Real money poker sites give their members the opportunity to play against other real competitors around the world for actual money. Although players do risk real cash at real money poker sites, the sites themselves should never charge players to sign up for an account and obtain the software. Among the most important considerations for players seeking real money poker sites are bonuses, game types, customer support, banking options and currencies.
Best Real Money Poker Sites
| # | Brand | Usa | Eu | Visit Site | Play now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
BetOnline Poker | |||
| 2. |  |
Ladbrokes Poker |
Play Money vs. Real Money Poker Sites
Some poker sites only allow you to play for real money, while others are exclusive to play money games in which no real currency is risked. The vast majority of real money poker sites, however, also offer the option to play for fake money. This allows you to freely switch back to the play money tables when you’d like to explore a new game type or try out a new strategy. Some real money poker sites restrict you from playing for fake money after you make your first deposit and convert to a real money account, though this is somewhat rare.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options at Real Money Poker Sites
In order to play for real money at an online poker room, you’ll need to make a deposit using a secure transaction method. Deposit and withdrawal methods are usually classified as e-wallets, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards and banking transfers. Some of the most popular real money poker banking methods include the following:
- PaySafeCard
- UKash
- Instant eChecks
- MoneyBookers
- EcoCard
- Neteller
- WebMoney
- InstaDebit
- Cash Transfer
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Check by Mail
- ClickandBuy
- EntroPay
Reputable real money poker sites rarely charge fees for deposit requests, and they usually process deposits instantly. Withdrawal requests can take a few additional days to process, and they sometimes incur fees. In some cases, online poker sites will process one free withdrawal each month or unlimited free withdrawals when select banking methods are used.
Real money poker rooms usually impose minimum and maximum limits on both withdrawals and deposits. Typical minimum deposit limits are usually around $10, with maximums often reaching the thousands. Deposit and withdrawal limits also vary according to the specific banking methods you choose. If you wish to make a deposit or withdrawal that exceeds these maximum limits, you may be able to do so by contacting customer support.
Customer Support at Real Money Poker Sites
Player-friendly real money poker sites always offer some form of customer support for prospective, new and veteran members. Some of the most common ways to contact a poker site include email, live chat and phone. Though email is perhaps most common, it isn’t the most ideal support method since it doesn’t allow for feedback in real time. Look for real money online poker sites that offer live chat service available 24/7 and phone support that’s free in your country. All service methods aside from phone support should be free to all site members.
Game Types at Real Money Poker Sites
The best poker sites allow you to play a wide variety of game types for real money in both cash game and tournament formats. In a cash game, you’ll enter a table in progress and play until you wish to cash out. In a tournament, you’ll usually pay a buy-in in exchange for a set amount of chips. At the conclusion of the tournament, you’ll be paid out according to your placement on the tournament leaderboard. Some of the most popular poker game types found at real money poker sites include:
- Texas Holdem
- Omaha
- Omaha Hi Lo
- 7 Card Stud
- 7 Card Stud Hi Lo
- Badugi
- 5 Card Draw
- Chinese Poker
- Razz
- HORSE
Currencies at Real Money Poker Sites
The top rated online poker sites for real money play allow you to make a deposit using one of several popular currencies such as USD, GBP, AUD, SEK and AUD. In many cases, the site will convert all deposited currencies into a uniform currency that’s used for game play. If you make a deposit using a currency other than the primary one used at the site, it’s important to ensure that the site uses a fair conversion rate. This will ensure that no money is lost during a deposit or withdrawal.
Bonuses at Real Money Poker Sites
Many poker sites give players additional chances to earn money through bonuses and promotions such as reload bonuses, initial deposit bonuses, referral bonuses and VIP rewards programs. The first bonus you receive after signing up and depositing is the initial deposit bonus. This matches a specified portion of your first deposit and gives it to you as bonus dollars. Reload bonuses do the same for your later deposits. You’ll need to play real money cash games and tournaments regularly in order to convert the bonus dollars into real money.
Referral bonuses, also called Refer a Friend bonuses, offer a monetary reward each time you convince someone to sign up at the site as a new member. Typical bonus amounts include $25, $50 and even $100 for each friend referred.
VIP programs reward players with VIP points for participating in real money play. The points can be redeemed for merchandise or cash.
