Is Online Poker Legal in the US in 2025? State-by-State Guide to Real Money Poker

Wondering if you can legally play online poker in your state in 2025? You’re not alone. With U.S. laws rapidly changing and more states embracing regulated platforms, this guide will show you exactly where online poker is legal—and where it’s not. From shared player pools to tax info, here’s everything you need to know.

✅ Where Online Poker Is Legal in the US (2025)

Nevada (WSOP)
New Jersey (PokerStars, WSOP, BetMGM)
Michigan (PokerStars MI, WSOP MI)
Pennsylvania (PokerStars PA, BetMGM)
Delaware (BetRivers Poker)
West Virginia (Launched June 2025 with BetRivers)

🕒 Legal but Not Yet Live

Connecticut – Law passed, launch pending.
Rhode Island – Law active since 2024, expected soon.

🌐 What Is MSIGA and Why It Matters

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allows states to share poker liquidity across legal jurisdictions. That means bigger prize pools and more competitive games. In 2025, MSIGA includes:

Nevada
New Jersey
Michigan
Delaware

Pennsylvania is expected to join by late 2025, and West Virginia is now integrated with MSIGA-friendly platforms like BetRivers.

📍 State-by-State Online Poker Legality

Nevada

Online poker has been legal since 2013. WSOP.com is the exclusive site. You must be located in NV to play.

New Jersey

Multiple legal poker platforms: PokerStars, WSOP, and BetMGM. Fully part of MSIGA.

Michigan

Legal since 2021. Offers full access to WSOP and PokerStars with shared liquidity.

Pennsylvania

Live with BetMGM and PokerStars. Not yet in MSIGA, but steps are being taken.

Delaware

Legal since 2012. Poker run by the state lottery, now integrated with BetRivers and MSIGA.

West Virginia

Online poker launched in June 2025 via BetRivers, joining MSIGA-linked traffic pools.

Connecticut & Rhode Island

Legal poker frameworks exist, but sites have not launched yet. Expected by end of 2025.

⚠️ Avoid Offshore Poker Sites

Unlicensed platforms are not safe. You won’t have access to legal recourse if funds disappear. Always choose a state-regulated site.

⚖️ What Does Federal Law Say?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) doesn’t ban online poker directly. It targets financial processors and applies only to illegal gambling, not state-regulated platforms.

💰 Do You Pay Taxes on Poker Winnings?

Yes. Gambling winnings are taxable at the federal level. In some states, your poker profits are also subject to local income tax. If you earn over $600, you’ll likely receive a W-2G form from the operator.

🎯 Best Legal US Online Poker Sites (2025)

📊 Quick Overview Table

State	Legal?	Live Poker Sites	MSIGA Member
Nevada	✅	WSOP	✅
New Jersey	✅	WSOP, PokerStars, BetMGM	✅
Delaware	✅	BetRivers	✅
Pennsylvania	✅	PokerStars, BetMGM	🔜
Michigan	✅	WSOP, PokerStars	✅
West Virginia	✅	BetRivers	✅
Connecticut	✅ (pending launch)	❌	❌
Rhode Island	✅ (pending launch)	❌	❌

📢 Get Started Playing Online Poker Today

If you live in a state with legal online poker, now is the time to join. Choose a trusted, licensed operator and enjoy a secure, thrilling gaming experience with real-money rewards.

🎲 Choose your platform (see links above)
📍 Verify your location
💵 Deposit safely
♠️ Play tournaments, SNGs, or cash games

🔒 Stay safe, avoid offshore sites, and play legally in 2025.