About Us

Poker Sites exists for one reason: to make it easier to work out which online poker sites are worth your time and your money. We compare real money poker rooms and apps on the things that actually decide whether a session is worth playing — traffic, game selection, rake, payout speed, and how each site treats its licensing and player funds. This page explains who we are, how we work, and what you should know before you sign up anywhere.

What we actually do

We research online poker operators that accept US players and break down what each one offers across cash games, tournaments, Sit & Gos, and fast-fold formats like Zoom or Snap. We look at traffic and player pools where information is available, because a soft, active game matters more than a flashy welcome page. We also look at deposit and withdrawal options, verification requirements, mobile app quality, and how loyalty or rakeback schemes are structured.

None of this is a guarantee of anything. Poker is a game of skill mixed with variance, and even the best rakeback deal or the biggest player pool doesn't change the fact that you can lose money playing it. We don't present any site here as a way to make income or solve financial pressure — it's entertainment, and we treat it that way.

How the ranking works

Our editorial ratings come from comparing publicly available information on each operator against the criteria our readers actually care about: game variety across No Limit Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, and mixed games; traffic and stake-level liquidity; rake structure and rakeback value; welcome bonus terms including playthrough requirements; deposit and withdrawal methods and typical cash-out times; software and mobile app quality; and licensing or regulatory status where it applies. Some of our listed sites hold licences under regulated frameworks, while others operate under offshore licensing such as Curaçao — we note the distinction where it's relevant rather than assuming one is automatically better.

Commercial relationships never decide position on this site. We may earn a commission when a reader signs up through a link here, and that's disclosed clearly wherever a ranked offer appears. It does not influence which site sits where in the table. A site with a smaller marketing budget and a better game selection will always outrank a bigger name with worse conditions, as far as our research supports.

Bonuses come with strings — we say so

Welcome offers like a deposit match or a rakeback boost are only worth what their terms allow. A "$2,000 deposit bonus" that requires you to clear an amount several times over in rake before you see a cent of it is a very different offer from one with lighter playthrough requirements. Where an operator's offer appears on this site, we try to note the material conditions — deposit minimums, wagering or playthrough requirements, and eligibility restrictions — next to the offer itself, rather than burying them in fine print elsewhere. Always check the operator's own terms before you deposit, since these details change.

Payments, in plain terms

Most US-facing poker sites accept a mix of payment types: debit or credit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayNearMe cash deposits, operator-branded prepaid cards, and increasingly crypto such as Bitcoin. Withdrawal methods and speeds vary a lot by operator and by verification status — some pay out in days, others slower, and almost all require identity verification (KYC) before a first cash-out. We flag payment methods and typical processing patterns in our individual reviews rather than promising a specific timeline for every player, because your own verification and banking situation can change how fast a withdrawal actually lands.

A quick look at where things stand

Coinpoker sits at the top of our list mainly for the scale of its Battle of Malta Online Series and its crypto-first structure, which suits players who want fast, currency-flexible cash-outs — though crypto pricing volatility is worth understanding before you deposit that way. Bovada follows closely, largely on the strength of its recreational player pool and long track record with US players, even though its tournament traffic is smaller than some regulated-state competitors. Stake rounds out the top tier with a dual-currency model (cash and gold coins) that gives players more flexibility, though the sweepstakes-style structure takes some getting used to if you're coming from a straightforward real-money room.

Beyond the poker tables

Several of the operators listed here run more than just poker. Sites like Bovada, Ignition, and Betonline also offer casino games and sports betting under the same account, which can be convenient if you want one login for everything — but it also means your poker bankroll and casino or sportsbook activity often share the same wallet, so keeping track of what you're spending where takes a bit more discipline.

Age, eligibility, and where we stand on responsible play

Online poker for real money is restricted to adults, and most US states that regulate it set the minimum age at 21, though a small number allow 18. Every operator we cover requires age and identity verification before real-money play or withdrawal. Regulation is handled state by state in the US — there's no single federal framework — so availability and licensing depend on where you live, and some of the sites on this list operate under offshore licensing rather than a US state licence.

We take responsible gambling seriously. If poker stops being entertainment and starts feeling like pressure, or if you're chasing losses, it's worth stepping back and using the tools available: deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and support lines. The National Council on Problem Gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, is free and confidential. You can read more on our Responsible Gambling page, and our Terms and Conditions set out the full detail on how this site operates.

Get in touch

If you've spotted something out of date, have a question about how we scored a particular site, or just want to flag feedback on an operator you've used, our Contact Us page has the details. We rely on that feedback to keep listings accurate as operators change their terms, bonuses, and licensing over time.

How to use this site sensibly

Treat our rankings as a starting point for your own research, not a final answer. Read the terms on any bonus before you claim it, check that a site is available in your state, and only play with money you can comfortably afford to lose. If you want a broader view of the wider gambling landscape, including options outside standard US regulation, our page on Non GamStop Casinos covers that separately from poker-specific play.