Millions of people in the US enjoy online poker and when you consider how rewarding each exciting game can be it’s easy to see why. Understanding exactly how the game works, what terms to use as well as which strategies to keep in mind is key to becoming a successful poker player.
This is why we’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you get started. So, if you’d like to learn all there is to know about playing online poker and would like to find out which casinos offer the ultimate experience then keep reading.
100% deposit match up to $3,000 100% deposit match up to $3,000 200% up to $2,000 + 100 spins and $50 freebie 200% up to $2,000 + 100 spins and $50 freebie 50% deposit match up to $1000 50% deposit match up to $1000 Up To $3,000 Bonus Up To $3,000 Bonus $1000 Deposit Bonus for new Poker Players $1000 Deposit Bonus for new Poker Players
100% Match Deposit Bonus Up to $3,000
100% Match Deposit Bonus Up to $3,000
Editor’s Pick: Top Online Poker Rooms
When we begin reviewing casinos to find out which we should recommend to players in the US there are a number of important points we consider. For example, the number one must-have for us is security. In order for a casino to rank on our list it must offer a range of safe payment methods and have the latest encryption technology in place to make sure that no matter what data you share on the site it’s protected at all times.
Apart from safety, we also take a look at casino bonuses and game selection to make sure that your experience is not only filled with entertainment but plenty of rewards as well. Below you’ll find ten poker sites for real money we recommend checking out.
- BetOnline – Our No. One Recommended US Poker Site
- Bovada – Best Crypto Bonuses for Poker Players
- Everygame – Generous Poker Loyalty Program
- Sportsbetting.ag – Best Mobile Poker App in the USA
- Ignition – Top Site for Poker Tournaments
- XBet – Range of Video Poker Variations
- MyBookie – Rewarding Virtual Poker Games
- BetUS – 5+ of the Best Video Poker Games Online
- BUSR – Play Online Virtual Poker Games for Free
- Betanysports – Range of Mobile Video Poker Games
Reviews of the Best Sites for Online Poker
Here we take a closer look at the 10 best offshore poker casinos for real money to show you exactly what features earned each a place on our list of recommended sites for US players.
1. BetOnline – Our No. One Recommended US Poker Site
Our number one poker casino for real money will have you jumping for joy from the moment you create your account. This poker casino has been designed to make gambling more convenient than ever which is clear to see when you consider the fact that the poker software can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and PC. There’s also an option to enjoy instant play which is great for those who’d like to enjoy a quick round of poker whenever they get a gap during the day.
To make it even more exciting, BetOnline offers a range of rewarding tournaments for poker fans as well as unique poker promotions such as bad beat jackpots and a generous welcome bonus, just remember to check the terms and conditions attached to each bonus to make sure you’re aware of any BetOnline promo codes that will need to be used in order to trigger your offer.
Players will also be delighted to learn that deposits and withdrawals can be made using popular crypto such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The only downfall we came across during our review was that although you can request a withdrawal 24/7, it will only be processed Monday to Friday.
Pros:
- Excellent Poker App
- Generous Bonuses
- Range of Poker Tournaments
- Accepts Cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Withdrawals Only Processed Mon-Fri
2. Bovada – Best Crypto Bonuses for Poker Players
Bovada is known for being one of the best Bitcoin casinos for poker players in the US thanks to its wide variety of rewards that can be claimed using Bovada promo codes. Not only will you have access to thrilling poker games that can be played online for real money, but you’ll also get to enjoy rewarding tournaments that will help you rake in those wins.
The poker section at Bovada Casino can be enjoyed on a number of different devices meaning that whether you prefer to gamble in the comfort of your own home using a desktop computer or like to enjoy a few quick rounds here and there using your mobile device, you’ll be treated to a range of gambling opportunities.
As we mentioned, Bitcoin gamblers are in for a real treat when they claim any of the rewards on offer to crypto poker casino gamblers but that doesn’t mean that you’ll miss out if you choose to make transactions using classic casino payment methods. The only thing you should be aware of is that if you do choose to gamble at Bovada using methods like credit cards, for example, you may need to pay fees for deposits and withdrawals.
To find out about the various payment options, processing times and fees feel free to contact the customer support team via email or live chat or read our Bovada Casino review and you’ll get the answers you need in no time.
Pros:
- Best Crypto Poker Bonus
- Range of Rewarding Poker Games
- 7+ Poker Tournaments
- Excellent Mobile Poker App
Cons:
- Deposit Fees for Certain Methods
3. Everygame – Generous Poker Loyalty Program
If you’ve been on the hunt for an exciting poker experience then you might want to do yourself a favor by checking out all that’s on offer at Everygame casino. The first deposit bonus available to players can be used to boost your bankroll enough to get the upper hand in exciting tournaments and when you visit the ‘Poker’ section of the casino site you’ll see that they’ve made sure that the Everygame poker experience is available to every type of casino player.
If you’d like to wager and win on the go you’ll be able to do so by downloading the software directly from the casino site and if you’d rather enjoy a few rounds of poker using your device’s browser you’ll get the exact same mobile experience by choosing the ‘Instant Play’ option.
This site also has one of the best loyalty programs for poker fans and should you choose to enjoy all of your poker fun at this specific site, you could unlock extra cash by earning Frequent Player Points (FFP). The bonuses available at this poker casino are certainly nothing to sneeze at, and by using Everygame promo codes you’ll unlock generous offers like reloads and even no deposit bonuses.
Pros:
- Generous Poker Sign Up Bonus
- Excellent Poker Loyalty Program
- Excellent Poker Software Available
- Rewarding Poker Tournaments
Cons:
- Limited No. of Virtual Poker Games
4. Sportsbetting.ag – Best Mobile Poker App in the USA
This exciting online casino has made sure that all poker fans have loads to look forward to. When you visit the poker section of this casino site you’ll find that the software can be downloaded onto numerous iOS and Android devices, giving you the chance to access the latest poker games within seconds. But that’s not the only exciting thing you have to look forward to at Sportsbetting casino. There are numerous promotions for US poker players including bad beat bonuses, a generous first deposit bonus, and tournaments with prizes of up to $1 Million.
When you visit the ‘Cashier’ section of the casino you’ll find that there are loads of popular payment methods to choose from, just be sure to make note of the limits that come with each as they won’t all be the same. For example, if you choose to use a Visa card you’ll need to stick to a minimum deposit of $50 and a maximum deposit of $2,500 whereas if you opt for Bitcoin instead you’ll have a lower minimum deposit limit of $20 and a much higher maximum deposit limit of $500,000.
This casino also makes use of Sportsbetting.ag promo codes so before you rush ahead and claim the exciting bonus offer you have your eye on, be sure to check out the terms and conditions or contact the customer support team via email or live chat for more information.
Pros:
- Excellent Mobile Poker App
- Range of Tournaments
- 10+ Generous Bonus Offers
- High Crypto Deposit Limits
Cons:
- Steep Wagering Requirements
5. XBet – Range of Video Poker Variations
This poker casino may not have the classic online tournaments and real money variants you’ll find at BetOnline, however, poker fans will still be able to enjoy exciting virtual poker games as well as a number of video poker variations that are known for being extremely rewarding. The generous bonuses have been designed to suit a number of different players and thanks to the fact that the site has been optimized for mobiles, you’ll get to gamble on the go no matter which device you prefer most.
You should note that certain bonuses at this casino must be claimed using an XBet promo code, and if you battle to find the right code for the offer you’d like to claim, reach out to the 24/7 customer support team and you’ll be raking in the rewards in no time. What we also liked about this site was that there are numerous payment methods that can be used to make deposits and withdrawals meaning that whether you prefer crypto such as Bitcoin or classic methods like Visa, you’ll get to use whatever method is most convenient for you.
Pros:
- Range of Virtual Poker Games
- Popular Video Poker Variations
- Hundreds of Online Slots
- Exciting Bonus Offers
Cons:
- No Poker Tournaments
6. MyBookie – Rewarding Virtual Poker Games
MyBookie casino has stocked its lobby full of exciting virtual poker games designed to add even more thrill to your online gambling experience. As a member of this casino, you’ll get to kickstart your poker fun in style when you claim the generous welcome bonus, and what makes it even better is that the rewards don’t stop there.
By using special MyBookie promo codes you’ll be able to boost your balance every week, however, you should note that these offers all come with specific wagering requirements, and not all games will contribute. So, before you go ahead and claim an offer at this site make sure you’ll be able to meet playthrough requirements playing the selection of virtual poker and video poker titles available.
When it comes to casino transactions you’ll be pleased to know that methods like Bitcoin, Person 2 Person, and Visa can be used to make deposits that are not only instant but also secure. This casino uses 256-bit encryption technology to make sure that no matter what method you choose to fund your account and withdraw your winnings, you never have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands.
Pros:
- Bonus Page Filled With Offers
- Exciting Poker Table Games
- Range of Video Poker Variants
- Uses the Latest Encryption Technology
Cons:
- High Wagering Requirements
7. BetUS – 5+ of the Best Video Poker Games Online
BetUS Casino managed to work its way onto our list of recommended poker casinos simply because of the exciting virtual poker games on offer to players in the US. There are different variations and table limits to suit every type of poker fan out there and if you’re not too familiar with these games then that’s okay because you’ll get to try them all out in demo mode before deciding which you’d like to play with real money.
There’s also a video poker section of the casino with variants like Double Bonus, Jokers Wild, and Jacks or Better to keep you entertained for hours, and to top it all off the promotions page is filled with exciting offers, one of which is a 3-card poker bonus that could help you get the exciting win you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’d like to find out about any special BetUS promo codes or would like to know more about the rules that need to be followed when playing with bonus funds at this casino you’ll find that the customer support team is ready and waiting to help you whenever you need it.
Although there aren’t classic poker games at BetUS, if you choose to become a loyal player you’ll find that the loyalty program will reward you with exclusive bonuses, faster payouts, and much more. The only downfall we came across was the fact that most payment methods come with a max deposit limit of $2,499 which won’t do much to impress high rollers looking to spend big.
Pros:
- Play Poker Table Games for Free
- Low Poker Table Limits
- Generous Poker Bonus Offer
- 5+ Video Poker Games Online
Cons:
- Low Max Deposit Limit
8. BUSR – Play Online Virtual Poker Games for Free
Although the BUSR Casino site could use a little work when it comes to eye-catching designs, there is still a lot on offer to real money online casino poker players. The reason we decided to list this casino as our number 7 recommended poker casino despite there being no classic poker games and tournaments is because of the excellent range of virtual table games on offer. Ride’em Poker, Pai Gow Poker and Oasis Poker are just three examples of the rewarding variants you can look forward to as a member of this casino.
Because each variant comes with slightly different rules than what you’d find playing classics like Texas Hold’em, it was great to see that players will have the chance to get to know each game by playing them for free in demo mode first. There are also three popular video poker games to be enjoyed at BUSR Casino, and thanks to the range of popular payment methods accepted at this casino you’ll be able to make quick and easy transactions using the method you feel most comfortable using.
As an added bonus, if you choose to make your first deposit using Bitcoin you’ll be able to claim an even bigger reward by using the BUSR promo code that can be found by clicking on the ‘Bitcoin’ option at the top of the casino’s homepage.
Pros:
- Range of Virtual Poker Games
- Excellent Selection of Casino Games
- Great Mobile App for iOS & Android
- Accepts Bitcoin for Deposits & Withdrawals
Cons:
- Payouts Only Permitted Every 7 Days
9. Betanysports – Range of Mobile Video Poker Games
From the outside, Betanysports Casino may not seem like much, however, once you’ve created your account and begin browsing all that’s on offer you’ll find that there’s more to this casino than meets the eye. There are a number of exciting bonuses that can be used to play a range of rewarding casino games, and although there aren’t any poker tournaments and classic poker games to be enjoyed as a member of this casino, you’ll still get to enjoy a variety of video poker games on either your desktop or mobile device.
There aren’t loads of payment methods that can be used at this site with only Money Transfers, Bitcoin, Checks, Wire Transfers, and ACH Transfers being available, however, all of these methods are known for being extremely safe and secure. The only issue we had was that unless you use Bitcoin to make casino transactions you’re looking at a fee of between $30-$100 each time you make a deposit.
Pros:
- Number of Video Poker Variants
- Optimized for Mobiles
- Numerous Casino Bonuses
- Range of Classic Casino Games
Cons:
- Deposit Fees for Certain Methods
10. Jazz – Loads of the Best Video Poker Variations Available
Jazz Casino’s site catches your attention from the moment you visit thanks to its bright and colorful design. As far as online poker goes, it’s true that you won’t be able to access the best online poker rooms, however, this is easy to look past when you consider just how many thrilling video poker variations there are.
The site has been optimized for mobiles, meaning that all you need to do to start enjoying the best online casino games is to use your device’s browser to visit the official Jazz Casino website and you’re good to go! We were also pretty impressed with the selection of bonuses available on the promotions page.
Not only will you find some of the more common bonuses such as standard reload bonuses and a generous casino welcome offer but also offers that can be claimed every single day of the week. This means that as a member of Jazz Casino you’ll have ample opportunity to rake in the rewards and work your way towards the big win of a lifetime.
Pros:
- Optimized for Mobiles
- Range of Video Poker Variants
- Daily Bonuses Available
- Trigger Offers With Low Deposits
Cons:
- Wagering Requirements Differ for Credit Cards
Is Online Poker Legal in the US?
In the US, it’s up to each state to decide which forms of gambling it allows within its borders, who is allowed to gamble and where the gambling can take place. Although every state has put different laws in place pertaining to these topics, it’s still pretty unclear whether or not offshore online casino gambling is actually legal for players living in the United States.
Once the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006, it became illegal for offshore gambling sites to accept wagers from US players. However, there is no mention of US players being prosecuted for placing bets at the best online casinos such as the ones we’ve recommended.
There are 18 states that boast stunning land-based casinos for players to enjoy yet only a few have fully legalized online gambling as well. However, because internet-based gambling has boomed within the country we believe that it won’t be long before more and more states start legalizing internet-based casinos. Below you’ll find a few examples of the states that have started leading the way for others by making online casino gambling legal.
| State | Legal? | State | Legal? | State | Legal? |
| Arizona | ❌ | Nebraska | ❌ | Rhode Island | ❌ |
| Colorado | ❌ | Nevada | ✅ | Tennessee | ❌ |
| Connecticut | ✅ | New Hampshire | ❌ | Virginia | ❌ |
| Illinois | ❌ | New Jersey | ✅ | Washington DC | ❌ |
| Indiana | ❌ | New York | ❌ | West Virginia | ✅ |
| Iowa | ❌ | Ohio | ❌ | Wisconsin | ❌ |
| Louisiana | ❌ | Oregon | ❌ | Wyoming | ❌ |
| Michigan | ✅ | Pennsylvania | ✅ | Delaware | ✅ |
How to Start Playing at an Online Poker Room
Enjoying the best gambling experience online starts with registering at the right legal online poker sites. Below you’ll find a set of step-by-step instructions that will help you get started at the best poker casino for online players in the USA.
Step 1: Go to BetOnline Casino’s Website
Using your mobile or desktop browser, make your way to the official BetOnline Casino website and click the green Join button at the top-right part of the screen.
Step 2: Fill in Your Information
You will now need to enter your information when the pop-up form appears. You will need to provide details like your full name, email address, and date of birth.
Step 3: Make a Deposit and Claim Your Bonus
Head on over to the ‘Cashier’ section of the casino by clicking on the green ‘Deposit’ button at the top-right part of the screen. Take note of the different promo codes that can be used to enjoy exciting rewards before choosing a method and following the prompts.
Step 4: Start Playing Online Poker
Once you’ve successfully made your deposit, you will need to click on the ‘Poker’ tab then the ‘Play Now’ option. This will take you to the poker room but before you can enter you’ll need to re-enter your login details and choose an online poker nickname. After that, you’ll find loads of exciting cash games and tournaments to try out.
How to Play Online Poker
As an online poker player, you’ll come across loads of different variations, and although they do come with slightly altered rules they all share the same basics. You’ll receive a certain number of cards followed by a round of betting and possibly a change of cards. Once the final cards have been dealt the player with the best hand wins.
In classic poker, the dealer makes use of a 52-card deck and the game will consist of four rounds of betting – pre-flop, flop, the turn, and river. There will be four suits in the deck, namely spades, clubs, hearts, and diamonds. And each winning hand will have a specific term: royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, straight, three of a kind, two pair, jacks or better, and pair.
Top 3 Real Money Online Poker Variants
When it comes to poker at online casinos for real money it’s clear to see that US gamblers have their favorites. As we mentioned, they all share the same basics but what makes each unique is the slight change of rules here and there. Below we’ve provided a little more information about the top 3 most popular online poker games you’ll get to enjoy at the best casino sites online.
Texas Hold’em
If you’re new to online poker we recommend mastering Texas Hold’em before taking on more complex games. This is because the basic rules of this variant are easy to understand and help you build a solid foundation of knowledge. This game starts off with each player receiving two hole cards that are face-down. Now the first round of betting will commence and players are given the chance to ‘Check’ or ‘Fold’.
Three face-up cards are dealt in the middle of the table and players will take part in another round of betting. Once this stage is complete, a fourth shared card is dealt and players will place bets once again before the final shared card is dealt followed by another round of betting.
Your best hand will be made up using your hole cards and the five community cards in the middle. Texas Hold’em has two possible end results. Players at the table will engage in a showdown by comparing hands once their hole cards have been flipped and whoever has the best hand will win. The second possible outcome is more common and happens when someone bets enough that everyone at the table folds.
Omaha
Omaha poker online is usually played by those who have nailed the basics of classic poker games like Texas Hold’em. This is because although the basics still remain the same, there are slight differences you can expect which makes it great for skilled players who are up for a new poker challenge. When you register at an online poker casino you’ll come across a few variations such as Omaha Hi/Low, Fixed Limit, and Omaha Hi.
The first difference you’ll notice when playing this online poker variation is that there’s an increase in the number of hole cards players are dealt. Instead of two face-down hole cards, players receive four. 5 community cards are then dealt and players must choose two of their hole cards to make the best possible hand. Unlike Texas Hold’em where players may choose whether to use one or two hold cards, in games of Omaha online poker players have no choice but to use two hole cards.
3 Card Poker
Although 3-card poker is played against the dealer rather than other players, making it more of a table game than a classic poker game, it still deserves a special mention due to its popularity within the US poker community. Before starting you will need to place what’s known as an ‘ante’ bet and/or a ‘pair plus’ bet. The pair plus bet remain independent and you’ll receive a payout for a 1 pair poker hand or better whereas with the ante bet you’ll be playing directly against the dealer.
The game kicks off when three face-down cards are dealt to both you and the dealer. Next, you’ll need to decide whether you think the hand you have is worth playing. If you do decide to play, you’ll need to place another bet that is equal to the ante bet and then the dealer will reveal his/her cards and compare them to yours to see who has the highest hand. However, if you choose to fold instead of play the hand you have you will lose the money you bet.
With the pair plus bet, the outcome doesn’t depend on whose hand is better but rather how strong your own hand is. If you receive a good enough hand then you’ll receive a payout. Winning hands include a pair, a run, flush, or three of a kind.
Casino Poker Online – Betting Against the House
Online table games are either played against other players like in games of Let it Ride poker or against a dealer – which is known as betting against the house. Although 3-card poker is an example of a variation that involves one on one betting against a dealer, betting against the house is more often seen in games like blackjack. Blackjack games are known for having a high RTP and a low house edge.
For example, you can expect blackjack games to come with an average house edge of between 0.4%-0.5%. And with RTPs of around 99.5% – 99.6%, many players have been lucky enough to receive exciting wins while playing this game. However, the house is guaranteed to win in the long run. So, you may have a good chance of winning short-term but if you keep playing you could lose your winnings in the long run.
Tournament Poker Online
Online tournaments are great for players who are looking to level up and test their skills by playing against other US poker players in an effort to take home exciting real money prizes. Because there are so many different types of tournaments out there, we’re positive that you’ll have no issue finding the one that suits you best. Here we cover a few of the popular poker tournaments you can expect to find online.
Sit & Go
This type of online poker tournament only begins once a specific number of players join. These games usually include between 6 to 10 players and last around 20-60 minutes. Players will need to pay a fixed amount and all players receive the same number of chips. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to simply buy more chips and if you lose them all you’re out of the tournament.
Multi Table Tournament
Multi table online poker tournaments are known for their exhilarating payouts. There are numerous tables with about 9 to 10 players seated at each and they all compete against one another for a seat at the main poker table.
Heads Up
This online poker tournament is made up of a series of matches. Each match is played by only two gamblers and the one that wins will go against another player whereas the other is out. Each match consists of four or five rounds that last around 1 hour to 1.5 hours long.
Freeze Out
Freeze out online poker tournaments are one of the most commonly played tournaments online. As the tournament progresses, players are eliminated until there is just one player left with all the chips.
Unlimited Rebuys
Many poker tournaments don’t allow players to buy more chips once they’ve lost all of the ones they started with. But there are some that allow unlimited rebuys which means you’re allowed to purchase more chips in order to make your way back into the tournament.
Round Robin
A round-robin tournament is a type of heads-up poker tournament where each player competes against an opponent and then players are ranked based on their loss/won record. The players with the best loss/won record then take part in a double or single elimination playoff.
Turbo
This type of poker tournament progresses a lot quicker compared to others and blinds and antes increase at a much faster rate. Each round lasts about 5 minutes but it’s not uncommon to find turbo tournaments that have rounds that last 6-minute.
Satellites
Satellite online poker tournaments are seen as qualifying events where the winners are rewarded with a buy-in fee to a much bigger tournament.
Guarantees
This refers to a tournament that has a guaranteed prize pool which is used to encourage players to join the event.
Deep/Short Stack
Short stack means that you have a lower number of chips compared to the average stack at the table. A short stack usually has less than 40 big blinds for cash games and in tournaments less than 20/30 big blinds, however, this depends on how quickly the event progresses and how quickly the blinds go up.
Freeroll
A freeroll tournament simply refers to a tournament without an entry fee but still offers real money prizes to winners.
Knock Out
These are special multi table tournaments and sit and go tournaments where the prize money is divided between the overall prize pool and the players that knock out their opponents.
Online Poker Tips & Strategies
When you start to play poker online for real money you should note that although the different variants use the same basics there are a few helpful tips you should keep in mind no matter which online poker game you’re thinking of playing, a few of which can be found below.
-
Understand the Hand Ranking
It’s important to understand the hand ranking before you decide to start playing poker. Knowing whether or not you’re on the right track to having the highest hand starts with understanding what the winning hands are. This will allow you to make strategic in-play decisions such as when to check, fold or bet.
-
Have Realistic Expectations
At the end of the day, playing poker involves a combination of strategic thinking and lady luck. Unfortunately, you won’t win every game and you can expect ‘Bad Beats’ every now and then. This refers to a situation where a player with a strong hand loses to another that was pretty unlikely to win. No matter how good you are at poker, ‘Bad Beats’ can happen to anyone.
-
Set a Budget and Stick to It
It’s so easy to get caught up in the thrill of online poker and it’s because of this that people end up losing large sums of money. Before you even start to play, make sure you set a budget, and when you run out of the money you set aside for gambling call it quits and try again another day.
-
Start With Simpler Variations
Texas Hold’em is one online poker variant we always recommend to beginner players. Not only are the rules simple enough to learn but if you manage to master this game then you’ll have no issue understanding exactly what to do when you decide to take on other poker games like Omaha poker.
-
Learn the Lingo
Understanding the various terms that will be used during poker games helps make each round more enjoyable and will help you understand what moves you’re making during the game you’re playing.
Online Poker Tournament Strategy & Tips
In order to do well playing online poker tournaments, it’s important to understand a few key strategy tips. Below we’ve listed the top 5 tips we have for every player who’s thinking of trying their hand at online poker tournaments.
- Start Off Slowly: Before the ante kicks in it’s important to play conservatively while in the early stages of a tournament. The beginning stages are all about surviving – remember, you can’t win a tournament in the earliest stages but it is possible to lose all of your chips.
- Contemplate Your Starting Hands: As a beginner playing poker tournaments, it can be tempting to play every hand you have. However, a good poker strategy is about being selective with your starting hands. Choose a few excellent hands to rase when you’re one of the last players to act and fold most of your meager holdings pre-flop.
- Learn When to be Aggressive: Knowing when to be aggressive is important in poker tournaments. After all, what’s the point of playing excellent hands if you aren’t going to place big bets to force other players to fold? So, when you have a good hand you should be tight and aggressive.
- Learn How to Bluff: Know that during tournaments you’ll miss the turn or flop a lot of the time which is why learning the art of bluffing is a great way to force better hands to fold. Start by understanding what’s called the c-bet (the continuation bet) which is a wager you make on the flop after you’d led the wagering preflop.
- Don’t Play More Than Your Bankroll: Online tournaments in the USA offer a number of different events with a range of stake levels. There are $0.01-$0.02 Hold’em games you can try out or high stakes tournaments that cost $500. We recommend using only 5% to 10% of your bankroll per single entry and save the rest for rebuys.
Cash Game Online Poker Strategy & Tips
Just as there are unspoken poker etiquette rules that are followed when playing in land-based casinos, online poker players deserve the same respect. If you lose one of your best poker hands, you should never let your emotions flare out of control. This only serves to irritate other players and throw you off your game later on. Another tip to remember is to keep it quick.
Although there are certain situations that require more time to think than others, there’s nothing worse than a player that is deliberately taking longer than is needed to make a decision. These are two examples of good manners you should have while playing online poker, but the biggest unwritten rule to remember is to never slow-roll.
Slow rolling is when you know you have the winning hand but act slowly on purpose to force an opponent into thinking you don’t. Although this can be done to disguise your holding when you’re considering trapping or raising mid-hand if you call another player’s all-in while you hold the best possible hand and you don’t show your hand at once, letting them think they’ve won is considered bad etiquette and should never be done. Next, we’ll take a look at the top 5 tips you should keep in mind when playing online cash games.
- Bluff, but Don’t Bluff too Much: If you don’t bluff often, players will fold at the first sign of aggression and know that when you do raise or bet you always have the good hands. Bluffing during cash games is important, but doing so with the right frequency is crucial.
- Play Aggressively: Being aggressive with betting and raising is considered profitable for a number of reasons. For example, you could end up getting your opponent to fold which gives you the win without having a showdown.
- Don’t Make Decisions Based on Emotions: It’s important to make any decision during a cash game based on reason and logic. Making hasty decisions out of frustration rarely ends up working out well.
- Know When to Call it Quits: One of the most important strategy tips for online cash game poker is knowing when to quit. If you can tell you’re becoming overly emotional and/or easily distracted, this is a pretty good indication that it’s time to take a break.
- Be Conscious of Your Position: While playing in the early position you’ll want to play a smaller number of hands compared to what you’d play in the later position. Acting after someone does is important as it will help you see what they decide to do before you have to choose your action.
Online Poker Hands & Names
Knowing the possible hands that you could come across while playing poker is essential if you want to know exactly what the potential outcome of each hand is.
- High Card: This is known as the worst possible hand in poker and will consist of no other hand type. If more than one player ends up with a high card then the hand rank will be what determines who wins. So, the best possible result would be an Ace-High with the second-best being King-High etc.
- One Pair: This refers to two cards that have the same number regardless of the suit.
- Two Pair: If your hand has two pairs of numerically matching cards, regardless of the suit, this is referred to as a two pair.
- Three of a Kind: This hand will consist of three cards with the same number, even if they’re of different suits.
- Straight: If you end up with a ‘Straight’’ result, this means that your hand has 5 numbers in sequential order. You should note that only the numbers count and it doesn’t matter if they’re of different suits.
- Flush: If you have a hand that has five cards of the same suit then this is referred to as a ‘Flush’
- Full House: When your hand consists of both a ‘Pair’ and ‘Three of a Kind’.
- Four of a Kind: When your hand has four cards all with the same number. These cards don’t need to have matching suits.
- Straight Flush: When all of the cards in your hand are of the same suit and are in sequential order.
- Royal Flush: In Texas Holdém, this is the best hand you could end up with. It consists of ten, jack, queen, kind, and ace. To achieve a ‘Royal Flush’, these cards must also be of the same suit.
The Best Online Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
As time goes on, more and more people are using mobile devices as a way to play poker online. Because of this, it’s become important for online casinos to offer poker players either a well-designed web-based gambling app or downloadable poker software that can be enjoyed on multiple devices.
Many of the online casinos we recommend offer not only a downloadable casino app but instant play options for poker fans as well. This means that no matter where you are or when you have a gap, you’ll be able to access the best poker gambling opportunities within seconds.
Popular Payment Methods for Playing Online Poker
The list of poker online casinos we’ve put together doesn’t only offer exceptional bonuses, exciting poker games, and tournaments but also a number of ways to find your casino account. The methods available at these casinos are known to be safe, secure and some might even allow you to benefit from exclusive poker bonuses. Below we’ve provided a few examples of the payment methods you can expect to find when you decide to make your first online casino deposit at our recommended online USA poker gambling sites.
Crypto Betting Options
Online BetOnline /crypto casinos that invite players to enjoy thrilling games of poker will usually allow you to claim exciting bonuses just for using a method that is known for its extreme safety and promise of anonymity. One of the main reasons players in the US will opt for crypto transactions is because each deposit and withdrawal is processed instantly and you won’t need to worry about paying any additional fees.
E-Wallet Betting Options
Two examples of the excellent E-Wallets available at poker sites for real money include MiFinity and MuchBetter. These types of methods are there for players who aren’t comfortable with entering credit card details or other banking information on their poker site. You should also consider using an E-Wallet if you’d like to keep your gambling budget separate from your personal funds as it’s easy to limit yourself using an E-Wallet compared to a credit card, for example, and you won’t have to worry about any gambling records appearing on your bank statements every month. These methods also allow for much quicker processing times and low to no fees.
Traditional Payment Methods
One thing you may have noticed if you’ve gambled online before is that there are many traditional payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers and check by courier accepted at casinos. Although you may need to wait a little longer to receive your withdrawals, you may or may not need to pay a fee and when using a credit card you won’t always be able to withdraw with it these methods boast excellent security features and because they’re used every day by people all over the US, many players are aware of how to use them to make online transactions which makes them not only easy to use but also extremely convenient,
Online Poker Glossary
Before you start playing poker for real money you should always take the time to make sure you know what terms will be used and what they mean. This will help you understand what’s going on as your opponents make their moves and will also give you a better idea of how the game itself works, no matter which poker variation you choose to play online. Here we list the top ten basic terms you should know before you decide to try your luck playing online poker.
- Check – When a player ‘Checks’ it means that they have chosen to pass the action on to the next player
- Fold – Used to signal that you surrender the cards you have in hand as well as the bets you’ve placed.
- Hole Cards – These are the face-down cards the dealer provides each player with.
- Community Cards – These are the cards that are set in the middle of the table and are shared by all players to make up the best possible hand.
- All- In – This phrase is used when you decide to risk all of your chips on one hand.
- Bad Beat – When you have a good hand that is likely to win but loses to a hand that was unlikely to win – basically a word used to describe bad luck.
- Call – This word refers to a bet that’s the same as the previous bet placed.
- Kicker – Has no influence in forming a ranking hand but can be used to break ties between two hands with the exact same result.
- Trips – What’s used to describe a Three of a Kind hand.
- Quads – A word used to describe a Four of a Kind hand.
The Best Online Poker Room for Real Money
After taking the time to review numerous online poker casinos, we’re pleased to report that BetOnline takes the cake for most rewarding poker casino in the USA. When you choose to register at this site you’ll be treated to a number of excellent bonus offers, loads of exciting poker tournaments and more.
What makes it even better is that the site has been designed to suit loads of different mobile devices to ensure that no matter which you prefer most, you’ll get to wager and win at the touch of a button. Make a deposit at BetOnline casino using any of the trusted payment methods and treat yourself to an online poker experience of a lifetime.
