Offshore poker sites are a great option for the 60 million card players across the US. They give access to anyone not living in the 8 states with full legal poker, and offer great alternatives for those who do.
We reviewed and rated the most popular options, looking at the bonuses, banking options, security features, and more. Read on to find your perfect match.
Top Offshore US Online Poker Sites in December 2024
- All
Ignition Casino |
$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus |
$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus
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Ignition Casino
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Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Get up to $3,000 when you make your first deposit with Crypto, or up to $2,000 when you deposit with a credit card. Full T&Cs apply. |
America’s Card Room |
New Player Bonus 100% Up To $2,000 |
New Player Bonus 100% Up To $2,000
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America’s Card Room
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Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
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Black Chip |
100% Up To $2,000 |
100% Up To $2,000
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Black Chip
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Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
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BetOnline |
100% Deposit Match Up To $3,000 |
100% Deposit Match Up To $3,000
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BetOnline
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Play Now
Copied
FREE250
Copy
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New players receive 50% of their initial deposit matched in free bet credit, no restrictions applied. Full T&Cs apply. |
List of the Best Offshore Poker Sites
We’ve taken the time to build a list of the top-tier reputable offshore poker sites that US poker players can use. We’ve reviewed everything from game selection to tournament offerings, bonuses, rakeback, poker clients, and more. Listed below is each reviewed site with its unique offering.
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- Ignition – Best Option to Play Zone Poker
- America’s Card Room – Big Bonus Offers For New Poker Players
- Black Chip – Rakeback Can Go as High as 65%
- CoinPoker – Play Poker Anonymously
- BetOnline – Most Player-Friendly Poker Software
Reviews of the Best Offshore Poker Sites
This guide goes through the leading offshore poker websites to assess their strengths and weaknesses. You can be sure that the site you pick is perfect for you after reading these reviews. Each option has its own unique merits for US online poker players.
1. Ignition – Best Option to Play Zone Poker
Key Features:
- Allows people to play anonymously
- Offers a fun selection of different variants
- Highly popular loyalty program for poker players
Ignition burst onto the online poker scene in 2016 and has gone from strength to strength. The poker experience is top-notch. You get fantastic customer support to ensure you get set up and play poker online as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The best feature to protect new poker players is the anonymous player function. No sharks or pros are hunting losing players, as no one can identify each other. This setting makes it beneficial for poker players fresh to the online felt.
Still, Ignition is equally a good spot for online poker cash wizards, too. The Zone Poker format gives you huge volume on a clean and easy user interface. This is a dream for a US online poker grinder.
Ignition has built up a fun and exciting selection of poker variants. You can find them all on Ignition Poker whether you live NLH or even Turbo versions of two-card and four-card poker. You also have access to some exciting Omaha poker variants. Fans of Sit ‘n’ Gos or Spin ‘n’ Gos have plenty of options. The latter has a juicy jackpot on the site for all buy-in levels.
If you deposit using credit cards, you will be eligible for a $2,000 welcome bonus for new players, and crypto poker fans can use methods like Bitcoin to get a $3,000 bonus back. Ignition has gained a lot of support for its Poker Points rakeback scheme, which gives money back to poker players to be used in tournaments. You can even buy into a $100,000 guaranteed tournament on Sundays.
Pros:
- Zone Poker format
- Anonymous players stop bum-hunting
- Lots of poker variants, including Turbo PLO
Cons:
- Rakeback is limited to Poker Points
- The software can be slow at times
- Restricted in NJ, NY, DW, NV, MD
100% match deposit bonus of up to $2,000
2. America’s Card Room – Secure platform with fast withdrawals
Key Features:
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- Stakes for all players
- Variety of poker games
- Tournament options
Very few offshore poker rooms can match up with ACR Poker. This platform features a modern website design that makes it easy to navigate and understand for new and experienced players. The traffic levels are always quite high. There are plenty of options to choose from in terms of the poker format, which includes No-Limit Hold ’em, Limit Hold ’em, and 7-Card Stud.
Players looking for poker sites suitable for US players can’t go wrong with ACR Card Room. The platform covers everything with a wide selection of games suitable for both low and high-stakes players. ACR has made sure they cater to all bankrolls.
Aside from your typical favorite poker games, additional entertainment options are available, including tournaments and Blitz Poker. The latter is fast-paced poker, where a new hand is immediately dealt after a folding hand. You can even take part in lottery-style jackpot poker tournaments.
The platform uses the latest security measures to provide players with a secure gaming environment and ensure all 6 million+ players have account protection. The site offers a generous welcome bonus to new players and regular bonus boosts to existing players.
Pros:
- Top-level security measures
- Lightning-fast withdrawals
- Great range of regular and special tournaments
- Ideal for beginners and experienced poker players
Cons:
- Slow registrations
- No heads-up cash games
New Player Bonus 100% Up To $2,000
3. Black Chip Poker – Large prize pool poker tournaments
Key Features:
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- Part of the Winning Poker Network (WPN)
- Accepts players from 43 US states
- Some of the largest tournament prize pools in the USA
In terms of offshore poker sites suitable for US poker players, you can’t go wrong with Black Chip Poker. This impressive platform has a long history and has built an excellent reputation among its players over the past few years. It allows deposits and withdrawals via several trusted payment options, including dozens of cryptocurrencies.
Black Chip Poker has plenty of traffic, which is why it is considered the #4 rank in offshore USA markets. It provides you with plenty of opponents to play against. You can enjoy gameplay on various platforms, including Android mobile devices. Unfortunately, at the time, there is no iOS mobile software for iPhone devices.
If you’re scouting for poker sites for US players that offer great tournaments, you will want to look at Black Chip Poker. The platform is quite popular because of its prize pools, considered among the largest in the USA market. Remember that some tournaments have a high buy-in or rebuy requirement.
There’s a generous welcome bonus for new players which can be used on cash games and tournaments. It’s a secure platform with reliable customer support and is a great alternative for US players.
Pros:
- Ideal for professional poker players
- Solid platform with good traffic
- Generous promotions
- Big prize tournaments
Cons:
- No iOS mobile software
- High buy-ins and rebuys
100% Up To $2,000
4. CoinPoker – Top All-Around Offshore Poker Site
Key Features:
- People can play poker completely anonymously
- Tables have strong levels of traffic at all times
- Offers instant withdrawal speeds via crypto
The cash game stakes should suit most needs and there is even something called Action Games which can see people coming up against poker legend Tony G if they’re lucky. The series of tournaments running monthly have hundreds of thousands of dollars up for grabs, ranging from freerolls to high roller events.
Its most popular string of tournaments is the Crypto Series of Online Poker (CSOP) which attracts some big names. Other exciting aspects of CoinPoker include the Cosmic Spins, ultra-modern software, anonymous gameplay, instant withdrawals, quality mobile apps, and up to 33% rakeback.
It even recently started offering online casino games to its player base. CoinPoker is at the top of the pile when looking at the best poker sites for US players. Do note that people need a VPN to access this real money offshore poker site from the US and UK.
Pros
- Instant withdrawal speeds
- Huge selection of poker tournaments
- Allows for anonymous betting
- Quality mobile apps
- Great rakeback rate
- Stunning selection of bonuses
Cons
- No fast-fold games
- Lacks any sit-and-go options
150% Deposit Bonus Up to $2,000
5. BetOnline – Most Player-Friendly Poker Software
Key Features:
- More than 25 years of experience with US players
- Massive selection of different tournaments
- Offers both a deposit bonus and free tickets upon sign-up
When it comes to having an offshore poker site that has credibility and trustworthiness, BetOnline passes the test with flying colors. US online poker players looking for somewhere to play will find everything they need at BetOnline. It is a perfect choice for new recreational players and long-time poker enthusiasts.
The incredible offering spans multi-table tournaments, online cash games, fun poker variants, and offshore poker bonuses. Regarding offshore poker providers, you will find BetOnline to have the highest trustworthiness and reliability.
When looking at BetOnline, you can find a healthy amount of poker variants at a cash game level, whether you are a No-Limit Texas Hold’em or Pot-Limit Omaha fan. It is even one of the leading video poker casinos on the web. For many poker fans, having a solid tournament offering is key and BetOnline ticks this box.
Getting your money on and off BetOnline is incredibly easy with fiat or cryptocurrency, which is why it is amongst the top crypto casino sites. BetOnline is particularly generous to new players compared to many offshore poker competitors as it offers 100% deposit bonuses, progressive bounties, and a huge Bad Beat Jackpot.
Some minor downsides of using BetOnline Poker are the transaction fees for certain payment methods and the performance of the mobile platform isn’t as good as the desktop site.
Pros:
- Huge first deposit bonus
- Massive MTT series
- Soft and beatable cash games
- Helpful customer support
Cons:
- Not available in New Jersey
- Lack of poker variety in games
- No promotions for regulars
100% First Deposit Bonus Up to $1,000
Comparing Offshore Poker Sites
US poker players have various offshore poker sites to choose from when addressing their poker needs. Here’s a look into the offshore poker sites they can join and their main features:
| Offshore Poker Room | Welcome Bonus | Poker Network | Poker Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
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$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus | PaiWangLuo Poker Network | Texas Hold’em, PL Omaha, 5-Card PL Omaha, Zone Poker |
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100% up to $2,000 | Winning Poker Network | Texas Hold’em, PL Omaha, Zone Poker |
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100% up to $2,000 | Winning Poker Network | Texas Hold’em, PL Omaha, Zone Poker |
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150% up to $2,000 | Independent | Texas Hold’em, PL Omaha, 5-Card PL Omaha |
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100% up to $3,000 | Chico Poker Network | Texas Hold’em, PL Omaha, 5-Card PL Omaha, Zone Poker |
What are Offshore Poker Sites?
An offshore poker site functions from outside your home country, usually where gambling laws are relaxed. It lets players participate in their preferred poker games, even if online gambling is restricted where they live. They offer various payment options and attract bigger player pools. While these sites give you access to online poker, not all have the same security and fairness as local platforms. So, it’s important to play only on legit platforms.
How Do Offshore Poker Sites Work?
While you might be confident about how traditional online casinos and poker rooms work, you may be less certain about offshore poker sites. If you’ve never used them before you might be worried about their security levels or any legal issues, so we’ve explained a bit more about how they work below:
- Location and Licensing: Offshore poker sites run from countries with flexible gambling laws like Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar. They get licenses from these places, which lets them serve players worldwide.
- Access: Even if online poker is restricted in some areas (like some U.S. states), players can still join these sites. The laws where the site is based allow international players.
- Payment Methods: You’ll find plenty of payment options. These include credit cards, cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Also, offshore online poker sites often make deposits and withdrawals easier than locally-regulated ones.
- Player Pools: Players from all over the world compete on these sites. This creates larger prize pools and more active games.
- Regulation and Safety: Some offshore sites are reliable, but not all have the same oversight as local platforms. Be cautious with security, fairness, and dispute resolution.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Offshore poker sites offer lucrative bonuses and promotions. They draw players in through sign-up deals, freerolls, and loyalty programs.
Pros and Cons of Playing at Offshore Poker Sites
US players often choose offshore poker sites for more options and better rewards. These sites have a wider selection of games and lucrative bonuses than US sites. Though offshore online poker rooms have perks, they also come with a few risks.
Here’s what to keep in mind when playing at an offshore poker site:
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ More Game Variety: Offshore sites feature a range of online poker games. For example, you can play Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc. | ❌ VPN Requirement: Despite being offshore, some sites still need a VPN. This adds an extra step and a potential cost. |
| ✅ Bigger Bonuses: Offshore poker sites offer better bonuses and more frequent promos than US sites. These help to increase your bankroll. | ❌ Regulatory Risks: An unlicensed site may have unfair practices. You might also struggle to withdraw your offshore poker winnings. |
| ✅ Privacy and Anonymity: They don’t operate under the same regulations as US-based platforms. So, they have more privacy and you maintain anonymity. | ❌ Payment Issues: Some offshore sites have limited deposit and withdrawal options. It can be inconvenient. |
| ✅ Multiple Tournaments: There are many tournaments and cash games for casual players and high rollers. | ❌ Legal Gray Area: Playing at offshore sites can be legally complex, as it depends on your state’s laws. |
| ✅ Crypto-Friendly: Many offshore poker sites accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This adds security and anonymity. | ❌ Limited Customer Support: Offshore sites often lack the customer service of US platforms. This can be problematic if issues arise. |
Are Offshore Poker Sites Legal in the US?
Just eight states currently offer regulated legal online poker in the US:
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
- Michigan
- Connecticut
- Pennsylvania
- Nevada
People in the rest of the country tend to rely on offshore poker sites like those mentioned in this review. These platforms aren’t technically legal, but US poker players won’t get into trouble for playing on them.
Anyone who decides to start using an offshore poker site should ensure they choose one that is safe and legitimate as there are some dodgy options. Every website on our list holds a license from a respectable overseas gambling authority.
Certain real money poker sites on our list aren’t available in certain states. For example, Bovada Poker is not accessible in NJ, NY, DW, NV, MD, MI, CO, WV, and CT.
Tax on Poker Winnings at Offshore Poker Sites
While offshore poker sites might not have to pay taxes in the US, any US resident who uses them will do. The IRS includes winnings on poker as gambling income, which is taxable regardless of which site you used to earn them. This is generally reported in a dedicated section on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), but if you’re unsure then it’s always best to get qualified financial advice.
When it comes to a more local level, taxes will vary depending on which state you live in, as each state has different rules and regulations on gambling.
If you’re a professional gambler then you might be able to report winnings and losses as income and expenses as a self-employed individual. This isn’t legal or financial advice and shouldn’t be taken as such, so check with a local tax expert if this is a route you’re considering.
Ultimately, there is a lot of misinformation regarding offshore tax winnings in the US. While it’s unfortunate, the reality is that the US tax code is clear when it comes to gambling, that winnings are taxable, and you will have to pay them whether you’ve earned them on a US-operated online gambling site or an offshore poker room.
How We Find the Best Offshore Sites for Playing Poker
We consider many features that contribute to an offshore poker site’s quality to fairly review it. The weighting beside each area shows the weighting our experts give it in an overall context.
Poker Variants (25%)
The first area we consider is the selection of online poker variants. We list the different options and assess the level of traffic that the cash games typically receive, as well as the range of stakes.Tournaments (25%)
Many people strictly play tournaments, which is why we carefully look at their variety and frequency. Tournaments come in many forms, such as satellites, guaranteed events, progressive knock-outs, and signature series.We look at the prizes and if they are guaranteed or depend on the number of entrants.
Poker Promotions (10%)
Everyone loves getting their hands on promotions and US poker players are not different. The top offshore poker sites will usually have a welcome offer such as a deposit bonus which boosts your initial playing balance.Then you’ll often see a rakeback program that allows you to get back some of the money the site takes from each pot or tournament entry. Other promotions you’ll come across include reload bonuses, Bad Beat Jackpots, freerolls, and even loyalty programs.
Poker Playing Experience (15%)
We want to make sure that the experience is always top-notch. This goes from logging into your account to finding a table, and the quality of the gameplay. We consider the usability of both mobile and desktop platforms to ensure consistency.Payments (15%)
A top-notch offshore poker site needs to incorporate a variety of secure and easy payment options for deposits and withdrawals. We also focus on payment speeds, fees, and usability.Security (10%)
Your financial and personal information should always be protected, so you must ensure the offshore poker site uses SSL encryption, firewalls, 2FA, and other protective measures. Another area we look at is licensing to ensure the regulatory process has been followed.
Offshore Poker Site Networks
Leading poker sites will often be part of a network to share traffic with other platforms. Ultimately this means that players will have greater choice of tables and stakes. Here are some of the most popular offshore poker networks:
Chico Poker Network
Previously called the Action Poker Network, three different poker rooms call the Chico Poker Network home. You’ll typically find about 500 people actively playing cash games on a given day, with the total players often reaching the 1,000 mark.
One of the hallmarks of this network is the fun selection of promotions that will particularly appeal to more casual poker players. That in turn can attract more experienced people who are looking for opportunities to win.
PaiWangLuo Poker Network
Previously known as the Bodog Network, offshore poker operators like Ignition and Bovada call the PaiWangLuo Poker Network their home. Not many networks will have better traffic levels, with the daily average for cash games usually being around 900, with the peaks often reaching 2,000 players.
Plenty of tournaments take place and it even has features that allow people to play anonymously.
Winning Poker Network
One of the biggest names in the industry, Winning Poker Network (WPN) has been serving players in the US and internationally since 2001. Since rebranding in 2012 from Yatahay Natwork, WPN has gained huge popularity since combining with America’s Card Room.
As a long-running network, WPN has a wide range of games and tournaments available. It hosts Texas Hold’em, Omaha, regular tournaments, Jackpot Poker, and more. Along with prompt payouts and a reputation for safety, it’s a reliable network only used by safe offshore poker sites.
Horizon Poker Network
Some offshore platforms that are a part of the Horizon Poker Network are Juicy Stakes and EveryGame Poker. It is one of the longest-running networks, catering to players for over 20 years.
It is especially known for its lucrative sign-up offers and strong rakeback. Traffic will be significantly lower in this network than in the two aforementioned options.
How to Sign Up at Offshore Poker Sites
Starting online poker action in the US is quick through the best online poker sites. Signing up and getting started is easy, and we have outlined the steps below.
Step 1: Visit the Website
Step 2: Create an Account
Fill out the form provided and verify your email address by clicking the link you were sent.
Step 3: Download the App
Step 4: Deposit Money
Getting into the online poker action on offshore poker sites requires you to move money onto the site. Once you have followed these easy steps, depositing funds onto the site should be very simple. Pick the best method for you and get started within minutes.
Popular Poker Variants
Using the best online poker sites allows you to play all kinds of fun offshore poker games. Players might opt for bread-and-butter poker games like No-Limit Hold’em or other exciting options. You should always check that your poker site has a mix of variants like Stud, Triple-Draw, and more.
No-Limit Hold’em
The original game of poker and the most popular by far, No-Limit Hold’em is a game that started a poker boom when Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker in 2003. Since then, players have taken the 2-card game to replicate that rags-to-riches story. It allows for multiple streets of betting, calling, and raising with two cards but also allows you to go all in at any moment, creating an exciting game.
Pot-Limit Omaha
The game of PLO is very similar to No-Limit Hold’em. The biggest difference is how you bet and the number of cards you can access. Pot-Limit Omaha brings in four cards to your hands and requires you to use at least two in your hand. The action is crazy, as the nuts constantly change, and bet sizes are capped.
Limit Hold’em
A variant of Texas Hold’em that limits poker betting to ‘big bets’ that get measured on the big blind, it is a much slower game that focuses less on maths and more on reading abilities and being able to bluff your opponent.
Poker Tournaments
Many types of tournaments are available at the best offshore poker sites. Familiarize yourself with the options so you can start exploring them. Here’s a look at the most common tournaments:
Multi-Table Tournaments
The most typical type of tournament that people will think of with online poker is when there is a long list of people battling it out to finish in first place.
It will be the last person standing who takes home the big pot, with many tables often making up the tournament, with this number eventually whittling down to the final table of action.
Multi-table tournaments (MTTs) can range widely in size. Some will have thousands of participants, while others will have dozens.
Sit-and-Gos
Sit-and-Gos are a mix of cash games and tournaments commonly found at offshore poker casinos. It sees you playing only against those who are at your table. Once the table is full, the action begins and you battle it out until only one person is left standing.
Turbo Tournaments
Some people can’t deal with the slow pace of regular tournaments, so they go for options that are sped up. The blinds in these events will increase at a much faster rate, so tournaments finish much quicker.
Satellite Tournaments
These tournaments see you battling to get a seat at a more lucrative event. It’s a type of qualifier that will often pay you prizes in the form of entries to an event, rather than cash prizes.
Many of the world’s most high-profile poker tournaments are satellites, including the Word Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
Different Player Levels
Everyone’s level of experience with online poker is different. Some are total beginners or more casual players, while others take it very seriously and might even treat it as their full-time profession.
The stakes at which you play will often differentiate players, but you can still get sharks in the small-money games and newbies in the high-roller events.
There are often special tournaments and poker rooms for beginner players who have just signed up for a given poker site. You’ll also see that some platforms are more beginner-friendly than others.
Then other offshore poker sites will be more aimed towards experienced players who like having access to a wide range of variants and features. All the poker sites outlined on our list can offer a good blend of options, so players of all experience levels will feel comfortable.
Advantages of Offshore Online Poker
Online poker is arguably the most popular format today, hosting the best cash games, the juiciest tournament guarantees, and the most prominent poker variants.
Fortunately, US online poker players can get involved through some of the best USA poker sites, allowing them to play regulated poker from home. Here are the biggest advantages of playing on an offshore online poker site:
- Better Game Selection: PokerStars, GGPoker, and others are quickly becoming known for their tough player pools. Several of the best poker websites have soft, fun, and action-packed cash games, easy MTT fields, and better games available.
- More Bountiful Promotions and Rakeback: Offshore poker sites give players better promotions, bonuses, and rakeback. Whether through FPP (Frequent Player Points), deposit or reload bonuses, or freeroll tickets, you can get your money’s worth on these poker sites.
- Fun Player Pools: Player traffic for the best online poker sites tends to have more “fun” players from all over the world, but mainly from countries with online poker regulation issues like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Huge Tournaments: While you might not match the Sundays on PokerStars or a series like WSOP Online, you can find some huge tournaments on offshore poker sites, like Ignition’s Sunday Milly or Bovada’s weekly $100K guarantee.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
Playing at offshore poker sites can be quite intimidating for anyone who has never done it before. To help you better understand how they differ from other sites, we’ve outlined some of the biggest changes and explained some things to think about, below.
- Legalized vs Regulated: A common misconception about offshore poker sites is that they are not regulated and, therefore, unsafe to play on. This could not be further from the truth, as all the sites we have reviewed have gained a license from a governmental body. Legalized online poker in the United States is a grey area market and differs state by state.
- Player Pools: A significant drawback to most legalized, regulated poker sites compared to other options is the player pool and liquidity. Sadly, many of the best US poker sites are limited to certain states or countries, while overseas sites can get a huge amount of players from all over the globe.
- Process Payments: Generally, getting money to and from some of the best poker sites in the USA can be complex, but due to the grey area offshore poker sites operate in, they make payments a bit longer than regulated American poker sites. This does not mean there is any lack of transparency or safety, it just adds to a lengthier wait time.
- Reputation: When it comes to operating time and trustworthiness, it is hard to beat the best US online poker sites in the regulated market that have built credibility over time. This does not mean that offshore poker sites present any danger or vulnerability.
Poker Bonuses Available
Bonuses make up a considerable part of US-friendly poker sites and their offering. Who doesn’t love free money back after playing their favorite poker variant or some MTTs? We’ve researched the bonuses available at some of the best poker sites we have reviewed; check them out below.
| Bonus Type | About |
| Welcome Bonus | A bonus with a maximum amount returned when you first deposit |
| Rakeback | Rakeback gives you a $ amount for the rake contributed |
| Reload Bonus | A bonus after your deposit gets matched by the poker site |
| Bad Beat Jackpot | A jackpot that is struck when a player beats another with a certain high-ranking hand |
| Free Rolls | Tickets to free tournaments that have guaranteed prize pools |
Depositing and Withdrawing at Offshore Poker Sites
Having a variety of payment methods to use when playing to an offshore poker site is important. Players want fast, reliable, and low-cost ways to add funds and withdraw winnings. Here’s a look at some popular offshore online poker transaction methods.
🪙 Cryptocurrencies
Most offshore sites embrace cryptocurrencies due to their speed and security. Leading poker sites offer a variety of tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Exclusive crypto bonuses are available, and withdrawals process faster with cryptocurrency than any other payment option. Expect transactions to take minutes when your payout gets approval from the poker site operator.
🌐 E-Wallets
Another main option is e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. They rival cryptocurrencies for withdrawal speeds and incorporate plenty of security features. Users don’t need to share sensitive financial information with a poker site.
A potential downside is some offshore poker platforms don’t allow players to claim deposit bonuses using e-wallets. Reading the terms and conditions of poker bonuses is important to ensure you don’t miss out on the action.
💳 Traditional Banking Methods
Traditional payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, and prepaid cards are common on the top offshore poker websites. People know how to use them and their security features are very good.
Withdrawal speeds are relatively slow when using debit cards and bank transfers, with funds often needing up to a week to hit your account.
📱 Mobile Payments
A growing number of online poker sites support mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App. Millions of Americans use these apps every day due to their simple interfaces and quick payments.
Anyone playing poker on their phones will enjoy them. The main downside is that mobile payment systems aren’t usually a withdrawal option on offshore or licensed poker sites.
Tips for Playing Online Poker at Offshore Sites
- Create a Poker Bankroll: Being a serious and responsible online poker player means you should set aside some funds to play poker and properly manage this money. This is called a bankroll and allows you to gamble responsibly, as well as track your wins and losses.
- Pick Good Games: Some newcomers or overzealous regulars are guilty of jumping into tough games, too high-stakes, or formats they do not fully understand. Stick to what you know and try to play in games you are familiar with and are within your skill level. Remember, if you can’t spot the fish at the table after 15 minutes, then it’s probably you.
- Use a HUD: A great feature of offshore poker sites is HUD usage. Use apps like PokerTracker 4 or Hold’em Manager to track your performance, stats, and data to analyze everything to see how to improve. Poker cheat sheets can also be a simple alternative, while poker solvers are growing in popularity.
- Have Fun: While it’s great taking poker seriously and becoming the best you can be, you still need to remember it’s a game. When it isn’t fun anymore, take a break and recalibrate.
- Avoid Tilt: Losing is a part of poker even for the best professional poker players. Take the losses and wins with the same level of emotion and you can be on your way to becoming a top online poker player.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Most poker sites will have a few different promotions running at any time. Taking advantage of them can help boost your bottom line. These include tournament freerolls, reload bonuses, and cashback.
- Learn More: There are many resources to learn how to get better at poker. Many experts post hand analysis on YouTube for example and you can learn more about the main poker strategies.
Playing at Offshore Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
While all the poker sites we reviewed have a mobile platform available to players, the clear standout was CoinPoker. They have one of the best downloadable poker apps we’ve reviewed, offering a great user experience and plenty of gameplay.
The menu keeps things basic so you don’t need to spend much time getting where you want to go. You can quickly see how many people are playing a given cash game or tournament, with the tables loading instantly.
The entire gameplay experience is perfectly designed for the smaller screen size, so you won’t miss out on any of the benefits of playing online poker despite using your phone.
Online Poker vs In-Person Poker
Since Planet Poker started offering gamblers a way to play without being in the same room in 1998, more people have been enjoying the game than ever before. While you might think there’s little difference between playing face-to-face and through a website or app, they couldn’t be more different. We’ve explained some of the key changes to poker gameplay online and in-person players’ experience below.
- Convenience: The convenience of online poker is obvious. You have access 24/7 to poker tables, rather than to deal with poker room closing times. Visiting a physical location is also unnecessary as you can play from your bed if you want through your phone or computer.
- Variety: Poker sites provide a much greater variety to players as they can choose between tons of variants and table limits. Playing in person, you’re constrained by who’s at the poker room or game on a given day.
- Enjoyment: Many people enjoy in-person poker better. Plenty of chat occurs during most games, and playing with physical cards and poker chips adds to the overall experience.
- Skillsets: Different skill sets are necessary depending if you play online or offline. While people bluff on poker sites, the art of hiding your emotions or reading another person’s ticks often makes in-person poker more thrilling.
US States Where Offshore Poker is Popular
While people across the US enjoy using offshore poker sites, a few regions especially embrace these platforms. Florida and California are two of the top three most populated states, so it’s only natural that there is plenty of interest among Californians and Floridians in online poker.
There are also many physical poker rooms found across both of these states, so they are home to many avid players and there isn’t much hope in the near future of regulated markets coming to these jurisdictions.
Then you’ve other regions like Michigan with a regulated online poker scene, but the traffic levels often aren’t what they are with offshore platforms. This means that the same selection of games isn’t available, so people look at the likes of CoinPoker instead.
Finally, some states regularly consider legalizing online poker but don’t manage to get legislation over the line. People in states like Illinois avidly play poker and until a regulated market becomes a reality, they’ll continue being a big customer base for the top sites we outlined in this guide
The Best Offshore Poker Site for US Players
| Recommended Site | Ignition Casino |
| Overall Rating | 9.8 |
| Compatible Devices | iOS, Android, PC |
| Welcome Bonus | $3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus |
| Banking Options | Crypto Wallets and Crypto Exchanges, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Neosurf |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | BTC, BTH, ETH, LTC, USDT |
| Licensing | Curaçao eGaming License |
After reading our reviews, it’s clear that plenty of great offshore poker sites are available for players. While you can’t go wrong with any of the ones we’ve reviewed, Ignition Casino is the best choice for December 2024.
Accepting a wide range of banking methods, you can play with fiat currency or enjoy extra layers of privacy protection with cryptocurrency. The welcome bonus is one of the best around, with $3,000 split between poker and casino games.
While the software can be slow at times, the site is supported across all devices and has easy navigation. Hopefully, this will improve with future updates, but it doesn’t detract from the overall poker gambling experience that’s still one of the best around. You can read our full review for more information, or click below to get started.
$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus
US Offshore Poker Sites – FAQs
Are offshore poker sites legal in the US?
Is it safe to play online poker at offshore sites?
What offshore sites are best to play poker at?
Can you play poker at offshore sites for real money?
What is the best offshore poker site for beginners?
Can offshore poker sites detect a VPN?
What is the best poker site in December 2024?
Responsible Gambling
Online poker can provide a lot of entertainment to players, but there are also some dangers. People need to ensure they are always engaging in offshore gambling responsibly. Otherwise, you can quickly fall into a bad cycle of losing money you can’t afford to do without.
Some people will move up the stakes too quickly and soon realize that they are out of their depth, while others will try to enter tournaments with big buy-ins when they don’t have the financial means or necessary playing experience to make it worthwhile.
Most leading offshore casinos and poker sites will have responsible gambling tools available. These include deposit limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion. You can put these protections in place to better control your gambling.