Consider this your official invitation to play real money online poker in the USA. This is the real deal – no holds barred poker. Whether you opt for Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, or Seven Card Stud, nothing compares to the fun and excitement of poker. Our poker games are designed to challenge and reward you on every hand. We bring the action.

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Not all poker rooms currently accept US players, but thankfully there's still a handful of reliable places to choose from…

Best US friendly poker sites.

These are the best real-money US friendly poker roomsthat I've played at. I think they're the most reliable online poker sites available to Americans as of January 2020.
I haven't bothered listing the ones I don't trust.

Is it legal to play online poker in the US?

I'm a better poker player than I am a lawyer. So I wouldn't want you to completely trust everything I say on this topic. However, I've been involved with online poker for years, so I'm just going to give you my opinion on playing poker on the the Internet in the US anyway.

Aside from a few states (see below), it appears to be perfectly legal to play online poker for real money in the US. Thousands of American players play online poker for real money every week. No players have ever been arrested.

If online poker is was illegal, the online poker rooms would not be accepting US players. US-facing rooms are vigilant about staying on top of the law. So unless the poker rooms prevents you from creating an account, you are good to go.

It is safe to play online poker in most US states, which is why we have these US friendly poker rooms. If you would like further reassurance from a legal expert in this area, read this article by I. Nelson Rose.

Here's a reassuring quote for you:

You are not going to go to jail for merely playing poker online. It is not a federal crime to make a bet. Half the states do have ancient laws on the books making it a crime, sometimes, to make a bet. But these are never enforced. I have been unable to find anyone who has been charged, let alone convicted, for playing Internet poker.– I. Nelson Rose (Is it safe to play poker online?)

And here's another reassuring quote from VegasClick.com:

No American has ever been arrested, indicted, or prosecuted by the feds for gambling online, because there's no law against it.– Michael Bluejay (Is online gambling legal in the U.S.?)

The UIGEA.

The UIGEA was passed in September 2006. It stands for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, and it was attached to the SAFE Port Act. Official details can be found between 31 USC § 5361 and 31 USC § 5367.

Contrary to what some people believe, this did not make online poker illegal. It simply made it a little more difficult to process transactions to and from online poker rooms and online casinos. It does not make the act of playing poker online for real money illegal, so it's not aimed at you.

(I don't write much about casino stuff here, so if you're looking for a casino to play at you should check out my friend's casino bonus site.)

Black Friday.

On Friday 15th April 2011, the FBI seized the domains of the top 4 US-facing online poker rooms. This is known in the industry as Black Friday. The 4 main affected sites were:

• UB Poker & Absolute Poker

These poker rooms were indicted for apparent bank fraud offenses, although it definitely appeared to just be an attempt to reduce the number of online poker sites that could cater to US citizens. You can't let that kind of money go untaxed, so best to slow the issue down until the Government can think of a solution for getting a slice of the action.

This did nothing to change the legality of online poker -- it simply resulted in these poker rooms no longer accepting or offering real money play to US poker players. This was the biggest change in online poker for US players since the UIGEA came in to effect in September 2006.

The major US poker sites were kicked out, leaving behind a handful of smaller US-facing rooms to pick up the slack. Their software isn't as fancy as the old big boys', but they work and most importantly the (majority) are dependable companies to play with - it's not a Wild West of rogues.

US online poker law by state.

Each state has their own laws when it comes to gambling online. Here's a quick overview on playing online poker in the US by state.

States that have big problems with online poker.

• Washington

These states have explicitly stated that online poker is a felony. Some online poker rooms that accept US players have restricted access to players in these states.

States that have issues with online poker.

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New York
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Wisconsin

These states have issues with online poker and online gambling, but it's a bit of a grey area. It may be the case that there are some sort of laws in place, but they are not heavily enforced. I'm sure that there are many people in these states playing online poker on a regular basis, but there must be some element of risk.

As you may have spotted, I'm not a lawyer, so it's definitely in your best interest to do a bit of research for these particular states. This state gambling law summary at Gambling-Laws-US.com has a lot of helpful information, so check that out.

States that are regulating online poker.

• Nevada
• New Jersey

These states are beginning to allow regulated online poker through online gambling companies that have acquired permits.

It's early days though, so it's nothing to get excited about. Expect it to be a while before this regulated state-by-state poker situation gains traction and is a worth getting involved in as a serious poker player.

States that seem okay.

• All the rest

As far as I'm aware, the states in white do not seem to have any problems or issues with online poker. You'd obviously want to do a bit of checking around first to be sure, but unless you find anything blindingly obvious on the Internet you're probably fine.

For even more information on the current laws in each individual state (and general thoughts on the risks in each one), have a look at my friend's site: pokerlaws.org/united-states/. He writes more about it than I do, and is also a lot more American than I am.

Why aren't all poker rooms US friendly?

In a nutshell, it is easier for some rooms to operate by not accepting any US players at all.

The UIGEA has made processing deposits and withdrawals trickier, so some rooms prefer to stick with non-US players to make their life easier.

Poker companies have limited resources, so some have decided to focus on developing their product and servicing players rather than constantly dealing with difficult payment processing. Other's are happy to put up with the effort. Different poker rooms, different plans and ideas.

There are a lot of poker players outside the US, so some have just decided to focus their attention on other markets. Fair enough.

Best US poker deposit methods.

Although deposit and withdrawal options are slightly limited for US players, it is still easy to add funds and withdraw money from your online poker account. Some of the more popular deposit options for US players include:

1. Bitcoin - This is the most utterly restriction-free way to send money across the Internet. You just have to be prepared to put up with the volatility of a fledgling currency. Having said that, I think it's amazing.
2. Credit Card - The success rate of this method varies greatly from room to room. It's hit and miss, but worth a shot. VISA cards have the highest success rate.
3. Western Union / MoneyGram

Different poker rooms will have different deposit and withdrawal methods on offer for you, so don't expect to find the exact same methods everywhere. The poker room will let you know your options in the cashier, so your best bet is to just sign up and see what they've got. They'll usually highlight options for US players.

Note: Don't be surprised to have to pay fees for these methods, and higher ones than players outside of the US might be paying. They're not terriby large, but they're noticeable. If you make a deposit/withdrawal without paying a fee, consider it a bonus.

Other useful links.

As I say, I'm not a lawyer (not yet anyway), so I don't have all the answers. Here are a few helpful pages with more in-depth information:

Go back to the Texas Hold'em rooms.

Real money Ultimate Texas Hold’em is a popular game for players that enjoy winning big. The world series of poker have made this Texas Hold’em variant extremely popular.

OUSC will give you the top online casinos and which variants are available to US players. Read up on ways to play, strategy tips, and the benefits of playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em (UTH) with real money.

With UTH, the house makes money based on the house edge, so you will not be paying any rake. That’s just one significant advantage of this online game!

The Best Casinos with Real Money Ultimate Texas Hold’em

When it comes to real money Ultimate Texas Hold’em, there are quality options for gameplay. We recommend only the best online casinos for access to trusted banking methods, player security, and amazing bonuses.

These are some of the best gambling sites to play UTH:

An excellent option for real money Ultimate Texas Hold’em is Betway Casino. They offer the game in the Live Dealer section, allowing players to compete like they would when visiting a land-based casino. The operator provides a wealth of live dealer games as well as traditional casino options like slots and table games. New players get up to €1,000 in welcome bonus cash!

• Payout Speed: 1-2 Days
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For many years, 888 Casino has provided online casino gamers with quality options for gambling. Currently, 888 offers real money Ultimate Texas Hold’em within their live casino section. Enjoy TV-quality poker gaming, going head to head with the dealer during gameplay. Even choose to raise after the ante-bet. New players get a welcome bonus of up to $2,000.

• Payout Speed: 3-4 Days
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Play Ultimate Texas Hold’em for Real Money in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: Sign Up at a Top Online Casino

Visit one of the top online casinos we recommend, log in to your existing account or sign up for a new player account. Be sure to check if they offer any welcome bonuses you can redeem.

Step 2: Make a Deposit

You must deposit if you want to wager with real money. Click the cashier and select a banking method that works for you. Loading your account with cash to play with is very easy and safe.

Step 3: Play Ultimate Texas Hold’em for Money

Search for Ultimate Texas Hold’em. You should find it under the Table Games tab or in the Live Dealer Casino section, depending on which online casino you join.

Can You Play Ultimate Texas Holdem Online in the US?

Currently, you cannot play Ultimate Texas Hold’em online for real money if you are in the US. But don’t worry, there are a couple of comparable options. The versions we cover below are available at the best gambling sites. You’ll find large welcome bonuses, quality customer service, and trusted player security.

The following variations offer a similar poker experience and are available to players in the USA.

Caribbean Hold’em

Caribbean Hold’em is also known as casino hold’em. You and the dealer get two hole cards and five community cards. The game is faster because you only wager before the hand and after the flop. Lastly, there is no need to bluff since you’re playing against the dealer.

Poker 3 Heads Up Hold’em

In Poker 3 Heads Up Hold’em it’s down to you and one guy at the table. You have a chance to fold or call after the flop, turn, and river. There is no raise, but with each call, the pot gets bigger. The intimidating characters help to simulate the feel of being at a real table.

Strategy to Win Money at Ultimate Texas Hold’em Online

When it comes to winning real money at Ultimate Texas Hold’em table games, having a plan helps. Better your odds with some added knowledge and a few simple tips to increase your chances of getting cash prizes. Below are four basic strategies to remember when playing:

1. Ultimate Texas Holdem Odds are Slightly Different

   Most players forget that Ultimate Texas Hold’em is different than the traditional Hold’em game. Remember, there is a 2.81% house edge on the initial bet. That is relatively low, but still, something to keep in mind.

2. Knowing When To Call

   When the dealer reveals the turn/river cards, you should make the call bet when you have a pair or better, as long as the pair includes one of your hole cards. If it consists of the community cards, it’s less likely that you have the best hand.

3. Raising 2x After the Flop

   Once the flop comes out, raise 2x when you have two pair or better. With a single pair, feel free to raise as long as you have a top pair with one of your hole cards.

4. You’re Competing Against the Dealer

   Keep in mind that you are playing against the dealer. That means no need to determine if another player is bluffing because it doesn’t matter!

For full rules, history, odds, payouts, and more strategy visit our Ultimate Texas Hold’em game page.

Practice Playing Ultimate Texas Holdem for Free

Most players feel better knowing a game before they decide to wager real money. It can be tough to find an online casino that offers Ultimate Texas Holdem for free. This quick and easy to use UTH practice tool will simulate gameplay and give you basic stats. You can even enable the advice option to get suggestions on when to bet, raise, and hold.

Once you are comfortable with Ultimate Texas Hold’em, we suggest easing into low-limit games. You can start with a small amount and play many hands. Bet on UTH for as little as 50¢ at Betway. Not only does that help you manage your bankroll, but you’ll also have chances to win real money throughout your learning experience.

Playing Free vs Real Money UTH

Free Gameplay

• No Setup or registration
• Practice games and strategies
• Have hours of fun at no cost

• Don’t get to keep winnings or jackpots
• Strict terms on no-deposit offers
• Limited casino and game selection

Real Money Gameplay

• Access the best casinos and games
• Keep all prizes, jackpots, and free spins
• Use deposit and welcome bonuses

• Better wagering requirements
• Low-limit games are available
• Ongoing promotions and tournaments

Live Dealer Ultimate Holdem Options

There are live dealer Ultimate Texas Hold’em games available online. With the live dealer format, players stream video of the table to their computer or mobile phone. You can chat and watch the cards unfold, just like in Vegas.

Both of the recommended online casinos above offer live dealer real money Ultimate Texas Hold’em. US players will have to find other options online as they only accept accounts from other countries at the moment.

Mobile Ultimate Texas Hold’em Table Games

Ultimate Texas Hold’em is available on mobile phones and tablets. Most online casino operators today offer apps or browser-based gaming for Android or iOS devices. The benefits of playing via mobile are that you can take your gaming on the go.

To play for real money via mobile, you won’t find specific apps for Ultimate Texas Hold’em within our recommended casinos. Each site is mobile-friendly, so you simply use your web browser to log in. The games and controls work well on small screens to ensure a great experience.

Why You Should Play Ultimate Texas Hold’em for Real Money

It’s clear to see why this fast-paced and popular Texas Hold’em variation is a fan-favorite. You can play Ultimate Texas Holdem online for real money from a computer or mobile phone. With its standard house-edge and no rake, it is a fun and profitable game when played correctly. Just like in regular poker, the rewards outweigh the risks!

New players will start with extra bankroll when using a welcome bonus. If you like the authentic Las Vegas feel, then you’re going to love this live dealer game. Go sign up, deposit, and start playing at our recommended online casinos today.

• Great odds of winning real money with basic strategy.
• Enjoy convenient gameplay from your computer or mobile devices.
• The casinos take no rake for UTH.
• Live dealer games offer the real casino feel.

• You need to learn the game to gain a better edge.
• Can’t read players or bluffs since you play against the dealer.

Players Also Ask About Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Players ask the experts at OUSC some questions regarding Ultimate Texas Holdem. Below are the frequently asked questions and their answers.

Yes. Online Ultimate Texas Holdem calculators exist. They will provide you with a strategy and odds analysis for situations involving the game.

There are online sites that offer free Ultimate Texas Hold’em for practice, such as Wizard of Odds.

Live Texas Holdem Real Money

You can play UTH for free online at some online casinos through practice mode. In most cases, only real money gameplay is available.

Online Texas Holdem Real Money

Yes! Many online casinos offer Ultimate Texas Hold’em for real money. Choose from 888 Casino or Betway Casino for the best gaming experience.