Where can US players play? - First post updated Jan '23
I did, but it was last edited in March of last year. I don't have my finger on the pulse of online poker so if things have changed and there are things to avoid or better options have arrived, I don't want to be caught off guard.
Greetings Everyone,
Simple quick question: Any legit site(s) for U.S. players looking to play in tournaments consistently?
Simple quick question: Any legit site(s) for U.S. players looking to play in tournaments consistently?
Are you wondering about sites that accept people located in Russia and people located in the USA or are you just wondering about any sites that do/don't accept people located in Russia? If it's the latter then you're looking for the thread linked below.
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https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/2...i-play-471768/
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and one not mentioned in that post is
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https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/2...i-play-471768/
Hey all, I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the information here. I live in Massachusetts and just want to play some micro stakes in the evenings without having to jump through a million hoops when depositing/withdrawing.
Based on this criteria, does anyone have a recommendation?
Based on this criteria, does anyone have a recommendation?
https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/s...postcount=6541
Disregard Big Ugly as an option and I'm not sure if Merge is accepting new players. Other than that I think the rest are all still legit options.
Disregard Big Ugly as an option and I'm not sure if Merge is accepting new players. Other than that I think the rest are all still legit options.
Specifically for MTTs it's probably the Winning Poker Network sites(ACR, Black Chip, True) when it's running properly. We'll have to see how long it takes them to get back to full speed after their recent software upgrade.
Currently for traffic it's Ignition/Bovada.
Global Poker runs some decent MTT series a handful of times a year, but there is no tracking allowed on that network.
Personally I'd suggest BetOnline or SportsBetting on the Chico Network. They don't have the biggest guarantees or the most traffic, but they offer a wide variety of MTTs(Bounties, Progressive KOs, Fast Fold, Time Limited, etc) and they have the best and most stable software out of each of these 4 networks I've mentioned. Their Sunday lineups should please most MTT fans, except those searching for super large guarantees and a wider range of higher buy-in type MTTs.
Unless you're a high volume player my guess is that the better SNGs can be found at Ignition/Bovada and then Global Poker. If high volume rewards are your thing then it's probably the WPN sites when running properly.
If you're in one of the regulated states then you might be able to find some decent tournaments on WSOP(888).
Currently for traffic it's Ignition/Bovada.
Global Poker runs some decent MTT series a handful of times a year, but there is no tracking allowed on that network.
Personally I'd suggest BetOnline or SportsBetting on the Chico Network. They don't have the biggest guarantees or the most traffic, but they offer a wide variety of MTTs(Bounties, Progressive KOs, Fast Fold, Time Limited, etc) and they have the best and most stable software out of each of these 4 networks I've mentioned. Their Sunday lineups should please most MTT fans, except those searching for super large guarantees and a wider range of higher buy-in type MTTs.
Unless you're a high volume player my guess is that the better SNGs can be found at Ignition/Bovada and then Global Poker. If high volume rewards are your thing then it's probably the WPN sites when running properly.
If you're in one of the regulated states then you might be able to find some decent tournaments on WSOP(888).
I would recommend staying away from "invite only" sites that require "agents" to facilitate your deposits and withdrawals. In circumstances like this, your money is only backed by this "agent" whom you most likely do not know personally... and even then, the odds of getting screwed are elevated
SWC Poker has mixed games, all of them. Little traffic however.
Other than that, you pretty much have to play one type of game here, one type of game there.
The truth is that mixed games simply are not popular online and hardly anyone spreads them in any market.
--
Kahn
SWC Poker has mixed games, all of them. Little traffic however.
Other than that, you pretty much have to play one type of game here, one type of game there.
The truth is that mixed games simply are not popular online and hardly anyone spreads them in any market.
--
Kahn
There is a LARGE contingent of live US mix players (or players coming over from traditional games, where they may not want to challenge players using legal (or illegal) 3rd party software, such as HUDs, solvers, etc was and other live assistance software.
Mixed games are usually the biggest games in the most prestigious live poker rooms. There’s no tanking in these limit games (like the glory days of lh). The games on kingsclubpkr are fairly soft, though the 30/60 limit mixes, some of which include 5/10 w 4 ante big bet variants, can be tough at times, as these are the biggest stakes.
Also, Eastern European IP addresses are blocked, unless one’s agent can contact an admin and get their player unblocked - on a case by case basis. Everybody has been paid. And good luck trying to find a bot for these games.
There should be caution depositing on any poker site. While some may see the presence of a central cashier on an unregulated site, run from a location outside of US jurisdiction - others may prefer to skip nameless, faceless support people, who often don’t grasp the players’ needs. And time is money for a poker player.
The good players are winning and the not so great players are losing. Online poker as it should be imo. Most unregulated sites spreading traditional games are probably safe enough to play at, but they will likely have many more game security issues than Kingsclub currently has. This is one of the main factors that has driven traffic here: people are fed up w constant game security issues on the NLHE-heavy US facing unregulated sites. Well that and the chance to play a wide spectrum of fun variants - from lhe, big O, and LO8, to the more exotic games available, like Archie.
I’d rarely doubt the veracity of any claim about more efforts being made at the networks on the islands to stop botting, or how tracking methods at a site like pokerscout might be inaccurate. But the evidence seems to suggest that “the truth is that mixed games simply are not popular online . . “ might require another look. If you tried em out for free, I think you’d like them
Um, sounds like a club, with agent. Again, prefer for myself, site handles deposits, withdrawals, as opposed to single party that may be using the funds to play themselves.
If I am wrong, describe how this site/club is different than invite agent.
If I am wrong, describe how this site/club is different than invite agent.
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i agree that one should be more cautious with agent sites than with sites that have a central cashier. that being said, the reputation/history of the agent is an important factor too. i think of it as somewhat similar to doing swaps in the transfer thread. folks should do their research and not work with (or send first to, in the case of a swap) anyone they're not comfortable with. but if working with (or swapping with) someone with a good rep and lots of history, then the risk is very low.
My main point, if you re-read what I'd written, is that online mixed games are alive and well. I respect that some of you folks have been sent to this thread to put out a specific narrative re options for US players.
I'm a little more transparent and just wanted to correct a small amount of misinformation. Reputation is very important when it comes to the gambling business and how one treats their customers and their potential customers. I definitely agree with that.
WA player here, getting kicked off Global next week. Wondering if the info in OP is still accurate. I hear whispers that say restrictions may not be as listed.
Also, not sure if this is the place for this question, but as a long-term winning player with a low BR, I've been thinking about checking out stakes (used to use PTP for that back in the day, but have zero experience with 2+2 staking). I've set up a crypto exchange/wallet in preparation for switching funds/play over to a new site. Wondering if there is anything I should take into consideration when choosing a new site (low funds and new to crypto, so will prob only choose one to start) given an interest in possible future staking from this location, or if WA players are just SOL with that these days.
I should note that I'm currently a low BI SNG and MTT grinder. I feel like ACR would be my preferred site for MTTs and SNG volume with rakeback and what not, but also I've never used an HUD before, and it might be a while before I can get one, so nervous that player skill differential coming off of Global is going to be noticeable and impactful. (Although on the flip side, with Global not even allowing HH, I'm excited to finally get a glimpse into my play and tendencies through database analysis for the first time. I do work to improve my game as much as I can.) Also curious about softer, smaller sites that may still have enough traffic to let me continue BR building until I can move/diversify.
Thanks in advance for any input anyone may have.
Also, not sure if this is the place for this question, but as a long-term winning player with a low BR, I've been thinking about checking out stakes (used to use PTP for that back in the day, but have zero experience with 2+2 staking). I've set up a crypto exchange/wallet in preparation for switching funds/play over to a new site. Wondering if there is anything I should take into consideration when choosing a new site (low funds and new to crypto, so will prob only choose one to start) given an interest in possible future staking from this location, or if WA players are just SOL with that these days.
I should note that I'm currently a low BI SNG and MTT grinder. I feel like ACR would be my preferred site for MTTs and SNG volume with rakeback and what not, but also I've never used an HUD before, and it might be a while before I can get one, so nervous that player skill differential coming off of Global is going to be noticeable and impactful. (Although on the flip side, with Global not even allowing HH, I'm excited to finally get a glimpse into my play and tendencies through database analysis for the first time. I do work to improve my game as much as I can.) Also curious about softer, smaller sites that may still have enough traffic to let me continue BR building until I can move/diversify.
Thanks in advance for any input anyone may have.
WA player here, getting kicked off Global next week. Wondering if the info in OP is still accurate. I hear whispers that say restrictions may not be as listed.
Also, not sure if this is the place for this question, but as a long-term winning player with a low BR, I've been thinking about checking out stakes (used to use PTP for that back in the day, but have zero experience with 2+2 staking). I've set up a crypto exchange/wallet in preparation for switching funds/play over to a new site. Wondering if there is anything I should take into consideration when choosing a new site (low funds and new to crypto, so will prob only choose one to start) given an interest in possible future staking from this location, or if WA players are just SOL with that these days.
I should note that I'm currently a low BI SNG and MTT grinder. I feel like ACR would be my preferred site for MTTs and SNG volume with rakeback and what not, but also I've never used an HUD before, and it might be a while before I can get one, so nervous that player skill differential coming off of Global is going to be noticeable and impactful. (Although on the flip side, with Global not even allowing HH, I'm excited to finally get a glimpse into my play and tendencies through database analysis for the first time. I do work to improve my game as much as I can.) Also curious about softer, smaller sites that may still have enough traffic to let me continue BR building until I can move/diversify.
Thanks in advance for any input anyone may have.
Also, not sure if this is the place for this question, but as a long-term winning player with a low BR, I've been thinking about checking out stakes (used to use PTP for that back in the day, but have zero experience with 2+2 staking). I've set up a crypto exchange/wallet in preparation for switching funds/play over to a new site. Wondering if there is anything I should take into consideration when choosing a new site (low funds and new to crypto, so will prob only choose one to start) given an interest in possible future staking from this location, or if WA players are just SOL with that these days.
I should note that I'm currently a low BI SNG and MTT grinder. I feel like ACR would be my preferred site for MTTs and SNG volume with rakeback and what not, but also I've never used an HUD before, and it might be a while before I can get one, so nervous that player skill differential coming off of Global is going to be noticeable and impactful. (Although on the flip side, with Global not even allowing HH, I'm excited to finally get a glimpse into my play and tendencies through database analysis for the first time. I do work to improve my game as much as I can.) Also curious about softer, smaller sites that may still have enough traffic to let me continue BR building until I can move/diversify.
Thanks in advance for any input anyone may have.
Right now I play on Ignition. I do not use HUD, unless on regular cash games. I have switched to Zone mostly, hud does not work there. I use PT4, which does not support tournament.
ACR is not an option in our state. Grand has no traffic. So the two top are Ignition and Chico. If not using HUD, best to start on Ignition. I will say the SNG's are soft here, plenty of action for MTTs, might need bigger bankroll for MTTs, not my fave. I would suggest saving some money up for PT4, since can download hand histories and study. Chico requires an active hud while playing to get hand histories, can be a pain from what I have heard, some may know better.
There, you have it from the horses mouth.
You can always play for pay at Muckleshoot.
Are we sure about this? I have it from more than one source that they've been allowing it with crypto. Also some smaller site(s) that may be on the same network.
Naw. I'm a hermit and I hate live play. Haven't done it in years. Too used to wearing my heart on my sleeve at this point.
Yeah, it was that whole thing with that stupid ***** who lost a couple grand buying virtual chips to play a virtual casino game, and then complained about it, and then some moron judge made a ruling that should basically apply to all video game microtransactions. What a time to be alive.
yeah, I played the MS apps, don't know who to collect from, MS or the vendors
I'm unclear what you mean. Are you saying PT4 inherently doesn't support tournaments, or do you mean just on Ignition? If the former, do other trackers support tourney/SNG play? I don't play cash at all at this point but would still like to eventually get a good tracker if playing on a site that allows others to use them.
PT4 comes with Igntion grabber. It displays a hud on cash tables, but tournaments are not supported as hud. You can download the hand histories to study with icm, I have not done so, the field is so soft.
I do have the hand histories though.
Are we sure about this? I have it from more than one source that they've been allowing it with crypto. Also some smaller site(s) that may be on the same network.
Unsure what you mean by crypto. Every time I've tried to download anything via WPN, get error message I am not allowed. Now, there is the problem if you do succeed, will they allow you to cash out?
When first starting, I would not recommend. And, if planning on huds in future, obscure sites would not work out. If you successfully get ACR to work, and can cash out, let me know. It is bot ridden, and there are lots of software issues, along with rakeback. Suggest reading the WPN thread first.
Definitely a priority but this is all very sudden and with limited funds I need to ensure continued play first. Might need to invest in a cheap laptop first because playing from my Linux machine is proving very difficult.
Yikes. I was leaning towards BetOnline at this point because they say it's the softest, but that's kind of weird. Does this apply to MTT/SNGs as well?
Not a lot of traffic for tourneys on Chico, from what I have read. The soft on Ignition applies to all formats. The higher priced ones (50+) get a little tighter, but still enough dumb play to get you through. Read the betonline forum to get a feel for the chico network.
Naw. I'm a hermit and I hate live play. Haven't done it in years. Too used to wearing my heart on my sleeve at this point.
yeah, I played the MS apps, don't know who to collect from, MS or the vendors
I'm unclear what you mean. Are you saying PT4 inherently doesn't support tournaments, or do you mean just on Ignition? If the former, do other trackers support tourney/SNG play? I don't play cash at all at this point but would still like to eventually get a good tracker if playing on a site that allows others to use them.
PT4 comes with Igntion grabber. It displays a hud on cash tables, but tournaments are not supported as hud. You can download the hand histories to study with icm, I have not done so, the field is so soft.
I do have the hand histories though.
Are we sure about this? I have it from more than one source that they've been allowing it with crypto. Also some smaller site(s) that may be on the same network.
Unsure what you mean by crypto. Every time I've tried to download anything via WPN, get error message I am not allowed. Now, there is the problem if you do succeed, will they allow you to cash out?
When first starting, I would not recommend. And, if planning on huds in future, obscure sites would not work out. If you successfully get ACR to work, and can cash out, let me know. It is bot ridden, and there are lots of software issues, along with rakeback. Suggest reading the WPN thread first.
Definitely a priority but this is all very sudden and with limited funds I need to ensure continued play first. Might need to invest in a cheap laptop first because playing from my Linux machine is proving very difficult.
Yikes. I was leaning towards BetOnline at this point because they say it's the softest, but that's kind of weird. Does this apply to MTT/SNGs as well?
Not a lot of traffic for tourneys on Chico, from what I have read. The soft on Ignition applies to all formats. The higher priced ones (50+) get a little tighter, but still enough dumb play to get you through. Read the betonline forum to get a feel for the chico network.
Naw. I'm a hermit and I hate live play. Haven't done it in years. Too used to wearing my heart on my sleeve at this point.
Alright man, will do. Thanks for the input.
Do you have to know people in person to get an invite to King's Club? Been interested in mixed games lately and would be interested in checking it out.
Playing on credit can sometimes be an option and rakeback is also something you would work out w your rep.
The site is primarily for US players and they have enough action so as not to expend a lot of resources to court ROW players. Though Kingsclubpkr won’t deny access to all non-US players, the community prefers not to play with players from Eastern Europe, for various reasons. In the short term, this may cost them some rake, but I appreciate policies like this. Gl
I’m from WA state and I’ve been playing on ACR for about a month. I deposited via p2p transfer and haven’t tried to withdraw anything yet, but I know some ppl in state that have allegedly been wrecking on the site and cashing out just fine.
"1.4 Citizens of Australia and Residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, State of Maryland, State of New Jersey, State of Delaware, State of Nevada or Washington State may not download and use the ACR Software for any purpose. No license is granted hereunder to any User located within any jurisdiction where such offer of a license by ACR or use by such person thereof shall violate any applicable laws."
Whether or not a few individuals decide to risk their BR by breaking the published T&C, and manage to play and cash out, is somewhat irrelevant. Even if a member of Support tells someone that it's ok to play, the company will almost definitely follow the published rules if/when it suits them. (Who could complain and how?)
This may also be possible near the Oregon or Idaho borders, because the isp tracking might put you in another state. When I tried to install the software (Seattle), it gave error and would not install. Not going to try and install via alternate methods.
And to Add, with all the problems, why would you want to, when the other two main sites are run much more smoothly?
This may also be possible near the Oregon or Idaho borders, because the isp tracking might put you in another state. When I tried to install the software (Seattle), it gave error and would not install. Not going to try and install via alternate methods.
This may also be possible near the Oregon or Idaho borders, because the isp tracking might put you in another state. When I tried to install the software (Seattle), it gave error and would not install. Not going to try and install via alternate methods.
whatismyipaddress.com will show you where your current IP address geo-locates to. However, even if one does geolocate on the border, to another state, keep in mind that one will still have to pass KYC and AML checks, i.e. provide documentation that they reside in the state where play is allowed.
I don't recommend trying to circumvent the rules. Most people fail at it and lose money in the process.
--
Kahn
I live in the Puget Sound region also. I’m not playing on the site for income and I’ve found the tournaments to be way too long for my (playing online) tastes.
What are the other two main sites?
What are the other two main sites?
I believe he would be referring to Bovada/Ignition and BetOnline/SportsBetting. None of those 4 sites on 2 separate networks currently prohibits players from the state of Washington from playing in their games.
Shhh, (she).
whatismyipaddress.com will show you where your current IP address geo-locates to. However, even if one does geolocate on the border, to another state, keep in mind that one will still have to pass KYC and AML checks, i.e. provide documentation that they reside in the state where play is allowed.
I don't recommend trying to circumvent the rules. Most people fail at it and lose money in the process.
--
Kahn
I don't recommend trying to circumvent the rules. Most people fail at it and lose money in the process.
--
Kahn
However, as good fortune would have it, a super awesome poster has sent a suggested rewrite of the OP. He asked me to have a look, and I certainly can (and will), but many of you out there know much more than I do now about US-facing sites, so I think it would be good to post it here and let everyone have a look and make any suggestions. I'm leaving the contributor's name off for now so as not to taint anyone's reading of this with thoughts of bias - not that I think this poster is in any way biased, but sometimes others have a different point of view. And it's fun to have a little mystery. Said poster will get full credit in the end.
What I'm primarily looking for is any errors or omissions. Suggestions for wording/formatting changes are fine as well (I already have some ideas in this regard), but content is my main concern.
Originally Posted by Awesome 2+2 Member
ADVICE
Before you sign up and deposit, download the client from the site you are interested in playing in to get a feel of it. Doing so will let you see the amount of games they have running, what stakes, etc. And last but not least, you may want to sign up through an affiliate so that you can receive rakeback, as well as participate in freerolls, rake races and other promotions exclusive to your affiliate. To request offers from 2+2 Advertising Partners, click here.
This is just a list of sites you are able to play at. This is not an endorsement of any of these sites. It's your responsibility to research these poker rooms prior to signing up. Feel free to ask questions related to the sites in this thread, but you will probably get better feedback if you ask in the dedicated threads and sponsored forums in the links below the sites.
You can use the Search this Forum tool in the Internet Forum to find any additional threads related to these sites and networks where you will find additional reviews of them. Some of those reviews might be worth looking into prior to signing up. Just because there is no dedicated thread for a site listed here does not mean there are no threads relating to that site in the forums.
STATES WITH SITE RESTRICTIONS (*SITES YOU CAN'T ACCESS)
Delaware - Bovada and Ignition, America's Cardroom, Black Chip Poker and True Poker, Intertops and Juicy Stakes
Kentucky - America's Cardroom, True Poker and Black Chip Poker, Intertops and Juicy Stakes
Maryland - Bovada and Ignition, America's Cardroom, Black Chip Poker and True Poker
Nevada - Bovada and Ignition, America's Cardroom, Black Chip Poker and True Poker, Intertops and Juicy Stakes
New Jersey - Bovada and Ignition, America's Cardroom, Black Chip Poker and True Poker
Washington - America's Cardroom, True Poker and Black Chip Poker, Global Poker, Intertops and Juicy Stakes
Utah - Intertops and Juicy Stakes
THE BIG SITES
BetOnline and SportsBetting - Chico Poker Network
-No State Restrictions
-$100K+ Bad Beat Jackpots
-Weekly Rake Races
-Very Good Software
-Two Plus Two Sponsored Forum
Global Poker
-State Restrictions in WA
-Sweepstakes Model
-No HUDs Allowed
-Two Plus Two Sponsored Forum
Bovada and Ignition - PaiWangLuo Poker Network
-State Restrictions in DE, MD, NJ and NV
-Anonymous Poker
-Most Traffic for USA Sites
-Unofficial Bodog/Bovada/Ignition Thread
-Bodog (Bovada/Ignition) payout thread for US players
America's Cardroom, True Poker and Black Chip Poker - Winning Poker Network
-State Restrictions in DE, KY, MD, NJ, NV and WA
-Largest MTT Guarantees for USA Sites
-Rakeback
-Weekly Rake Races
-Ex-Official Winning Poker Network (ACR, BCP, True) Discussion Thread
-Winning Poker Network Deposit / Withdrawal / General Cashier Thread (ACR, BCP, TP)
REGULATED SITES
WSOP/888
-Shared Player Pool of DE, NJ and NV
-Most Traffic for Regulated Sites
-Hosts WSOP Bracelet Events
-WSOP.com Nevada Unofficial thread
PokerStars NJ
-PokerStars NJ - Official Thread
Party Poker NJ
-No Dedicated Thread
New Jersey Online Poker Thread
BITCOIN & OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCY SITES
SwC Poker
-Wide variety of unique variants such as Mixed Games
-Rakeback
-SWCPoker - Bitcoin poker
Nitrogen
-Nitrogen Poker
CoinPoker
-[OFFICIAL] CoinPoker - Bringing the Game Back to Players
Crypto Poker Club
-No Dedicated Thread
Blockchain.poker
-No Dedicated Thread
Bitcoin for online poker?
AGENT SITES (*INVITE ONLY)
PPPoker
-Many Different Clubs
-Rakeback
-PPPoker Discussion Thread
KingsClubPkr
-Wide variety of unique variants such as Mixed Games
-Rakeback
-Private site KingClubPkr
i agree that one should be more cautious with agent sites than with sites that have a central cashier. that being said, the reputation/history of the agent is an important factor too. i think of it as somewhat similar to doing swaps in the transfer thread. folks should do their research and not work with (or send first to, in the case of a swap) anyone they're not comfortable with. but if working with (or swapping with) someone with a good rep and lots of history, then the risk is very low.
on this or any other agent-based site i would strongly recommend that you only sign up with an agent who has a very good reputation and has been around poker/affiliate stuff for a while. ideally this would be someone you know personally, but that's not always possible. in general i'd avoid dealing with strangers with unknown reputation (especially people new to the affiliate world who are shilling heavily!). do your research and be safe!
OTHER SITES
Carbon, Sportsbook and PlayersOnly - Merge Poker Network
-Not Accepting New Players Currently
-Very Good Software
-Merge Gaming Network Discussion Thread
-Merge Network: Carbon/ Sportsbook/ PlayersOnly - Deposit/ Withdrawal Thread
5Dimes, Island Casino and SportBet - Grand Poker Network
-No State Restrictions
-5Dimes ends support for EPN - Opens independent room 'Grand Poker'
-Grand Poker Network Deposit / Withdrawal / General Cashier Thread
Intertops and Juicy Stakes - Horizon Poker Network
-State Restrictions in DE, KY, NV, WA and UT
-Rakeback
-Intertops Poker - Official Support & Promotions Thread
-Juicy Stakes - Ex-Official Support & Promotions Thread
-Juicy Stakes Cashout Thread
Meh. Could do better.
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