Offshore poker sites, despite a slightly tempestuous history, remain hugely popular in the US. Fund safety and information security are the major fears players have when registering with offshore poker websites. But should they be such a concern? Not if you are playing in licensed and regulated poker rooms.
Our SportsTalkPhilly poker experts have thoroughly evaluated dozens of offshore poker sites available to US players using a criteria-ranking system. These criteria include promotions, tournaments, buy-in limits, payment options, transaction limits, customer support, and licensing. Each site has been reviewed and vetted by multiple in-house experts as a great destination for seasoned and amateur poker players alike.
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List of the Best Offshore Poker Sites in 2024
Offshore poker sites are your best bet if you want to play poker online without any restrictions. These are our favorite places to play online poker
- CoinPoker – Best Overall Offshore Poker Platform in 2024
- BetOnline – Compete in Large Prize Pool Tournaments
- Bovada – Connect with Other Poker Players on High-Traffic Network
- ACR Poker – The Best Poker Gaming on Mobile
- Ignition – Enjoy Multiple Welcome Bonus Offers
- Juicy Stakes – Best Site for Progressive KnockOuts
- Sportsbetting.ag – Fund Account Using Cards, Wire Transfer, Gift Cards, and Crypto
- Ya Poker – Get Instant Payouts Using Cryptocurrencies
- Black Chip Poker – Extensive Range of Poker Tournaments
- Everygame – Learn Poker From Expert Players
Reviews of the Best Offshore Poker Sites
Take a look at our in-depth reviews below to better understand some of the best-rated poker platforms listed above.
1. CoinPoker – Best Overall Offshore Poker Platform in 2024
- Payout time: Within 24 hours (crypto)
- Established: 2017
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain
- Restricted States: N/A
Overall Rating: 9.9/10
CoinPoker, licensed by Curacao eGaming, is our top pick for playing poker online. We love its sleek, modern design on desktop and mobile. Unlike most competitors, it has a mobile app that gives you access to cash games, tournaments, and a seamless poker experience on the go.
What sets CoinPoker apart from the pack is the anonymity and security it offers.
This casino supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETC, USDT, and CHP, for deposits and withdrawals. There are also no KYC checks when setting up your account. It offers classic games like Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. You may also find unique variants like 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha. It is a beginner-friendly website with a comprehensive blog on guides, tips, and strategies for playing poker.
New users qualify for a welcome bonus of 150% up to $2,000, which is slightly higher than the industry average, and you can claim it with a low minimum deposit of just $10. Both new and returning users yearning for more action can join its tournaments, bounties, and challenges for a more wholesome experience. You can also find Sunday Specials, Saturday PKOs, and Omaha Tuesday offerings if that’s more your thing.
Features Overview
- Withdrawal Speed: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 9.8/10
- Game/Tournament Variety: 9.8/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 10/10
- Registration Process: 9.8/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonuses and promotions
- Optimized for mobile
- Zero KYC checks
- Good line-up of challenges and tournaments
- No transaction charges or fees
Cons:
- Not many poker variants are available
- Credit/Debit card is not an option for deposits or withdrawals
2. BetOnline – Compete in Large Prize Pool Tournaments
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours (crypto)
- Established: 2004
- License: Panama Gaming Control Board
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
- Restricted States: N/A
Overall Rating: 9.7/10
BetOnline is the best place to play poker online if you are a sucker for tournaments. The Panama-licensed poker website is your one-stop shop for exciting bonuses, promotions, challenges, and tournaments. New users are treated to a welcome bonus of 100% of their first deposit up to $1,000. Here’s the best part. The welcome package also includes eight days of complimentary tournament tickets.
The main event at BetOnline is the range of large prize pool tournaments on offer.
Speaking of tournaments, there is a rich collection of them to choose from. They include Mystery Bounty, Windfall, Jackpot Sit n Go, Summer Micro Tournament Series, and Open Face Jackpot tournaments. However, if you consider yourself a pro and want a more challenging tournament, the Masters’ Series tournament is where to be. Promotions on offer include Rake and Rise Rewards, Weekly Rakeback Rewards, and New Bad Beat Jackpot 2.0.
This poker-premier destination also offers throwables and an all-in-cash-out feature to make your poker experience enjoyable. The available poker games include classics like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Six Plus Hold’em.
Features Overview
- Withdrawal Speed: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 9.8/10
- Game/Tournament Variety: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.7/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.7/10
- Registration Process: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 9.8/10
Pros:
- Diverse payment options, including cryptocurrencies and gift cards
- Engaging bonuses and promotions
- Customer support is available round-the-clock
- Loads of tournaments are available
Cons:
- High minimum deposit for a bonus ($50 – $100)
3. Bovada – Connect with Other Players on High-Traffic Network
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours (crypto)
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Canada
- Restricted States: Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York
Overall Rating: 9.7/10
Bovada isn’t just another offshore poker website—it is the real deal. Although its longevity is impressive, its unyielding dedication to giving users the best poker action stands out.
Take advantage of Bovada poker room’s unique features like Quick Seat, Zone Poker, and Anonymous Tables to enhance your gaming experience.
Bovada is a part of the PaiWangLuo Network, which hosts an average daily traffic of 900+ poker players. With this traffic, expect to see lots of amateur players. This increases your chances of winning even if you are no expert. You may meet players from across the globe. The Network also offers several game formats, including Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Fast Fold, and Jackpot SnGs.
This offshore poker website, licensed by the Curacao Gaming Commission and the Antigua and Barbuda Directorate of Offshore Gaming, has lots of special features in store for users – Quick Seat, Anonymous tables, Zone Poker, and Mobile Poker. Although most cash games require a buy-in, there are also freerolls from time to time you can take advantage of.
Features Overview
- Withdrawal Speed: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 9.5/10
- Game/Tournament Variety: 9.9/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.8/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.7/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Customer Support: 9.9/10
Pros:
- Impressive range of special features
- Lots of tournaments with large prize pools
- The website is optimized for mobile
Cons:
- Players from some states may need a VPN to access the website
4. ACR Poker – The Best Poker Gaming On Mobile
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours (crypto)
- Established: 2001
- License: Costa Rica
- Headquarters: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Restricted States: N/A
Overall Rating: 9.7/10
Founded in 2001 as part of the Winning Poker Network (WPN), ACR Poker is another top destination for poker enthusiasts in the United States. Operating under the jurisdiction of Costa Rica, this platform is available and accessible to all US residents, making it a safe and reliable place to play.
Play your favorite poker games on the go using ACR Poker’s user-friendly mobile app.
ACR Poker’s game library is varied, with a wide range of games on offer, including cash games featuring low and high-roller stakes across Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other poker variations. Also, there are regular tournaments like the popular Sunday Special, Million Dollar Sunday, and the Venom, which offers multi-million dollar prize pools. In addition, Sit & Go’s and jackpots are available, giving players a chance to win up to 2,500 times their buy-in.
When it comes to user experience, ACR Poker is unrivaled. The offshore casino provides a mobile app compatible with Android and iPhone, allowing you to wager on your favorite poker games anywhere, anytime. The app’s sleek interface makes it easy to navigate and find games. Sign up to ACR Poker today to claim a first deposit welcome bonus worth 100% up to $2,000, released in installments based on your activity.
Features Overview
- Withdrawal Speed: 9.6/10
- Payment Methods: 9.7/10
- Game/Tournament Variety: 9.8/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.8/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.7/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Customer Support: 9.9/10
Pros:
- Regular high-stakes tournaments
- High traffic levels
- Comes with a mobile app
Cons:
- Payout times can be slow with traditional payment methods
5. Ignition – Enjoy Multiple Welcome Bonus Offers
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours (crypto)
- Established: 2016
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Canada
- Restricted States: N/A
Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Ignition makes a strong case for itself as one of the best offshore poker websites with its robust selection of games and welcome offers. Depending on the deposit method, they offer two welcome bonuses to new users: a 150% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,500 for cryptocurrency deposits and a 100% bonus of up to $1,000 for debit/credit card deposits.
Boost your payroll and potential payouts using Ignition’s lucrative welcome bonuses and several ongoing promotional offers.
They also have bonuses like the $2,500 poker free roll, bad beat, and royal flush bonuses. The royal flush bonus rewards you with 50 times the big blind’s value, up to $200 each time you achieve a royal flush. In addition, Ignition Poker presents a variety of game variants, including Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Pot-Limit Omaha, and fixed-limit games.
Features Overview
- Withdrawal Speed: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.8/10
- Game/Tournament Variety: 9.9/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.6/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.8/10
- Registration Process: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Pros:
- Zero transaction fees
- Competitive welcome bonus and promotions
- High traffic
Cons:
- No Rakebacks
Best Offshore Poker Sites Compared
| Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Promo Code | Network | Available Poker Games | Freerolls | Qualifiers |
| CoinPoker | 150% up to $2000 | N/A | Independent | Texas Hold’em; Pot Limit Omaha; 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetOnline | 100% up to $1000 | POKER1000 | Chico Poker Network | Texas Hold’em; Omaha; Boost Poker; Six Plus Hold’em | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bovada | 100% up to $500 | PPWB500 | PaiWangLuo Poker Network | Texas Hold’em; Omaha; Omaha Hi/Lo | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACR Poker | 100% up to $2000 | N/A | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, 8-Game Mix, HORSE | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ignition | 100% up to $1000; 150% up to $1500 | N/A | PaiWangLuo Poker Network | Texas Hold’em; Omaha; Omaha Hi/Lo | ✅ | ✅ |
| Juicy Stakes | 200% up to $1000 | 1000JUICY | Horizon Poker Network | No-Limit Hold’em; Pot-Limit Omaha; Texas Hold’em | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sportsbetting.ag | 200% up to $1000 | NEWSB | Chico Poker Network | Texas Hold’em; Omaha; Boost Poker; Six Plus Hold’em | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ya Poker | 100% up to $2000 | N/A | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, 8-Game Mix, HORSE | ✅ | ✅ |
| Black Chip Poker | 100% up to $2000 | N/A | Winning Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, 8-Game Mix, HORSE | ✅ | ✅ |
| Everygame | 200% up to $1000 + 25 Free Casino Spins | 1000EGP | Horizon Poker Network | Hold’em, Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo | ✅ | ✅ |
How to Choose the Best Offshore Poker Site
Looking for the best offshore poker site to play on? Here is a checklist to help you make the right choice.
License
The first thing to consider before calling a poker site home is if they have a genuine license. Here’s why: Typically, a licensing authority regulates the poker room’s activities and ensures they adhere to industry standards in relation to player safety, security, and game fairness. Therefore, your rights are better protected when you play on a licensed poker site. Popular licensing jurisdictions include Kahnawake, Malta, and Curacao.
Security
Choose offshore poker sites with SSL certificates and HTTPS protocol. SSL certificates authenticate the website’s identity, while HTTPS ensures that information is securely sent between the user’s browser and the web’s servers. 17% of all cyberattacks target vulnerabilities in web applications. Therefore, sticking with websites with industry-standard security architecture can save you from a reasonable number of cyberattacks.
Quality and Variety of Games
The quality and range of games you can find on the site are equally important. Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular game on any poker site and is available almost everywhere. However, when on a prolonged losing streak, pro gamblers recommend taking a mental break by switching to other games like Omaha, Limit Hold’em, etc. Before signing up, confirm that the site has these game variations and other quality ones. The more, the better.
Promotions
Welcome bonuses are nice, but they are the bare minimum to expect from any top poker site. The best offshore poker sites typically have other competitive bonuses and promotions like free rolls, reload bonuses, and non-deposit bonuses to boost their user’s online poker experience. However, before committing to anyone, check their promotions to see if their entry requirements are easy to meet.
Payment Methods
One important question to ask when choosing a poker site is: What payment methods do you find most convenient, and does the site offer them? Most offshore poker websites accept credit and debit cards. They are more traditional and easier to manage. However, you should look for sites that accept cryptocurrency payments if you prefer to keep your gambling activities anonymous. Other methods to take note of are bank transfers, gift cards, and eWallet.
Player Traffic and Completion
Pro poker players prefer poker sites with high traffic, and you should, too. One reason is that it is easier to host large tournaments on them. Higher traffic also attracts bigger bonuses and more recreational players. Recreational players are usually not so skilled. Thus, there is a higher chance of beating them.
Customer Support
Reliable, efficient, and responsive customer support should be a deal breaker. Issues may arise with deposits, withdrawals, or signing in, and you want to be sure help is ready and available. The best offshore poker sites offer multiple contact options, including phone, email, and live chat. They also offer round-the-clock support.
What Are Offshore Poker Sites?
They are offshore online poker sites that operate from jurisdictions and countries outside the United States. These sites offer various poker games and organize tournaments for players within and outside the US.
Because these online casinos operate outside of the States, they are not bound by the nation’s laws but rather by the jurisdictions they operate out of. There are unique perks of gambling on offsite poker sites. Some of them include:
- Massive player pools: Offshore poker sites are patronized by people of all skill levels and countries, including places where gambling may not be legal. With more players, they can offer more stakes, game variations, and buy-in levels and prize pools for tournament players.
- Flexible banking options: Offsite poker sites generally offer more banking options to players. While regulated sites may be limited to traditional banking options like bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and cheque deposits, they may also offer cryptocurrency, eWallet, and gift card banking options.
- Few gaming restrictions: There are fewer regulations concerning bet sizes or even game types when playing on offshore poker sites.
Are Offshore Poker Sites Legal?
Yes, they are. Gambling laws differ from state to state. In some states, gambling is completely legal. These states typically have state-regulated poker sites, that is, licensed and overseen by the state. Some states, on the other hand, have restrictions regarding online gambling.
However, offshore poker sites are generally legal in any of these states since they do not operate under the state’s laws.
The table below summarizes the legality status of poker and restrictions, if any, in all states across the US.
| State | Legal Land-based Poker | Legal Online Poker | Restrictions | Comments |
| Alabama | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Alaska | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Arkansas | ✅ | ❌ | Only permitted in the state’s two racinos in table-game form | ❌ |
| Arizona | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| California | ✅ | ❌ | Only live poker is permitted | ❌ |
| Colorado | ✅ | ❌ | Limited to Indian reservations like Black Hawk | ❌ |
| Connecticut | ✅ | ✅ | Bill permits only two tribes – Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot to oversee online gambling activities | Although officially legal, no partner sports gambling website offers poker |
| Delaware | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Florida | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Georgia | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hawaii | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Idaho | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | In 2014, Idaho closed the only live poker room in the state (Coeur D’Alene) |
| Illinois | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Indiana | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Iowa | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Kansas | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Kentucky | ✅ | ✅ | Kentucky frowns on gambling operations outside its three racinos and state-run lottery | The State tried to confiscate 141 domain names in 2008, attempted the same in 2011, and introduced legislation for online poker regulation for the fifth consecutive year, which failed. |
| Louisiana | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | In 2021, sports betting and retail wagering were allowed in the state. Online poker may follow suit soon |
| Maine | ✅ | ❌ | Hollywood Casino Bangor is the only allowed venue for poker | ❌ |
| Maryland | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Massachusetts | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Michigan | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Minnesota | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mississippi | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Although online poker gaming isn’t legal, recent gambling laws have favored sports betting and might do with poker soon |
| Missouri | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Montana | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Nevada | ✅ | ✅ | WSOP.com is the only legal online poker site | ❌ |
| Nebraska | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| New Hampshire | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| New Jersey | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| New Mexico | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| New York | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Sports betting was legalized in 2022, and online poker is expected to follow suit soon |
| North Carolina | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| North Dakota | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ohio | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Oklahoma | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Oregon | ✅ | ❌ | Only charity games and real cash poker betting facilities are allowed | ❌ |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ | ✅ | PokerStars PA, WSOP PA, and BetMGM Poker PA are the only licensed operators who have launched sites | ❌ |
| Rhode Island | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| South Carolina | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| South Dakota | ✅ | ❌ | Poker is only allowed on tribal lands, and the city of Deadwood | ❌ |
| Tennessee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Texas | ✅ | ❌ | Gambling is only legal on Native American reservations | ❌ |
| Utah | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Vermont | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Virginia | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Washington D.C. | ✅ | ❌ | Live poker is only permitted on Indian reservations | ❌ |
| West Virginia | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Although online poker is legal, no poker sites have arrived yet |
| Wisconsin | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Wyoming | ✅ | ❌ | Only Wind River offers poker | ❌ |
A History of Online Poker in the USA
US poker history dates back decades. We will review important dates in online poker legislation, starting from day one.
- Advent of Offshore Poker Sites (1996) – The history of online poker can be traced as far back as the mid-90s when offshore poker sites began to emerge, with Everygame, one of the earliest entrants, launching in 1996.
- First Real Money Poker Room (1998) – The very first hand of poker was dealt on January 1st, 1998, and the first online card room to offer real-money games, Planet Poker, became operational later that year.
- Poker Boom (2003) – PokerStars, an online poker room established in 2001, became incredibly popular in 2003 when one of its amateur players, Chris Moneymaker, won a PokerStars satellite and, subsequently, the WSOP. This win raked in $2.5 million for the American.
- Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) (2006) – UIGEA was enacted in 2006 as part of the SAFE Port Act. Although it didn’t outlaw online gambling, it prohibited gaming operators from accepting withdrawals related to it, making it challenging for bettors to fund their accounts.
- Circumventing the UIGEA (2006-2011) – The Act forced sites like 888Poker and PartyPoker out of the market, while PokerStars and a few others circumvented the restrictions by disguising financial transactions. They operated within a legal grey area.
- Black Friday (2011) – April 15, 2011, is known in the poker community as Black Friday. This is when the US government shut down many big poker websites, including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, as part of a federal indictment.
- Poker considered’ a game of skill’ (2012) – On August 12, 2012, a federal judge in New York ruled that poker cannot be considered gambling as it is a skill game rather than a game of chance.
- Online Poker Regulation by States (2013 – July, 2024) – In the aftermath of Black Friday, a few states passed bills and legislation to regulate online poker within their borders. Delaware and Nevada took the initiative first, followed by New Jersey later the same year. Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania joined the party later, in 2021, 2019, and 2017, respectively. Although it is now legal in West Virginia, no gambling website has yet to offer online poker.
Offshore Poker Game Variations
Offshore poker websites offer a range of poker game variations. Below are some of the popular ones, including how they are played.
Texas Hold’em
It is the most commonly played poker game variation in most poker rooms. The idea is to make the best five-card hand from two-hole cards and five community cards. The game begins with two players posting blinds (mandatory bets that players are expected to match or otherwise quit the game).
Two hole or private cards are then dealt to each player face down. Over several stages, namely the flop (three cards), turn (one card), and the river (one card), five community cards are dealt face-up in the table’s center. The player with the best five-card hand formed from any combination of the two private and five community cards wins the game. Texas Hold’em is available on Everygame.
No-Limit Hold’em
It is a variation of Texas Hold’em. However, in this case, there are no restrictions on bet size. A player can bet any amount of their chips up to their full stack.
Two private cards are dealt to each player, and throughout the betting round – the flop, turn, and river – each player is meant to combine their best five-card hand. The potential for larger pots in this variation brings an extra level of excitement to the game.
Limit Hold’em
Every player starts with two private cards. A round of betting follows soon after. The game progresses with three shared cards and other betting rounds after the turn and river cards are dealt.
Like Texas Hold’em, the aim is to make the strongest five-card hand using private and community cards. However, in this case, betting is capped at predetermined increments.
Omaha
Unlike with Texas Hold’em, each Omaha player is dealt four private cards in the first betting round. Then, a player proceeds to use two of their private cards in combination with three of the five community cards to form a strong five-card hand.
The hand with the highest value wins. The four private cards, as opposed to two, is the major difference with the Texas Hold’em poker game variation.
Pot-Limit Omaha
As the name suggests, it is a variation of the Omaha poker game but with a limit. The bet is limited to the pot’s current size. Everyone is dealt four private cards, and the first round of betting begins.
Three community cards are dealt to each player, sparking another betting round; then comes the turn and river betting rounds. The pot limits make the players more strategic in their play as they aim to protect their hands and build their pot simultaneously. CoinPoker is one of our favorite places to play the Pot-Limit Omaha.
Seven Card Stud
This game variation does not use community cards. Each player is dealt two private and one face-up card. Throughout the game, three more face-up cards and one face-down card are dealt to each player.
Five betting rounds make up the game, and a new card is dealt in every round. A player is meant to produce their best five-card hand from the available cards. The absence of community cards means players are meant to make strategic decisions based on individual cards and their observation of other players’ face-up cards.
Five Card Draw
Every player at the table is dealt five private cards in the initial betting round. In an attempt to improve their hands, players may choose to discard or replace not more than four of their cards.
The pot is won by the strongest five-card hand. Winning chances are typically based on the strength of the initial hand and the decisions made when drawing out replacement cards.
Six Plus Hold’em
This is a Texas Hold’em variation played with a 36-card deck rather than the regular 52-card one. This is done by taking out all cars below a six. Two private cards are dealt in the first hand, and five community cards are dealt in subsequent rounds, as with Texas Hold’em.
The reduced deck reduces the probability of making certain hands. Therefore, hands like a flush have a higher rank than a full house since it is more difficult to make a flush with fewer cards of the same suit. It offers a fresh and exciting challenge for players familiar with Texas Hold’em.
How to Sign Up at Offshore Poker Sites
Ready
Signup
Enter coinpoker.com in your browser’s URL and click ‘REGISTER.’ This should direct you to a page where you are expected to enter an email address, nickname, and password. Fill out the registration form and select ‘Sign Up’Verify Account
An email containing a verification link will be sent to your submitted email address. Open the email and select ‘Verify Now’Fund Account
Choose a payment option, enter the minimum amount, input the promo code “POKER1000” and proceed to make payment. You’ll receive a welcome bonus worth 100% up to $1,000 within minutes.Start Playing
Your account is ready now, and you can start playing immediately. You should qualify for some welcome bonus once you make your first deposit. Check the welcome bonus page for more information on the qualifying requirements.
Best Offshore Poker Site Networks
Our top offshore poker sites all operate on different networks. These networks are the go-to spaces for players who can’t access online poker rooms because of their state’s regulation on online poker. Thus, they host a steady stream of players since the game’s online variant is only regulated in a few US states. We will be discussing in greater detail what poker site networks are, the main networks serving US players, and the benefits of joining one.
What Are Poker Site Networks?
It is a pool of poker sites or online poker rooms sharing the same players and software. Each poker room within a network is known as a skin and typically has its own unique logo and color scheme. The idea is to help new poker brands draw in new players and create a large pool for tournaments.
Top Offshore Poker Networks
Some of the top offshore poker networks available to US players include:
Chico Poker Network
Chico Poker Network, formerly known as Action Poker Network, is a prominent and popular poker network comprising BetOnline, Sportsbetting, and TigerGaming. It is one of the world’s largest poker networks and is headquartered in Seychelles.
Unlike Horizon Poker Network, this network does not offer Rakeback deals since its focus is on casual rather than regular players. However, it offers a 100% welcome bonus of up to $1,000, equivalent to a 10% cashback on your first deposit.
Horizon Poker Network
The Horizon Poker Network, home to Everygame and JuicyStakes, is not as large as the Chico Poker Network or PWL, but it equally offers a variety of cash games and tournaments. Some of the available game types include Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, and Texas Hold’em. It is well known for its rakeback deal (a flat 36% across both its primary poker skins).
This network, sadly, isn’t popular with high-stakes players, and understandably so. It is uncommon to find games with higher than $1/$2 running. You may also struggle to see more than 20 ring tables running at a time. The network offers Sit and Go’s, but you may have difficulty finding enough players. The Sunday Sundowner is one of its biggest tournaments, with a $125 buy-in and a $10,000 guaranteed prize pool.
PaiWangLuo (PWL) Poker Network
The PWL network, formerly known as the Bodog Network and founded in 2004, comprises popular online poker sites, Ignition Casino and Bovada. By sharing traffic, players on Bovada can compete against players from Ignition Casino and vice versa. It is one of the busiest offshore online poker networks, with a daily average of 900+ cash game players.
PWL offers various game formats, including Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Jackpot SnGs, and FastFold. Players can customize their playing experience by choosing from a variety of card designs and table layouts. As with Chico Poker Network, they also offer an attractive 100% welcome bonus of up to $1,000.
Benefits of Joining a Poker Network
Like many other players new to the game, you are probably wondering why you should join a poker network. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Members enjoy access to tournaments with bigger prize pools
- Players may enjoy a wide variety of games, ranging from popular ones like Texas Hold’em to niche ones like Seven Card Stud and Razz
- More players may mean more games running at any given period
- Networks often have the wherewithal to run frequent bonuses and promotions
Payment Methods at Offshore Poker Rooms
The primary legal concern for players in states with gambling-restrictive laws is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which targets banking institutions processing gambling payouts. This Act doesn’t outlaw online gambling but may make withdrawal, especially when huge sums are involved, a little more challenging. Our recommended offshore poker rooms offer other non-traditional banking options to make withdrawals easier. These are the payment methods available at our top picks, known for being instant withdrawal online casinos.
| Payment Method | About | Examples |
| Cryptocurrencies |
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| Traditional Payment Methods |
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| eWallets |
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Deposit Options
The table below shows the deposit options available on our top offshore poker websites
| Poker Site | Bitcoin | Altcoins | E-wallet | Debit / Credit Cards | Bank Transfer | Gift Cards |
| CoinPoker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bovada | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ACR Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Juicy Stakes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sportsbetting.ag | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ya Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Black Chip Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Everygame | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Withdrawal Options
You can withdraw your earnings using any of the banking options in the table below.
| Poker Site | Bitcoin | Altcoins | E-wallet | Debit / Credit Cards | Bank Transfer | Gift Cards |
| CoinPoker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACR Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Juicy Stakes | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sportsbetting.ag | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ya Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Black Chip Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Everygame | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Advantages and Risks of Offshore Poker Sites
Offshore poker sites are quite popular in the United States because they are often the only choice for those in states without a state-regulated gambling operator. But the question remains: do players patronize offshore poker sites out of necessity or because there are other perks they may enjoy? Let’s see.
Advantages
- A large pool of players, including international players
- Anonymous gambling
- Accessible from anywhere
- Diverse payment methods, including cryptocurrency
- Variety of game formats
- Free play options
- Generous bonuses and promotions
Risks
There are also a few risks associated with playing on offshore poker sites. Some of them are:
- Personal and financial information may be used for illicit and fraudulent purposes
- Funds security if the site shuts down
- Zero guarantee of responsible gambling practices like self-exclusion options
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Offshore Poker Winnings?
The US taxation laws on gambling winnings can be a little ambiguous. The IRS maintains that every payer, in this case, a gambling site, must issue a form W-2G where gambling earnings are recorded. If not, a player must report all gambling winnings using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. You are allowed to deduct gambling losses from the taxable income if you itemize your losses on Form 1040.
But there’s a counterpoint to these laws. It is a fact that offshore poker sites do not issue W-2G forms or report your earnings to the IRS. While casinos and state-regulated poker rooms are mandated to do this, offshore poker sites are not. Therefore, your winnings are not reported as income, and thus, one can argue that they are not liable for gambling taxes.
The general recommendation is that you pay taxes on these earnings using the above-listed forms. However, you are also at liberty not to do so if you choose.
Regulated vs. Offshore Poker Sites
Regulated poker sites offer a legally compliant environment for players to play poker online. However, they are accessible only to residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Kentucky, and a few other states. What options do people outside these states have, or do they look to other casino games like online blackjack?
Thankfully, offshore poker websites allow residents of these states to still play poker. That said, they must exercise caution when choosing one, as many fake websites masquerade as legit poker websites. Our top picks are safe bets. They are licensed by well-recognized jurisdictions and have built good reputations over the years.
Here’s a brief comparison between regulated and offshore poker websites using their pros and cons.
Regulated
Pros of regulated poker sites:
- Comparatively better security
- Self-exclusion options and deposit limits to protect players against gambling addiction
- High data protection and cybersecurity measures
- They typically have land-based partners so payments can be made in person
- Compliance with local jurisdiction laws
Cons of regulated poker sites:
- Game options are limited to legally approved ones
- Access may be limited to only players from a specific geographical area
- Earnings are reported to the IRS and are liable for tax
Offshore
Pros of offshore poker sites:
- Attractive bonus offers, promotions, loyalty rewards, and rakeback deals
- Anonymity
- Winnings aren’t reported to the IRS
- Wide variety of games, thanks to less restrictive regulations
- Bigger player pools so there is a greater chance of playing weaker players
Cons of offshore poker sites:
- Higher probability of game rigging
- Customer support may not be as efficient as what you get with regulated poker sites
The Final Word on Offshore Poker Sites
It is important to play smart and safe when using offshore poker sites. While the perks of playing on these sites (generous welcome bonus offers, game variety, anonymous transactions, etc) may be too good to ignore, they also come with risks you should keep in mind.
By sticking to reputable websites, you can cut down these risks by half, if not 100%. Our topmost pick, CoinPoker, for instance, is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Board and has a good reputation among seasoned poker players. Sign up now to enjoy a 150% Welcome Bonus up to $2000.
FAQs
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Responsible Gambling
Whether playing poker in person or online, it is important to gamble responsibly. Staying within your limits helps to check your spending and reduces the chances of going on tilt (reckless playing due to frustration).
We recommend the 20 buy-in rule for games, the 50 buy-in rule for tournaments, and the 100 buy-in rule for Sit and Go when playing poker online. Going by this rule, you need at least 20 buy-ins for any stakes when you are playing an opponent online. For instance, if the maximum buy-in for a game is $200, you must have a bankroll of at least $4000.
All the best offshore poker sites have responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options to help keep addiction in check. Feel free to contact the following problem gambling organizations if you feel like your gambling habits are getting out of hand. They are completely free to use.
