Here are the top real‑money online poker sites available to U.S. players in states where regulated online poker is legal (brief list, with notes on availability and why each is popular). I pulled current availability and state restrictions from recent industry sources — this is accurate as of Sep 28, 2025.

Top recommended sites (regulated / licensed)

• PokerStars — Largest player pools and best tournament schedule where it’s licensed (commonly available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan). Good software, big MTT guarantees and consistent promotions. (PokerNews.com)
• WSOP.com (Caesars/World Series of Poker) — Strong cash games and weekly tournament series; operates in Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and linked interstate pools in some states. Popular for branded WSOP events. (PokerNews.com)
• BetMGM Poker — Broad U.S. footprint in several regulated states (NJ, PA, MI and expanding); integrated with sportsbook/casino accounts and frequent promo/rakeback offers. (YourPokerDream.com)
• 888poker (state/lottery partners) — Longstanding operator in Delaware and part of shared liquidity networks; reliable software and low‑variance tournaments. (MyPokerCoaching.com)
• Borgata / Other state‑licensed skins (NJ) — Good choice in New Jersey (Borgata/other Atlantic City operator skins) where local brands keep active player pools and promotions. (pokerati.com)

Important legality / availability points (must-read)

• Online poker is legal only in certain U.S. states; availability of these sites depends on your physical state. As of Sep 28, 2025, regulated online poker is active in states such as Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia; Connecticut and Rhode Island have legalized but operator launches vary. Always check whether your state is supported before signing up. (PokerNews.com)
• Many licensed sites only accept players physically located inside the licensed state(s); geolocation and ID verification are required and you must be of legal age (usually 21+). (pokerati.com)

How to pick the best site for you (quick checklist)

• Confirm it’s licensed in your state (legal/regulatory protection). (PokerNews.com)
• Compare liquidity (how many players at your stake/time) — PokerStars and WSOP typically have the largest pools in the U.S. markets. (PokerNews.com)
• Look at rake structure, promos, and VIP/rakeback programs. (Business2Community.com)
• Banking options and speed of withdrawals — important if you plan to move funds often. (YourPokerDream.com)
• Responsible gaming protections and strong customer support. (apnews.com)

If you’re not in a regulated state

• Many U.S. residents outside regulated states use alternative options (offshore poker sites or sweepstakes operators), but those carry greater legal, regulatory and payment risks — I recommend playing only on state‑licensed sites when possible. (YourPokerDream.com)

If you want, I can:

• Check which of these sites are available in your exact state right now (I’ll confirm the latest live operators for your state).