1. How To Play Online Poker In Us
2. New York Poker Sites
3. How To Play Online Poker In New York 2019

You can download any of the NY online poker apps listed below, create an account and deposit. The only thing you can’t do in New York is bet online. To place a bet, you’ll need to travel to New Jersey.

Download online poker apps in NY and bet in NJ

New York Legal Poker 2021. New York has spawned some of the biggest legends in poker who have gone on to become major champions - players like Erik Seidel and Stu Ungar - and in 2021 New Yorkers are enjoying real money poker online. As of 2017, New Yorkers cannot legally play real money poker in online casinos of their own but they are still do have some choices when it comes to playing real money poker tournaments at state regulated online poker rooms. Top New York Poker Rooms for March 2021All Poker. If you’re interested in playing online poker in New York, then the first step you’ll need to take is to create an account with a top-rated poker site. We recommend you join one of the poker rooms above. While New Yorkers cannot play legal real money poker online, sweepstakes online poker sites provide an option. By employing a sweepstakes model and using virtual currencies rather than cash, these poker.

New York Online Poker

New York has a thriving casino industry, legal sports betting in upstate casinos, and two neighboring states that offer legal online poker. But New York itself has yet to legalize traditional real money online poker.

No doubt that has been a disappointment for poker players from Albany to Buffalo to New York City. Poker is immensely popular in New York and players flock to the state’s live tables.

Many also head across the border for major events like the World Series of Poker Circuit and World Poker Tour events in the region at properties including Borgata and Harrah’s in Atlantic City and Parx in Pennsylvania.

Some New Yorkers may even pop across the border to play poker online in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. While plans for online poker in New York probably aren’t the cards for 2020, many hope that changes for 2021.

Latest NY online poker news

• by Martin DerbyshireOctober 8, 2018
• by Martin DerbyshireMarch 21, 2018

Is it Legal to Play Online Poker In New York?

The technical answer to that is “no,” at least from a legislative point of view, but that doesn’t mean New Yorkers are entirely out of options. There are currently two options for New Yorkers to find real money online poker right now:

• Sweepstakes poker at Global Poker
• Legal online poker in New Jersey or Pennsylvania

A trip to New Jersey offers players a few nice options, and getting online and playing is a simple process. Creating a new account and getting cash into it to play is also easy to do right from your home in New York.

In Pennsylvania, PokerStars PA launched in November 2019 and is the only legal online poker option in the state as of April 2020.

Play at Global Poker with $20 Welcome Package

One option for players in New York is sweepstakes or social gaming poker. There are numerous free-to-play social poker apps, but sweepstakes poker offers a bit of a different opportunity.

is the biggest and best known of these and offers a nice gaming experience for players in the US and Canada (excluding Quebec). Global offers two options for poker games:

• Gold Coins
• Sweeps Coins

Gold Coins are a free-to-play virtual currency. All Gold Coin games are free (you receive free Gold Coins on sign-up) but your winnings have no cash value.

Players who buy additional Gold Coins receive a second virtual currency called Sweeps Coins. These can be used in separate Sweeps Coin ring games, tournaments, sit & go’s, and regular live tournament series with major guarantees.

Players can accumulate Sweeps Coins and cash them in for real cash prizes. Global Poker’s unique sweepstakes model offers a fun social gaming experience but also the opportunity to play 100% legal online poker for real cash prizes.

Global is owned and operated by VGW Holdings Limited, which is publicly traded and incorporated in Australia. The Malta Gaming Authority regulates all of VCW’s sweepstakes online casinos, which include Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Sweepstakes Slots.

Players can also expect fair games with secure account information and player funds. The site offers the following poker variations with stakes for every bankroll level:

• Omaha
• Crazy Pineapple

New Yorkers looking to get in the action without heading across the border may find Global Poker a fun option. Check out the exclusive USPoker exclusive bonus offer below.

Online Poker in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Another option for New Yorkers looking to play online poker is to travel to New Jersey or Pennsylvania. As mentioned, you can create and fund your account right from New York, then head across the border to play online.

Online poker has been legal in New Jersey since 2013 and has multiple online poker sites operating under partnerships with legals casino. Here’s a look at the sites offered:

New Jersey

WSOP.com – $10 Free

WSOP.com leads the market and having shared player pools with Nevada and Delaware helps. WSOP.com offers daily guaranteed tourneys, cash games, major tournament series and shots to win WSOP online bracelets and circuit rings. 888poker, a renowned international brand in its own right, shares software and players with WSOP.com

PokerStars – $30 Free Play on $20 Deposit

An internationally recognized name in the industry with the largest poker site in the world. The site runs tons of daily cash games and guaranteed tournaments, major tournament series (eg. the $1.2m NJSCOOP) and big promotions from time to time. Zoom Poker (fast-fold poker) and Jackpot Spin & Gos also bring in a ton of players as do its selection of mixed games – one of the rare poker sites that goes well above and beyond the usual selection of online Texas Hold’em games.

partypoker – $25 Free

Another proven international online site. NJ also offers BetMGM and BorgataPoker.com as partypoker skins in the state. All three sites share player pools in NJ.

partypoker has much improved software and a redesigned poker app specifically designed for playing one-tap poker in portrait mode. It also has one of the biggest free no deposit poker bonuses going:

Pennsylvania

Online poker in Pennsylvania has been limited to just one site for now, but it’s a winner in PokerStars. partypoker is expected to join the fold later in 2020.

PokerStars – $30 Free play on $20 Deposit

The platform launched in November 2019 and is a fenced-in market in PA. The site has been popular with players eager to get back online and has featured several major online series similar to offering in NJ, but generally with larger guarantees.

Real Money Poker Apps in NY

Along with offering play on traditional poker software, all operators in NJ and PA offer real money poker apps. These take the online poker experience and distill it down for ease of use and the ability to play anywhere.

Poker apps are tailored for simple tap functionality and game play and easy to navigate lobbies. Most events offered online can also be found on the app.

Downloading is simple and clicking through our links will take you directly to your poker site of choice. From there you can download the app and claim your welcome bonus.

It’s important to note that online poker operators use geolocation software to ensure players are located within a legal jurisdiction. Players can still sign up, deposit, and withdraw funds from anywhere however.

How to Open a New Online Poker Account in NY

Once you’re ready to play some online poker, signing up is quick and easy. Players will simply need to input some basic information like:

• name
• address
• email
• username
• password

Once that’s finished, you may need to confirm your identity and email but that only takes a few minutes. What’s great for online players is that most sites offer great bonuses for making a deposit and a free no deposit poker bonus you can use for real-money play just for signing up.

Those deposit bonuses can account for hundreds of free dollars to play. Making a deposit and taking advantage of those only takes a few minutes. Standard industry deposit methods include the following:

• E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
• Visa/Mastercard
• Wire payments
• E-wallets such as Neteller
• Cash at partner casinos

Once that’s complete, finding a game and some stakes that suit you is as easy as navigating into the lobby. Players will find something for every bankroll:

• Cash games
• Multi-table tournaments
• Sit & go tournaments
• Jackpot-style tournament events
• Major tournament series

You also have the option at most sites to play for free money with no deposit. This offers a great opportunity to learn the software and sharpen up on your skills.

Are Legal Online Poker Sites Safe?

All legal NJ and PA poker sites must meet gaming commission approval, licensure, and regulation. Players can feel comfortable playing online here and a level of security they might not find in unregulated offshore sites.

All transactions on legal sites are encrypted and player funds are kept separately so they’re secure. Payments and cash outs are quick and simple.

This isn’t always the case with offshore poker sites, with slow payouts a common complaint. Players also don’t have the security of regulators like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

These governmental bodies ensure that online operators are secure and following proper procedures. Online gaming sites must be licensed just like any other land-based casino.

Government regulation also offers players some recourse in the event there is a concern with an operator as well. Players can feel safe using one of the online poker sites in NJ or PA. Read more about safe poker sites here:

Which Poker Sites Could Open in New York?

New York has long been home to several tribal casinos and racinos. However, in 2013, voters approved a measure allowing up to seven commercial casinos in the state as well.

Players looking for live poker in New York at least have a few options with some nice-sized card rooms. Those include:

• Turning Stone (Verona) – 32 tables
• Resorts World Catskills (Montricello) – 19 tables
• Rivers Casino (Schenectady) – 16 tables
• Seneca Niagara (Niagara Falls) – 23 tables
• Del Lago (Waterloo) – 14 tables
• Tioga Downs (Nichols) – 12 tables
• Seneca Allegany (Salamanca) – 8 tables

A few of these stand out when it comes to considering possible online poker in a regulated New York market. Other legal states allow properties to enter into partnerships with major online poker operators for iPoker and iGaming.

Turning Stone remains one of the biggest live poker site in the state and even hosted some televised events during the poker boom. It could be a player with a major partner if laws are changed.

Rivers Casino is owned by Rush Street Gaming, which also has casinos with the Rivers brand in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and Des Plaines, Illinois. The company has signalled it would eventually offer online poker in Pennsylvania, but there was no news of a launch as of April 2020.

How To Play Online Poker In Us

That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be possible, especially if New York did legalize online poker. Rush Street offers online gaming and sports betting in PA. A similar move would be expected in NY and poker might also be an option.

With a population of 20 million, New York represents the “big fish” sought by many industry observers. A large state like NY or California included in an interstate compact could be a game changer for the regulated US online poker industry.

If that did happen, look for major operators in the four current legalized states to jump in on the action. That could include:

• PokerStars
• WSOP.com
• 888poker
• partypoker

Other players might be willing to jump into the fray as well. Rivers partners with Unibet in Pennsylvania. Unibet is a trusted online gaming brand in Europe where it also offers poker. That could be ramped up in the US with a successful NY legalization effort. If NY legalized online poker, other states might be willing to get in on the action too.

Current Online Poker Status in New York

Poker players in NY may have found their frustration growing over the last few years. Despite legislative efforts in 2019, action on the online poker issue stalled and nothing was done.

That came after similar inaction in 2016 and 2017 after the Senate passed bills but the Assembly failed to act. Similar efforts to legalize for mobile sports betting also failed in 2019.

In January 2020, the same bill from 2019 was again assigned to the Senate’s Gaming, Racing and Wagering Committee. The bill would authorize up to 11 licenses at $10 million each, each valid for 10 years. The state would tax revenue at a rate of 15%, similar to New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

New York citizens will have to become more active if they want online poker in their state.

The Wire Act’s Effects on Online Poker in New York

Another hindrance to the online gaming industry is the Wire Act. In 2019, the US Department of Justice changed a previous opinion and now argued the act applies to online gaming as a whole and not just sports betting.

The ruling would have made interstate compacts illegal and could have repercussions beyond poker, but also lotteries, horse racing, and other iGaming opportunities. As of April 2020, the issue was still in court.

The DOJ lost the first round in court but appealed the ruling.The entire issue could ultimately wind up in front of the Supreme Court. The battle has hurt the expansion of interstate compacts.

Small populous (and small poker player pool) states like West Virginia may need these compacts for poker to survive. That probably wouldn’t be the case in New York. But adding its population to a shared liquidity pool would see a massive influx of players and prize pools.

New York online poker history

New York has long been home to several tribal casinos and racinos. However, in 2013, voters passed a measure to allow up to seven commercial casinos in the state.

So far, four commercial casinos have appeared in New York. They are:

• Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo
• Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady
• Resorts World Catskills, Monticello
• Tioga Downs Casino, Nichols

Since then, legislators have been trying since 2014 to legalize online poker. Bills by Sen. John Bonacic and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow have had varying levels of success in making their way through the legislative bodies, but ultimately, all have died.

The notable parts of the bills have been their proposed regulations. They have made several recommendations, such as:

• Up to 10 licensees may operate online poker sites
• The licensing fee is $10 million
• Revenue would be taxed at 15 percent
• New York could enter into shared liquidity agreements with other states

New York online poker FAQ

How many poker players are there in NY?

That isn’t known exactly but it’s a good bet there are hundreds of thousands who would be ready to play poker online. Some may already be playing online in NJ and PA on occasion.

Major tournament series at properties like the Borgata in New Jersey and card rooms at NY casinos like Turning Stone have no lack of players.

The Empire State has also been home to some of the biggest names in poker including Erik Seidel, Alex Foxen, Bryn Kenney, Isaac Haxton, Scott Seiver, Nick Schulman, Vanessa Selbst, Shaun Deeb, and numerous others.

Why is New York considering legalizing online poker?

New Yorkers have played on unregulated online poker sites that operate without basic consumer protections. Legalization of the game will provide a safe environment for players while generating significant revenue for state coffers.

Due to this, the bills have gained widespread support from powerful casino lobbyists and a bevy of legislators.

When can players expect a bill to pass?

2020, at the earliest. Because New York is still working to get its act together on sports betting, legislators will likely feel more pressure to authorize that type of gambling first.

The Meadowlands Racetrack opened its sportsbook on July 14, 2018. The track’s proximity to New York City — 6 miles — means that legislators will have to watch New York dollars cross into New Jersey for several months.

Online poker’s best hope would be to piggyback itself onto a sports betting bill. However, it is unknown if such an amendment would be acceptable to pass.

However, New York’s land-based casinos have fallen short of revenue projections so far. It is possible that legislators could see online poker as a way to prop up those bottom lines.

Despite considerable support, the online poker bills have not made much headway in recent years. It’s a good bet that won’t change in 2020 and players may have to look to 2021.

Will New York offer online casino games?

Unlikely. Legislators have presented online poker bills in the last five years, and none of them have mentioned legalizing online casino games.

Would New York enter into to pooling agreements with other states?

Likely. The proposed laws in the past have specifically granted that right to New York’s government once online poker itself was up and running.

However, the US Justice Department has thrown the entire notion of interstate pooling into question with its January 2019 Wire Act opinion. Although the government agency is fighting litigation over the decision and has delayed any enforcement until the latter part of 2020, there is still a cloud over any type of expansion plans for interstate poker.

Should New York legalize online poker, how long will it take for sites to get up and running?

Up to a year. Under the most recent bill, the state would not grant licenses for 180 days after the passage of regulations. The operators’ readiness level will depend on how long an approval process would take after those 180 days.

Would out-of-state players be able to wager on New York online poker sites?

Possibly. In previously proposed bills, geolocation enforcement fell under the purview of the New York State Gaming Commission. However, players would not need a New York address to play on a state-regulated online poker site.

Can New Yorkers make any kinds of online wagers?

Sort of. The legislature passed a bill to allow daily fantasy sports play in 2016.

But, that law has experienced some legal setbacks. So, it’s unknown what the long-term outlook for DFS in New York is.

Whether you’re new to poker or simply new to playing poker online, No Deposit Poker offers a chance to get your first online hands in for no money out of your own pocket.

While you can always play for free on any poker site in play-money games, most online poker sites also give you credit to play in real money online poker games just for signing up.

This is known as “No Deposit” Poker. While it’s usually not a ton of money (typically up to $25 or $30), and it can’t be cashed out right away, a no deposit poker bonus makes it easy to play for fun in actual, competitive poker games and start building your online bankroll.

All you have to do to claim it is set up a new account, create a username, and start playing.

No Deposit Poker Bonus Codes

Where can you play no deposit poker in the US?

As of 2021, there are five states that currently offer legal, real-money poker sites to US players:

At ;east one more state has passed regulation to license and legalize online poker but has yet to launch any real money sites:

While the amount of real money poker sites available in each state varies (NJ has the most options, for example), most if not all poker sites offer no deposit poker for new players.

No Deposit Bonus Poker Sites

Whichever your state, use the links in the table above to claim your no-deposit poker bonus. After downloading the online poker software, you can then create your account.

This is where you enter your “Bonus Code” (see table above) to secure your no deposit bonus. After signup, the bonus is instantly credited to your account. You can then hit the tables and get started.

If you want to play no deposit poker outside of the above states, see our Global Poker section below.

WSOP.com (NJ, NV) – $10 free

This is the online poker arm of the famed World Series of Poker. WSOP.com offers online poker to players in Nevada (where it’s the only operator in the market) and New Jersey.

The WSOP partners with 888poker in the US for its software platform. 888 is a respected international online poker operator and a regular sponsor of the WSOP in Las Vegas.

WSOP.com offers the only shared player pool in the US among Nevada and New Jersey, and with 888 in Delaware. This makes for larger prize pools and player pools in most events, which makes it the regular revenue leader in New Jersey.

WSOP.com gives you a free $10 no deposit bonus simply for signing up. This makes it easy to play low-budget cash games, tournaments, sit & go’s, and other events.

That 10 bucks may not seem like a lot, but there are cash games that start at only pennies and low roller tournaments and sit & go’s for that as well. Those who decide to play for even more will also find an extra bonus of 100% match up to $1,000 on your first deposit.

If you prefer taking your poker on the road, WSOP.com also has a nice real money poker app for your phone. The free $10 No Deposit Bonus is also available to app users so it’s easy to jump right in the action and test drive what’s on offer.

888poker (NJ, DE) – $20 free

888poker offers online poker in New Jersey as a partner with WSOP.com, but also offers all online poker in the state of Delaware. 888 players also benefit from being part of the New Jersey/Nevada/Delaware interstate player compact with WSOP.

As for a no-deposit bonus, new players get $20 free to play real money casino games and poker tournaments. Here’s how that cash is distributed:

• $10 in free play for select casino games on 888 Casino.
• A credit of $4 worth in bonus money that can be used at 888poker or 888 Casino.
• Six 888poker tournament tickets with a value of $1 each.

If you want to deposit into your account for further play you can also claim a 100% match bonus up to $1,500.

partypoker (NJ) – $25 free

This is another excellent option for players in New Jersey offering a $25 No Deposit Bonus for players simply signing up. That can go a long way for players looking to play some cards on house money.

partypoker is one of the best platforms in the world and partners with MGM’s Borgata casino in Atlantic City. The additional skins BorgataPoker.com and BetMGM Poker also make use of partypoker software and all three share the same group of players.

You can receive your $25 in a few different ways. This makes for a nice way to play some of what partypoker has to offer including:

• $10 in poker cash
• $5 free for use in partypoker tournaments
• $10 free for use in the party casino

Players simply have to set up and account to earn that free money. The partypoker app also offers a great playing experience, and the company has worked to make it an even better option since 2019.

Beyond the free money option, those looking to fund their account will find another nice deposit match bonus of 100% up to $600.

PokerStars (NJ, PA, MI) – $30 free play (on deposit)

When you’re the most recognized and popular online poker site in the world, a no deposit bonus isn’t in the cards. But you can get $30 in free play for a minimal deposit.

Known for its world-class software and massive tournaments, PokerStars now offers real-money online poker in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. As of January 2021, it’s the only poker site in PA and MI, but that should change shortly when partypoker launches. In the US, all of NJ, PA and MI are still “fenced-in” markets, which means players can only play against others located in that state – not against a national or international player pool (yet).

That being said, you’ll find many similar series and promotions that you’d find on the international PokerStars platform, only geared toward each state. Both have proven popular so far and offer access to big tournament series such as the NJ/PA Championships of Online Poker and the Bounty Builder Series.

Players won’t find a completely free no deposit bonus for poker, but a pretty solid deal nonetheless. For a deposit of $20, players get $30 in free play. Or, on that first deposit players can also choose a 100% match bonus up to $600 instead.

The $30 free play bonus includes:

• $20 Bonus Money
• $10 in Spin & Go tickets
• Free entry into a $5,000 depositor freeroll
• 1 million in Play-Money chips

BorgataPoker.com (NJ) – $20 free

The online site of one of Atlantic City’s most renowned poker rooms, Borgata Poker online is a partypoker skin that offers another nice no deposit bonus – simply set up your account and earn a free $20.

As they share software, you’ll find the same excellent and newly revised table layout you’d find on partypoker NJ plus the same cash game and tournament selection.

Your no deposit bonus comes in the form of:

• $10 in cash
• $10 poker bonus

If you choose to go on and make a deposit you’ll get a 100% match bonus up to $600.

Players at BorgataPoker.com will find some nice daily and weekly events as well as major tournament series. That includes chances to qualify at the property’s regular live tournament events – some of the best in the country.

BetMGM Poker (NJ) – $25 free

Another partypoker skin, this platform also uses the same software and player pool. It also offers the chance to earn another nice no deposit bonus.

Set up an account and take the free $25 to jump on a table and do some betting and bluffing. No big requirements here; just use this link and get started playing with your free cash.

If you decide to actually make an additional deposit, you’ll get a 100% match bonus up to $1,000.

Global Poker No Purchase Bonus (All US except WA & Canada except Quebec)

This is a unique Sweeps Coin poker site available to players in the US (excl. WA) and Canada (excl. Que). Similar to a social casino gaming site, players can play for a free with a virtual currency called Gold Coins (GC).

Those who purchase more Gold Coins receive Sweeps Coins (SC) as a bonus. These can also be used in separate tournaments and ring games and ultimately be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards.

Global Poker is a great promotional sweepstakes poker option with a $20 Gold Coin no purchase package for you to get started and try the platform out.

Free Poker vs No Deposit Poker

No deposit poker is a great way to jump in to your first action online. These bonuses are indeed real money and can be a great jumpstart to having a proper poker bankroll you can use to play progressively bigger stakes.

That’s certainly not required however – you can play at the lowest stakes (literally pennies) for as long as you want to. Legal poker sites also offer the chance to simply play for virtual currency (play money), too, although the game is decidedly different strategically than real money poker.

Regardless, through both you can see how the site functions, get used to the speed of the online game and work on your own strategy weak spots.

Playing at a legal, regulated online poker site in the US is the same as playing at a live poker table at a casino. They offer safety and security and must meet strict gaming regulations like traditional casinos. Read more about safe and secure online poker sites.

Beyond the traditional poker software client, playing for real money on poker apps is also an option.

These are not to be confused with other social gaming and similar play money apps. These don’t offer a real-money option and playing poker is much different when not playing for real money. You’ll find traditional real-money online poker is much closer to what you might experience in a real casino card room.

Traditional online poker sites in the US offer players a virtual game as well as the ability to play for real money in major tournaments and cash games.

New Player Freerolls to Build a Poker Bankroll

Another great way to build a bankroll on an online poker site is to make use of freerolls. These are free tournaments to enter where the poker site puts up a real money prize pool.

There is no tournament fee and you can earn real money if you win or make it into the money spots. Many sites offer new players exclusive freerolls in addition to no deposit bonuses.

Freerolls are another nice option to make some money on a poker site without having to make a deposit. Additionally, these tournaments aren’t solely for new players and many sites use them as promotions.

No Deposit Bonus vs. Welcome Bonus

Most poker sites offer all new players a Welcome Bonus. This shouldn’t be confused with a no deposit bonus.

A welcome bonus, also sometimes referred to as a match bonus, applies to players who make an initial deposit. Some of these bonuses can be for up to $1,500 and make for a great way to get started on a real-money online poker site if you intend to play a lot of poker. Meeting the clearing requirements for some welcome bonuses – particularly the largest amounts – will take some concentrated effort in a short period of time.

A no deposit bonus is just as the name implies. A new player only has to register an account and can play using these funds without even making a deposit. No deposit bonuses are the easier way to get started with online poker.

Play Free Poker on Your Phone

Online poker has exploded as a way to play poker for real money on a cell phone or tablet. Poker sites now tailor their product for mobile users as well as those using the traditional poker client.

All the traditional online poker sites mentioned here in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada and Delaware all offer nice poker apps. Those include:

• WSOP.com (NJ, NV)
• PokerStars (NJ, PA)
• 888poker (NJ)
• Partypoker (NJ)
• BorgataPoker.com (NJ)
• BetMGM (NJ)

Poker apps are easy to download for both iPhone and Android. You can still take advantage of no deposit bonuses as well as other deposit offers found here. You can expect to find all the games and events you’d find using a laptop including:

• Cash games
• Tournaments
• Sit & Go’s
• Major MTT series

If you try out a poker app you’ll find a platform built specifically for mobile play. Much of the play on a poker app can be done utilizing a single finger, which makes playing on the go very simple. Most features found on the desktop client are also available on the app.

For players not able to play traditional online poker on their phones, promotional sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker also offer an opportunity. While Global doesn’t yet have a mobile app, the site uses a browser-based system that also works great on a cell phone or tablet.

No Deposit Poker FAQ

Are online No Deposit Poker bonuses really free?

Yes, poker sites offer these bonuses to USPoker readers to try out the site. Players can build a bankroll using these funds and ultimately cash them out for real money.

What games can I play with a No Deposit Bonus?

While these bonuses may be smaller than players would typically deposit, they do offer a chance to play for real money. Players can take advantage of cash games, tournaments, and sit & go’s.

You can find stakes for all bankrolls and can play for as low as $0.01/$0.02 at many sites. You’ll also find tournaments and sit & go’s available for around $1.

Some sites may offer the no deposit bonus as a simple credit to your account allowing you to play as you wish. Others may offer players specific tournament or sit & go tickets. These can be used to actually win real money and build a poker bankroll just like funds you can deposit on the site.

Can I claim a No Deposit Bonus and a Match Bonus?

Yes, a no deposit bonus is free money a player can use after simply creating an account at a site. There is no deposit required and you don’t have to fund an account.

Match Bonuses or Welcome Bonuses are funds credited to a player’s account after making a deposit. These can be hundreds of dollars and even thousands, and are a great benefit for players looking to make a deposit.

These may have requirements for “play-through” before these funds are released however. That means a player may need to play a certain number of hands or events to have some of that bonus released and credited to his account.

When can I withdraw my no deposit bonus?

Most winnings from these bonuses can be withdrawn as they are accumulated. These funds are real money as if the player had made a deposit.

What’s the catch with a No Deposit Bonus?

There’s no “catch” with these types of funds. They’re available to you to try out a regulated, legal online poker site for real money and see if it’s for you. It’s real money to play poker and it’s free. What could be better? You won’t be able to claim the bonus and then immediately cash it out, obviously, but that shouldn’t be classified as a “catch” per se. That’s simple common sense.

Where can I get a No Deposit bonus in the US?

Since 2011, after what’s known as “Black Friday,” the US has been limited to a state-by-state approach to legalizing online poker. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware have offered online poker since 2013.

Pennsylvania began offering online poker in 2019 and Michigan online poker launched its first poker site in 2021. West Virginia legalized online gaming including poker in 2019 but has yet to go live as of February 2021.

New York Poker Sites

Those looking for some No Deposit Poker are in luck with a few sites in some of these legal states. It’s also important to note that while you have to be located within these states to play, you don’t have to be there to sign up for a No Deposit Bonus or even fund your account.

Some players see that No Deposit Bonus as a challenge – ie how long they can make it last as they try to build it up into an even bigger bonus. Here’s a look at a few popular sites where you can get in the games just for signing up.

How To Play Online Poker In New York 2019

If you’re interested in no deposit bonuses for online casino play, see our dedicated page here: