US Poker Sites
With all the hype concerning online gambling, specifically online poker, in the US, many US poker players feel like joining an online poker site may be more trouble than it’s worth. Furthermore, many find that choosing the best US poker sites to play at is even more grueling. We’re here to put an end to this predicament. First of all, it’s not illegal for any US citizen, as an individual, to play online poker for real money. While the UIGEA did a nice job of threatening many participants, the fear quickly subsided when big name online poker sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker remained open to US players. While these names are the biggest US poker brands in the industry, that doesn’t mean they are best for every player.
And as for the UIGEA, it’s the financial processors that are targeted in the verbiage of the act, not the players, and not even the sites, for that matter. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t choose a poker room because everyone else does. It’s a calculated decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly; however, we’ve made it easier on you by doing the dirty work and weeding out all the less-than-great online poker rooms for US players. While we do recommend PokerStars and FullTilt, there are definitely some others worthy of mention, like Absolute Poker and Bodog Poker, for instance. Whether you’re looking for the biggest poker bonus, the best variety of poker games, the best VIP program, or a specific deposit option, we’ve got all of it laid out for you in our poker room comparisons. Don’t waste time learning the hard way—find the best US poker site right here.
Full Tilt Poker
One of the most well-known brands in online poker in the US market is Full Tilt. This poker site is seen on TV commercials, at live tournament events, and represented on the clothing of everyone from Tom Dwan to Howard Lederer, not only in the US but worldwide. They have huge guaranteed tournaments, a great deposit bonus offer, tons of games, and lots of promotions and satellite opportunities, but with all this comes about sixty thousand players, give or take a few. If you like being a small fish in a big sea, you’ll be quite happy at Full Tilt, and you are more likely to happen upon a pro here than any other online poker room.
PokerStars
PokerStars is the biggest online poker room in the world and the number one site in the US market. Much of their reputation has been built out of their representation in the World Series of Poker since 2003 when Chris Moneymaker won a satellite seat on PokerStars and then went on to win the WSOP that year. The rest is history. PokerStars, like Full Tilt, chose to keep their doors open to US players following the UIGEA, and the decision, thus far, has proved to be the right one. With a competitive player rewards program, signup bonus, the largest selection of mixed games online, industry leading software, satellites, freerolls, and promotions galore, PokerStars has it all, along with about a hundred thousand players to keep you company.
Absolute Poker
If you prefer a less saturated population and tighter competition, check out Absolute Poker. This online poker room meets the needs of US players very nicely making it very easy to deposit and withdraw from you online poker account. As a medium-sized poker room, attention on the individual player is more apparent here, and you won’t get so lost in the shuffle. You’ll be one of only about 10,000 or so (give or take a couple thousand). It really does make a difference. It’s like the difference between shopping at your local drugstore and your local wholesale warehouse. Both have what you need; one just has a lot more of it. Promotions are great, the loyalty rewards are more comprehensive than you’ll find at the big-name brands, and it’s less about winning and going pro here—it’s more about the fun and the poker.
Bodog Poker
Bodog is a great brand for online gamblers who enjoy participating in an array of online gambling activities. It is home to a sportsbook, a poker room, casino, and horse betting, all under one virtual roof. You need only the one account, and any cash you deposit is available at all Bodog extensions, as are Bodog Points. Keeping your financial info in one place is safer and easier, and Bodog is known for being a secure online gambling site. Bodog Poker is even more lax when it comes to playing professionally; in fact, they claim to be for recreational purposes only. But that doesn’t mean you can’t win big-money guaranteed tournaments or satellite into the WSOP from here. Do expect loose competition, a unique and custom-made software tailored specifically towards user suggestions, and only around a couple thousand or so players logged on at peak times.