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Legal, regulated online poker sites in the US offer a safe game that you won’t inherently find if you use offshore, unregulated (at least not by US gaming authorities) poker sites.
With that in mind, this guide will help you determine what exactly constitutes a safe online poker site. The goal is to help you sign up, deposit and play at only the most trusted and reliable poker sites.
100% Safe & Secure Online Poker Games. 888poker NJ is fully licensed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to offer online poker games to players in the Garden State. All games are strictly regulated to ensure compliance with the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and trust. Real money online poker is legal in three states and counting. If you live in Nevada, New Jersey, or Delaware, find the best places to play legal US online poker and the best offers here. Join PokerAtlas.
When you play poker online for real money, safety and security are paramount. That includes ensuring:
The New Jersey legislature legalized online poker and casino games in the state in December 2012. After some back-and-forth between Gov. Chris Christie and the lawmakers, the governor finally signed the bill into law. As a result, New Jersey online poker and casino games launched on November 21, 2013. How to download a safe online poker site and set up an account. Because of SSL and encryption technology, downloading a poker app or desktop-based poker client is exceptionally secure. The same goes for depositing and cashing out. Unlike offshore and unregulated sites, legal online poker sites guarantee your funds are safe and secure. NJ Online Poker 888 Poker features free and real money games in NJ. While New Jersey was not the first state to launch online poker for real money, it was the first state with a large enough population to ensure numerous players in the games. Following successful launches in Nevada and Delaware, 888 was among the first wave of NJ poker rooms.
- The game itself is fair.
- Your funds are always secure.
- Proper security is in place and persistent, effective efforts are in place to identify any hints of player collusion.
If you’re worried about finding a safe poker site to play on, this page we’ll answer all your questions including:
List of the safest poker sites for US players
The US online poker market consists of some of the most trusted names in online gaming. You can trust these major brands to offer you plenty of action in a secure and fair environment.
Among them will be many names you likely recognize including PokerStars, partypoker, WSOP, 888poker and Borgata Poker. If you don’t live in a fully legalized and licensed online poker state, Global Poker is a trusted and safe sweepstakes poker site many players use.
So far, these are the operators that offer legal and safe real money online poker in the US:
1. PokerStars – $30 Free Play
- Available in Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey.
- Largest online poker operator in the world.
- Great software, downloadable poker app
- Incredible tournament selection and variety with big guaranteed prize pools.
- Numerous promotions and major tournament series throughout the year
- Home Games feature to set up and play private poker games and tournaments with friends online
- First-class customer support team on call 24/7
- Industry-leading security protocols to monitor fair play & collusion
2. WSOP.com – $10 Free
- Available in New Jersey and Nevada.
- It shares a liquidity market in the two states and with 888poker in Delaware.
- The site uses partner 888poker’s software.
- Offers online bracelet events and live WSOP event qualifiers.
- World-renowned brand with commitment to customer service and player protection
3. 888poker.com – $20 Free
- Available in New Jersey and Delaware.
- Remains the sole online poker operator in Delaware.
- Partners with WSOP on qualifiers.
- It’s a proven international brand with excellent poker experience.
4. Partypoker/Borgata Poker/BetMGM – $25 Free
- Available in New Jersey and a leader in the industry.
- Both are major poker and gaming brands in New Jersey and abroad.
- Partypoker offers qualifiers for its live events.
- Borgata Poker & BetMGM Poker skins offer qualifiers to live events at the property.
Is Global Poker a safe, legal and legitimate online poker option?
If you’re outside the regulated markets mentioned above, you have another option: Global Poker.
This site is based on a poker sweepstakes model.Global Poker’s sweepstakes license (like the one given to McDonald’s Monopoly game) makes playing its free sweeps cash games legal in much of the US and Canada.
The site is based more on social gaming than traditional online poker. Players use virtual chips (Gold Coins) they can win for playing, but these don’t have any cash value and they can’t redeem them for USD.
However, when purchasing more Gold Coins, you also receive the site’s sweepstakes currency called Sweeps Coins. This virtual currency can be used for Sweeps Coin tournaments and ring games. Unlike Gold Coins, accumulated Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes.
Global Poker offers a safe and secure alternative for poker players. VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia, owns Global Poker. The site is also licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Alongside the playing experience, excellent customer service and easy deposit and withdrawal methods have been confirmed with Global Poker. Like the regulated casino poker sites mentioned above, security and safety hasn’t been a concern.
What is a safe poker site?
So what should you consider when getting started with online poker? Some signs will easily show a poker site is safe and regulated. Here’s what to look for:
1. Safe poker sites are licensed and regulated by states
In the US, there are six states currently set for legalized online poker:
West Virginia online poker was also legalized in 2018/2019 but has not gone live yet. All six states feature a completely legal and regulated market overseen by state government authorities.
Just like traditional retail casinos and poker rooms, reliable online poker sites face strict licensing and regulation. The sites can only operate in complete compliance and enforcement.
2. Safe poker sites use proper technical security and geolocation
These regulations make your information and funds secure. Legal and licensed online casinos and poker sites have systems in place to offer numerous player protections that are required by state laws and regulations.
Geolocation software also makes sure all players are located within the legal jurisdiction. State regulators require this technology to keep the game safe from outside influences.
Another key security issue is the prevention of player collusion and gameplay issues like chip dumping. Each operator monitors gameplay in this way. Software monitoring commonly uncovers player collusion and discrepancies. It assures you of a safe and fair game of poker.
3. Safe poker sites have proper deposit and cash out methods
Along with gameplay, safe online poker sites ensure your funds are secure. That goes likewise for the deposit and cash out process. Whether you fund your account through e-check, debit card or another form of payment (e.g., some poker sites now accept PayPal), the licensed poker site ensures your personal information, account and other information are secure.
Players who use offshore, illegal poker sites will not encounter measures as stringent and have no way to know if their funds and information are safe. They also have little to no recourse if their funds are confiscated or their account is closed.
4. Safe poker sites have government oversight
Poker sites in legalized US states are regulated by laws and rules enforced by those states’ gaming commissions. This statute should give you a level of confidence in secure online poker rooms that don’t come with using unregulated poker sites.
In the legalized states that can offer online poker, the regulating bodies are:
- Nevada Gaming Control Board
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Michigan Gaming Control Board
- West Virginia Lottery Commission
The entities ensure that play is truly random through random number generators and that the game is fair for everyone playing. They also monitor to make sure payouts are made fairly and that operators follow proper and legal procedures.
5. Safe poker sites have proper channels for customer service and disputes
The gaming regulators in each state offer recourse for those who may have a complaint or dispute. Reputable poker sites also provide customer service support for those looking to ask a question or have an issue resolved.
Most operators offer several means to contact customer service and support, including:
- An FAQ section
- User help database
- Email support
- Live chat
- Customer service phone number
How do I know it’s a safe and trustworthy poker site?
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an online poker operator. Beyond state regulators and gaming commissions, some other factors can help ensure numerous player protections:
- State-Approved Partnerships: Each online poker operator must have a live casino partner in each state. Casinos must meet extensive regulations, and this adds to player safety. It also gives you a local, trusted brand.
- Reputable Companies: In addition, most companies offering online poker within each state are trusted and proven brands. Many are also public companies and not the fly-by-night operations one might find in the offshore, unregulated market.
- Approvals and Inspections: Each legal site has a seal or statement somewhere on the home page, which indicates it is a regulated site. For example, PokerStars NJ has a link to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. These sites are regularly inspected and monitored by these commissions.
- Mainstream Deposit and Cash Out Methods: Along with being regulated and having casinos in the jurisdiction as partners, trusted online poker sites use accepted, mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods. Those include PayPal, e-checks, bank transfers, e-wallets, and debit and credit cards, among other options. Some even allow deposits at a casino partner’s cashier cage. You can also expect quick turnarounds on withdrawals as well.
- Support and Customer Service: Reliable poker sites offer numerous ways to help with an issue or concern, from email and FAQ to live chat and a customer service phone number. Offshore operators might not provide this support.
- SSL Encryption: A critical focus in the security effort, secure sockets layer (SSL) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. It helps keep your player information private and safe.
How to download a safe online poker site and set up an account
Because of SSL and encryption technology, downloading a poker app or desktop-based poker client is exceptionally secure. The same goes for depositing and cashing out.
Unlike offshore and unregulated sites, legal online poker sites guarantee your funds are safe and secure. Trouble or long delays getting payouts are a common complaint about unregulated sites, but this is not an issue if you use regulated, secure and reliable poker sites as mentioned here.
Downloading is simple. Simply use any of the links above to get started, which will also allow you to take advantage of the listed free no deposit poker bonuses and the additional deposit match bonuses.
You then enter some necessary information like name, address, email, username and password. Once that’s complete, you may have to confirm your identity and email.
Deposit and withdrawal methods at a legal online poker site
After getting an account set up, making a deposit is also a simple process. Reliable online poker sites offer several safe deposit methods, including:
- PayPal
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa or Mastercard
- Wire payments
- E-wallets, such as Neteller and Skrill
- Cash at partner casinos
When cashing out your winnings, the process is safe and secure as well. You can receive your winnings back via the method you used to deposit.
Trusted poker sites offer fast and secure payouts through several options. Some offer a paper check option for payouts as well. Many even provide cash payouts from casino partners at the cashier cage.
What’s one thing you don’t have to worry about with a regulated site? Funds not being there or disappearing out of the blue.
Your funds are not intermingled with operator or casino funds at a secure, legal poker site. The money is held in separate accounts and available to you 24/7 so you can feel confident that your funds are safe.
Are poker apps safe?
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As online poker has grown, the use of mobile phones and tablets has become an even more popular way to play in the last several years. All major safe US poker sites offer mobile poker apps for iPhone/iPad and Android devices with excellent app interfaces .
Secure poker app providers include:
Poker apps provide the same security as desktop poker clients. Apps must still meet tight regulations from each jurisdiction’s gaming commission. Poker apps also include geolocation software to make sure every player is within the state offering legal online poker.
How do I keep my poker account secure?
Regulated and reliable online poker sites offer a secure environment for signing up, depositing, cashing out and playing. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your online poker experience remains safe.
Here are a few security recommendations:
- Use proper security protocols when depositing.
- Be careful when playing on public Wi-Fi.
- Don’t share usernames or passwords with anyone.
- Make passwords challenging to figure out.
- Don’t leave a game open on a device or computer that’s unattended.
How do I recognize an ‘unsafe’ poker site?
This question is good to keep in mind when jumping into online poker for the first time. Many offshore poker sites will not offer any regulatory information or display the legal sealof an appropriate governing body or regulatory commission.
They may also feature more obscure website addresses and not be a well-known brand. Offshore operators may also make use of less scrupulous deposit methods, which come with many security concerns.
Some unregulated poker sites make it challenging to find where they are based. It is a red flag as to the site’s legitimacy and security protocols. Your player funds may not be safe with these sites or using their deposit options.
You should never use a questionable deposit method. Also, transferring funds to players you don’t know can be sketchy. Look out for these types of scams on unregulated poker sites.
Safest poker sites FAQ
After considering all these facts and concepts, here are some key ideas to remember:
What do I do if I think I’m playing on an unsafe poker site?
Research the site and determine if it’s a legitimate US poker site. If not, look for a legal option, including those mentioned in this guide. You may want to withdraw your funds from an offshore site and use a legitimate, secure option.
How do I know if a poker site is reputable?
Make sure it’s a legal US site by looking for signs that it’s licensed by a state regulating body. However, beware of imposters that may represent themselves as a legal option. When in doubt, contact your state gaming commission to see if the site falls under its jurisdiction.
Is it safe to play against players from other countries?
Legal US online poker uses “fenced-in” markets, and only players within specific states can play. Any site featuring players from other countries doesn’t fall in line with American law. It can be a major security issue, and you should avoid these sites.
Are Bitcoin poker sites safe?
Again, many of these sites use cryptocurrency to get around American law. Just because a site accepts a deposit doesn’t mean that it’s a legal, regulated site. Review this article for websites that are legal in the US, including sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker.
Do I need to worry about viruses from poker sites?
Regulated online poker sites offer secure, safe environments. They meet rigorous licensing, technology and regulatory requirements to stay in business and to keep serving players. You will never download any malware or viruses from a legal and regulated poker site.
Nevada isn’t just a great place for poker players who enjoy some time at the live tables. It’s also one of only four states with legal real-money online poker in the US. Players from Las Vegas to Reno to Carson City can take advantage and get a seat at an online poker table at any time.
The market has also seen some growth in recent years. Players can now qualify for seats into the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and even win an official WSOP bracelet online. That gives it a cachet other operators don’t have.
Latest Nevada online poker news
- by StaffMarch 1, 2021
- by StaffJanuary 6, 2021
NV Online Poker Bonus Codes
| Poker Site | Free Play Bonus | Bonus Code (Click to claim now) |
|---|---|---|
| WSOP.com | Free $10 | GET10 |
Online Poker in Nevada
With the WSOP playing out each summer at the Rio in Las Vegas, poker has become synonymous with the state of Nevada. Players come from around the world each summer for almost two months of live poker action.
That now usually includes online action and big online events as well with so many players in the state. Along with New Jersey online poker, Nevada has been a state leader in the online poker industry.
As of April 2020, WSOP.com is the only online poker site operating in the Silver State. WSOP.com debuted in Nevada (as well as New Jersey) back in 2013.
While traffic is fairly steady these days at around 500-800 players at peak times, WSOP.com makes a great option because of its secure, legal environment. Players can also play for seats in WSOP and major online tournament series.
New players to WSOP.com can earn a free $10 just for signing up and a 100% Deposit Bonus of up to $1,000 with the exclusive USPoker link. That’s a nice deal for new players.
Also, because of its shared player pools with players in New Jersey and Nevada, WSOP.com is able to create larger play and prize pools because of its shared liquidity in both states. That also includes 888poker’s pool of players in Delaware as well.
WSOP.com uses software from the well-established international online operator 888poker. The software is user friendly and features plenty of different cash games and tournament options.
Real Money Poker Apps in Nevada
More players than ever are using apps to play real money online poker. Poker apps make for a simple way to play poker on the go at any time. This comes with the same ease of use you may have found in the traditional poker client.
Online poker sites, including WSOP.com, have made their poker apps much more user friendly in recent years. That includes:
- Easy lobby navigation
- Simple game play features
- Efficient tiling options to play more than one game or event
- Simple download and signup even on a phone
Players will find a poker app that is easy to navigate and simple to download. Players can make cash outs and deposits just like they would on the desktop client.
Smaller events like Sit & Go’s are easiest to play on poker apps but larger multi-table tournaments are also possible on the WSOP.com app. An app makes for a great online poker experience.
WSOP.com Nevada online poker bracelet events
A WSOP gold bracelet has been and remains the biggest trophy in poker. WSOP.com also now rewards online bracelets each summer. The site hosted the first World Series of Poker online bracelet event on July 2, 2015.
That first event featured a $1,000 entry and the final two players actually met at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to finish the event live two days later.
The online event has returned every year since in an even more robust form. In 2018, for the first time, players in New Jersey competed in the online bracelet events with players in Nevada. Players also now finish the events online – not coming back later to play in a live setting.
That continued in 2019 and WSOP.com announced up to 85 gold bracelets for 2020, split between WSOP.com NV and GGpoker for international players. This is the largest number of online bracelets ever offered.
The site sees a major increase in its player pool each summer with so many players in Las Vegas for the live WSOP at the Rio. This drives player pools and is also a nice opportunity for players in New Jersey to get in on the action.
Satellites and super satellites to many World Series of Poker events can be found on WSOP.com during the spring and summer. A handful of these satellites are freerolls, and others require a buy-in as little as $1. Qualify for WSOP events via the link below:
Can I Play on Nevada Poker Sites from Outside Nevada?
All online US poker players must be located in a legal jurisdiction to play, in this case Nevada. Geolocation software also makes sure players are all located within the legal jurisdiction. This is also required by state regulators and keeps the game safe from outside influences.
That doesn’t mean a player has to be in the state to open an account or make a deposit. Players heading to Las Vegas for the live WSOP or just for some fun in Sin City can get up ahead of time and then easily play while in town (or anywhere else in Nevada for that matter).
How to Open a New Online Poker Account in/for Nevada
Getting started at WSOP.com is easy. After downloading the app or the full poker software, you can expect to provide some simple information like:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Username
- Password
You can also claim your free no deposit poker bonus as part of the sign-up process. After setting up an account, making a deposit using an app or via desktop/laptop is easy and safe. Players depositing at WSOP.com can use any of the following:
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayNearMe, available at thousands of retail outlets
Another option is making a deposit at a Caesars property including: Rio, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Harrah’s, Paris Las Vegas, and most other Caesars properties in Nevada. This is also a valid cash out method as well.
Are Legal Online Poker Sites Safe?
Legal online poker sites in the US must comply with strict laws and regulations. These help make your personal information and funds secure.
In Nevada, online poker is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. WSOP.com is a proven brand and now has a history of success in running online gaming along with its partner 888poker. That also goes for player safety and security.
Another security issue is player collusion and WSOP.com and other operators monitor these possibilities. Player collusion and discrepancies are commonly discovered by software monitoring. This helps ensure a fair game for all players.
Offshore and underground sites don’t always have these protections. Players often complain of slow payouts as well. In the past, some sites have gone under and players lost their funds.
In a legal, regulated market, players can be assured their funds are safe. Learn more about safe poker sites here:
Which Poker Sites Might Come to Nevada Next?
WSOP.com probably won’t be operating in Nevada by itself forever. With more live events being held in Las Vegas (and even in other cities, like with Run It Up Reno), other operators may see a nice group of players in live events also looking to play online.
Which of those might be possible? There are a few that might be interested.
partypoker
partypoker partners with the World Poker Tour, which stages several regular events in Las Vegas. The tour and partypoker team up for live events as well and partnered on the WPT Online Series in May 2020.
Nevada seems like a possibility for partypoker at some point, but there were no developments through the early part of 2020.
PokerStars
Another possibility might be PokerStars. Nevada’s original online poker law gave WSOP.com a head start because it included a “bad actor clause.” This forced a five-year wait for poker operators that had offered online poker in the US.
That time frame has now passed and with PokerStars looking to grow in the US, Nevada is the only state possible at the moment. Could a move into the Silver State be in the works? It seems possible at least.
Nevada online poker FAQ
Is online poker legal in Nevada?
The state of Nevada made online poker legal in 2013. That includes interstate compacts with other states offering legal online poker, as WSOP.com has done so with New Jersey and Delaware.
Many in the industry expected other states to legalize online poker after 2013, but that has been slow in coming. In early 2019, the US Department of Justice reversed a previous department opinion that the Wire Act applied only to sports betting.
That had some big consequences for online gaming including poker. The ruling would have made interstate compacts illegal. As of April 2020, the issue remained tied up in court after the DOJ lost the first round in court.
That has hampered opportunities for expanding interstate compacts with states like Pennsylvania, which launched real money online poker in 2019. Legislators there did not include interstate compacts in legalizing online poker.
Michigan online poker and West Virginia online poker were legalized in 2019. Small populous states like West Virginia may need these compacts for poker to survive in the state.
In the meantime, until the Wire Act is sorted out players can still take advantage of the WSOP and the three-state compact. That allows for larger prize pools and payouts.
What Nevada regulated poker rooms are live?
WSOP.com is currently the only regulated Nevada online poker room as of 2020.
Do I have to be a Nevada resident to play online poker?
No, but you need to be within the state of Nevada to play at regulated online poker rooms.
How does a poker room know a player is within Nevada?
Online poker rooms use three location devices to determine whether a player is within Nevada at the time of login.
One is the player’s IP address. This locates the point of a player’s internet connection. Cell phone triangulation is also used to determine a player’s location. The cellphone pings off multiple towers and its approximate location determines whether the player may sit at real money tables.
Mapping of wireless internet connections provides another location method. Real Gaming uses a smartphone app that uses multiple sources to verify the location.
Is Nevada location verification technology precise?
No, this is why players located within one mile of the state line may not play. This is the margin of error for cellphone triangulation and other methods. This ensures that no players can play outside the state.
What cities are within one mile of the Nevada state line?
Players in Primm, Mesquite, Laughlin, Jackpot, West Wendover and Stateline may not be able to play online poker in Nevada due to being within one mile of the state line.
How do you deposit at a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com accepts deposits via electronic checks, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, PayNearMe, PayPal and cash at the cages of the following Las Vegas casinos:
- Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
- Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
- Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
How do you cash out from a Nevada online poker room?
WSOP.com pays withdrawals by electronic checks, cash at five Caesars casinos in Las Vegas and check by mail.
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Nevada?
Nevada requires all online poker players to be 21 years of age or older. This is the same age requirement to gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Do Nevada online poker rooms share player pools with any other state or country?
Nevada online poker is only offered to players located in the state. 888 and WSOP networked player pools between Delaware and Nevada in March 2015. New Jersey joined in 2018 to create an even bigger player pool. Players located in the three states can compete against each other on WSOP.com.
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Why does my state not offer regulated online poker?
Most states require legislative action to expand gambling. This includes online poker. It will likely require a bill being passed by both state houses and a signature from the governor for a state to regulate online poker.
What games are offered at Nevada online poker rooms?
WSOP.com offers Texas Hold ’em cash games and tournaments for online play along with Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low.
Can I cash out from outside Nevada?
Yes, all poker rooms will allow players to withdraw from outside Nevada.
Does Nevada offer online casino games?
No, Nevada does not offer any official regulated real money online casinos. Nevada only offers online poker at this time.
Are player-to-player transfers allowed?
Player-to-player transfers are not allowed due to fraud and money laundering concerns.
How many players are there on WSOP.com?
As of April 2020, the WSOP/888 shared liquidity pool was seeing some of its best traffic ever. That came after the Coronavirus pandemic had many more players at home and looking for action.
That included regularly peaking at more than 800 players and a seven-day average of around 500 players in early April. The site also launched several major series like the Online Super Series to meet demand.
That series actually awarded WSOP Circuit rings and the site also hosts other WSOPC during the year. WSOP.com continues to add to its promotions and tournament offerings.
Nevada: Home to first licensed US online poker room
Contents
- 3 GOLD RUSH: WSOP.com Announces Packed 2021 Online Circuit Schedule; Hints at Launching in Another State
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
- 3.2.6 Which Poker Sites Might Come to Nevada Next?
- 3.3 Nevada online poker FAQ
- 3.2 Online Poker in Nevada
It all started with regulations drafted by the Nevada Gaming Commission on Dec. 22, 2011. An opinion letter written by the Department of Justice became public the following day stating that online poker did not violate the Wire Act. The DOJ opinion written three months earlier was in response to a state lottery inquiry.
Nevada Legislature took up the online poker issue in February 2013. It confirmed the regulations drafted by gaming regulators. Nevada lawmakers also included language that permits the governor to enter into liquidity sharing agreements with other states. Nevada has since entered into such an agreement with Delaware and New Jersey.
Ultimate Poker became the first entirely legal poker site in the US on April 30, 2013. There was no previous announcement leading up to the launch. The news hit the mainstream, and Ultimate Poker executives took to the airwaves to help promote the product.
Station Casinos was the group behind Ultimate Poker. The company is the largest locals casino owner in Las Vegas.
The site was heavily promoted at the casinos owned by Station and through direct mailers to players registered with the Boarding Pass players club. Ultimate Poker players could deposit and withdraw from any cashier cage operated by Station Casinos.
Ultimate Poker drew several hundred players from its first day. The first major Sunday tournaments hit its cap of 200 entrants and produced a $20,000 prize pool. Legal online poker was alive once again in the US.
WSOP.com launches and takes over the Nevada market
The fortunes of Ultimate Poker started to decline when WSOP.com launched on Sept. 17, 2013. It only took about six weeks for WSOP.com to overtake Ultimate Poker for the No. 1 spot regarding online poker traffic in Nevada.
WSOP.com Nevada was heavily promoted during the summer World Series of Poker. This helped it draw players away from Ultimate Poker.
The software used by WSOP.com was far superior to the one used by Ultimate Poker. This included the introduction of Omaha, Omaha High/Low, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud High/Low. Ultimate Poker only offered Texas Hold ’em at the time.
Real Gaming became the third online poker room in Nevada. Backed by South Point Casino, a locals casino on Las Vegas Boulevard south of the Strip. The site only offered No Limit Texas Hold ’em cash games and one-table tournaments.
The competition proved to be no match for Ultimate Poker. The site struggled with inferior software and an inability to improve it in a timely manner.
Ultimate Poker dealt its last hand of online poker in Nevada on Nov. 17, 2014. It previously folded its New Jersey operations on Oct. 5, 2014, citing the bankruptcy of its business partner Trump Taj Mahal as the reason. Ultimate Gaming, its parent company, has since ceased operations.
WSOP.com now controls more than 99 percent of the Nevada online poker market. Real Gaming struggles to draw a single full table and is completely dark most hours of the day.
Nevada Interstate online poker compact
Nevada and Delaware launched the first poker liquidity sharing agreement in March 2015, and New Jersey joined the mix in May 2018 to create a tri-state player pool in the US.
As the only platform available in all three states, WSOP.com was the only site to take full advantage of the liquidity sharing at launch. WSOP revealed new promotions, a bigger and better rewards program, and larger tournament guarantees in conjunction with its suddenly larger network.
888 provides WSOP.com’s platform and hosts the only poker network in Delaware. There are three skins on the Delaware poker network: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway. All are racinos that operate video lottery casinos in the state.
Nevada live poker rooms
Nevada is the home to live poker in the US. Las Vegas is where most of the action occurs.
Venetian is the largest poker room in Las Vegas. It offers 59 tables. That number goes up during its Deep Stack Extravaganza tournament series.
Bellagio is the second-largest Las Vegas poker room. It spreads 37 tables. Other major Las Vegas Strip poker rooms include Wynn, Aria, and Caesars Palace.
There are several popular poker rooms in Las Vegas located off the Strip. The Orleans is the largest and is the home of Omaha High/Low and Fixed Limit Hold ’em in Las Vegas. The Orleans draws an equal number of locals and tourists.
Red Rock is the second-largest locals’ poker room. You’ll find it at the far west end of the Las Vegas Valley in the suburb of Summerlin. Green Valley Ranch, in the southeast part of town, is another active poker room in the locals market.
Visiting Las Vegas
There are numerous activities in the area if you need a break from poker. Rio has a zip line running between two hotel towers. The Palms offers a movie theater. Gold Coast has a bowling alley. All of those options are within walking distance.
Those with a car may want to explore Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Red Rock is a national park just west of the valley. Valley of Fire is about an hour north, Hoover Dam about an hour east. All are great outdoor activities.
Here are some of our favorite nongambling attractions in Las Vegas.
Those looking to party can take a cab for less than $10 to the Las Vegas Strip. There are top nightclubs at Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Wynn, Encore, Venetian, and Caesars Palace.
Those that enjoy the old-school feel should take a trip downtown. It will cost about $25 each way from Rio. Make sure to get in the cab at the convention center and tell the driver to take Industrial (part of which has been rechristened as Sammy Davis Jr. Drive) to keep from getting long-hauled on the highway.
Downtown Las Vegas is where legalized gambling started. It offers much better odds for those looking to gamble. The best blackjack in Las Vegas may be at El Cortez.
Great video poker is spread at numerous casinos. Craps players will want to hit the 20x odds spread at Main Street Station. In addition to better gambling, the minimum table game bet is often just $5 downtown.
While downtown, you may want to check out Fremont East. This is a block that’s undergone recent revitalization and is between Las Vegas Boulevard and El Cortez. It includes a strip of bars and clubs.
Here are our five favorite things about downtown Las Vegas.
Where to stay for the World Series of Poker
Finding a great place to stay can be tough. Rio typically offers competitive rates.
Make sure to check out Gold Coast. Directly across the street from Rio, it will likely be cheaper. The Orleans is just two blocks away, although it is a little too far to walk.
If you have a car, you may want to check out some of the locals’ casinos owned by Station. Staying downtown is another option.
Some players choose to stay at an extended stay to save some money. These are always hit and miss. Avoid the area along Tropicana the next exit down the highway from Rio. Most other neighborhoods with extended stay hotels will be in more desirable areas.