About Us

Best Poker Sites was built for one reason: online poker in the US is a patchwork of state-regulated rooms, offshore operators and everything in between, and that patchwork is confusing to navigate on your own. We compare the sites and apps players actually ask about, explain how the offshore market works, and point out where the risks and trade-offs sit — so you can make an informed decision rather than a rushed one.

Why we cover offshore poker sites

Online poker is only regulated on a state-by-state basis in the US — there is no federal framework, and only a handful of states currently license and regulate domestic real-money poker. That leaves players in most of the country choosing between sitting out entirely or using an offshore-licensed site that accepts US players. We built this page because that gap in the market is exactly what most of our readers are searching for: a straight answer on which offshore rooms are worth a look, and what "regulated" actually means when a site is licensed outside the US.

We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Offshore sites typically hold licences from jurisdictions such as Curaçao, rather than a US state regulator or a body like the UKGC or MGA. That distinction matters for player protection, dispute resolution and fund security, and we say so plainly in every review rather than implying a level of oversight that isn't there.

How we assess and rank the sites we cover

Our ratings are built from publicly available information: each operator's stated licensing, the games and formats on offer, traffic and player-pool signals where they're published, deposit and withdrawal options, mobile app functionality, and the terms attached to welcome offers. We read the terms and conditions on bonuses in full, including playthrough requirements and time limits, because that's usually where the real value of an offer is decided.

Commercial relationships never decide position on our tables. Some of the operators we cover pay a commission if a reader signs up through a link on this site — we disclose that clearly, and it does not influence how a site is scored or where it lands in our rankings. A poorly-run room does not move up the list because it pays commission, and a well-run one does not move down because it doesn't.

Reviews are updated as terms change. If an operator alters a bonus, a payment method stops working, or a licence status changes, we aim to reflect that on the next update rather than leaving stale figures live.

What we will not do

• We will not present poker as a way to make money, cover expenses, or replace an income — it's a game with real financial risk, skill or no skill.
• We will not use fabricated traffic numbers, invented bonus terms, or fake player testimonials to make a site look better than it is.
• We will not use urgency or pressure language to push a signup or deposit.
• We will not target or write for anyone under 21 (or 18 where a state permits it) — this content is for adults of legal gambling age only.

Responsible gambling comes first

Every review on this site sits alongside a responsible gambling message, because that's non-negotiable for us. If poker stops being entertainment and starts feeling like a way to chase losses, cover bills, or escape stress, that's a signal to step back. Free, confidential help is available around the clock through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Most states also run their own self-exclusion programs, and we respect those fully — we never suggest ways around them. You can read more on our Responsible Gambling page.

Who this site is for

We write for three kinds of reader, and try to serve all three without talking down to any of them: players new to online poker who want a straightforward, trustworthy recommendation; experienced grinders comparing rake, traffic and rakeback across rooms; and players specifically hunting for an alternative site, a crypto-friendly cashier, or a bonus worth clearing. If you're outside the US and looking at operators that accept play from outside GamStop's reach, our sister coverage on Non GamStop Casinos may be more relevant to what you're searching for.

Questions, corrections or feedback

If you spot something out of date — a bonus that's changed, a licence that's lapsed, a payment method that no longer works — we want to know. You can reach us through our Contact Us page, and our full terms of use are set out on the Terms and Conditions page. All content here is intended for adults aged 21 and over (18+ in states where that applies), and is provided for informational and comparison purposes only.