About Us
US Poker compares regulated and offshore-facing online poker rooms available to US players, with a particular focus on crypto and Bitcoin-friendly sites. This page explains who we are, how we put our rankings together, and what you should know before you play.
What We Do
Online poker in the US is a patchwork: a handful of states run their own regulated networks, while a much larger group of players use offshore-licensed operators that accept US-based customers, often through crypto payments. We track both types of site and try to give a straight answer to the question every reader actually has: where can I realistically play, deposit, and cash out without wasting time or money finding out the hard way?
We look at traffic and game liquidity across cash games, multi-table tournaments, Sit & Gos and fast-fold formats; software and mobile app quality; rake and rakeback structures; and, because it's central to how a lot of US players now fund their accounts, crypto and Bitcoin deposit and withdrawal handling. Welcome bonuses and promotions are noted alongside their playthrough requirements and time limits — never as headline figures on their own.
How We Rank the Sites We Cover
Our ratings are editorial judgments, not customer-review scores, and no site can pay for a higher position. We research each operator's public terms, deposit and withdrawal process, licensing information, game offering and mobile experience, and weigh them against the criteria above. Where an operator has an affiliate relationship with US Poker, that relationship never determines rank or rating — commercial partnerships and editorial scoring are handled separately, and we disclose the relationship below.
Because most of the sites we cover operate offshore rather than under a US state license, we're upfront about that distinction throughout our reviews rather than implying a regulatory status a site doesn't have. Where a site holds a specific gaming license, we note it; where we can't verify one, we say so instead of guessing.
How Our Recommendations Are Funded
US Poker may earn a commission when readers sign up through links on this site. This doesn't cost the reader anything extra, and it doesn't influence how we score or rank an operator — a site paying us nothing can still rank above one that doesn't, and vice versa. We built the site this way so it can stay independent while still being free to use.
What "Best" Means Across Cash Games, Tournaments and Crypto Payments
There's no single best poker site for every player. A recreational player who wants soft No Limit Hold'em cash games and an easy crypto deposit cares about different things than a grinder comparing rakeback and PLO traffic at mid-stakes. Our reviews try to separate those needs out rather than collapsing everything into one score, and our comparison tables are built around the criteria that actually change which site suits which player — game variety and stakes, deposit and withdrawal methods (including crypto and Bitcoin, plus cards, ACH, PayPal, PayNearMe and prepaid options where relevant), bonus terms, and mobile usability.
Fair Play and Fund Handling
We check for stated RNG certification, published licensing information, and how an operator describes segregating player funds from operating capital, and we reflect what we find (or can't find) in the review rather than assuming best practice. No site we cover is immune to criticism, and every review carries at least one limitation alongside its strengths — including the sites at the top of our rankings.
Playing Within Your Means
Poker involves real financial risk, and no amount of skill removes that risk entirely. We don't present poker as a source of income or a way to solve money problems, and nothing on this site should be read that way. If you play, only play with money you can afford to lose, and treat any bonus or promotion as a conditional offer with real terms attached, not free money.
All real-money poker on this site is intended for players aged 21 and over (18+ in the limited states that permit it at that age). If gambling stops being enjoyable, or starts affecting your finances, work or relationships, free help is available around the clock through 1-800-GAMBLER. See our responsible gambling page for more support options and state-specific resources.
Questions, Corrections and Feedback
We update our reviews as terms, bonuses and licensing details change, and we rely partly on reader feedback to catch what's moved. If you've spotted something out of date or have a question about how a review was put together, reach out through our contact page. For the legal terms governing use of this site, see our terms and conditions.