borgataonline.com
- https://www.betrivers.com
- https://www.partypoker.com
- https://www.draftkings.com
- https://globalpoker.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.