Play Holdem For Real Money

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The poker variation of Holdem, also often referred to as Texas Holdem, is a community card version of poker that has exploded in popularity in recent years, in step with the dramatic increase in popularity of poker in general in recent times.

There’s no question that the massive increase in popularity of poker is due to its being available on the internet. Virtually all real money poker these days is played online, in spite of poker becoming a lot more popular at land based casinos and card rooms lately as well.

The total amount of land based poker tables in the entire world still doesn’t add up to that many, and a large casino may have just a few of them running, and it’s not easy for an establishment to run a lot of poker tables, for various reasons.

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Modern Age of Texas Holdem Years ago, to play real money Texas Holdem online in any feasibly entertaining capacity, you were required to have a relatively new, well equipped desktop or laptop. Current Poker Deposit Options in the USA. VISA and Mastercard Deposits. Most holdem sites for money accept deposits using credit cards issued by Visa and Mastercard. Read the buzz about. How To Play Casino Holdem. The casino variation of this game proceeds similarly to regular Holdem, in that players are each dealt two cards, together with the house hand, and there are 5 community cards dealt. The object is to make the best 5 card poker hand possible. Players start by making an ante bet, and an optional AA+ bet. All sites offer a complete range and a variety of stakes for No Limit Texas Hold em, Pot Limit.

Online poker though has changed everything, and online sites can now run lots and lots of poker around the clock. The main game of choice these days is Holdem, the game featured at the main event of the World Series of Poker as well as large events such as the World Poker Tour.

Casinos would get in on the action by collecting a rake or tournament fee, and that’s how it works at online poker sites as well, but in the standard format, players play against each other.

Back in 2000, Stephen Au-Yeung came up with the idea to transform Holdem into a banking casino game, where players instead would play against the house. This offered similar benefits as other banking poker games did, mainly in that it simplified the game so that a high degree of skill was not required, and could be played adequately by even novices.

While Holdem does have its passionate followers, one of the challenges lies in the fact that it does take quite a bit of time to master the game to be proficient enough not to get kicked around too much at it, becoming one of the sharks so to speak instead of one of the fish. So you can lose a lot more money per hour over the rake if you aren’t very good at it, playing against others, and many newer players are intimidated, and may not be willing to put in the time to master the game enough to fend better.

Casino Holdem Appeals To A Bigger Audience

Casino poker removes this challenge though, as it pits players against the house, and although you can’t get a long term edge like you can with head to head poker, being better than your average opponents and having this edge exceed the rake or fees, your negative expectation at casino poker won’t exceed a typical house edge as long as you play the game sensibly, and even if you don’t, the house edge isn’t that much higher.

So Casino Holdem is an entertainment game, no one plays it for a living of course, as is the case with all casino games really, aside from card counting in blackjack that is, which is of course severely frowned upon.

One only needs a very modest knowledge of poker and Holdem to play Casino Holdem fairly well anyway, and given the fact that poker is a pretty entertaining game, this variation does provide plenty of entertainment while offering a fairly standard and competitive house edge of around 2%-2.5% depending on how well it is played.

How To Play Casino Holdem

The casino variation of this game proceeds similarly to regular Holdem, in that players are each dealt two cards, together with the house hand, and there are 5 community cards dealt. The object is to make the best 5 card poker hand possible.

Players start by making an ante bet, and an optional AA+ bet. After seeing their two cards, they either call by placing a bet of twice the ante, or fold and lose their ante bet. Since this is essentially heads up against the dealer, it is generally desirable to play on with most hands, and good strategy dictates that one should only fold about 18% of the time.

Of course, knowing this, and having a good idea of what the worst 18% of hands are, does require some knowledge, but even playing every hand or folding a little too often won’t throw the house edge off too much, so even novices can happily play this game for hours and see themselves fare similarly to your average casino table game.

The dealer must have a pair of 4’s or better to qualify, so needless to say there will be a lot of hands where the dealer does not qualify, which is the big reason why you don’t want to fold too often. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, remaining players collect 1:1 on their ante and the call bet is returned.

If the dealer does qualify, and beats the player, the player loses both bets. If the player wins, the call bet is paid 1:1 and the ante is paid out according to the strength of a player’s hand, with hands of a flush or better receiving a better payout, with lesser hands getting a 1:1 payout.

The optional AA bet pays out various amounts depending on the strength of a player’s hole cards and the first 3 community cards, up to 100:1 for a royal flush. As is the case with side bets generally, the house edge on these tend to be higher.

Casino Holdem is a very entertaining game and does feature a fair bit of strategy, as far as what hands to hold and which ones to fold, and therefore has all the elements of a great casino game. It may not be anywhere as rich in strategy as the real thing, but has all of the strategy that many casino players wish for and much more so than most other casino games.

Casino Holdem is widely available both at land based casinos and at many online casinos.

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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

Poker SiteFree Money OfferStates AvailableBonus Code
WSOP.comFree $10 (NJ)
Free $10 (NV)
• New Jersey
• Nevada
NJ: 10FREE
NV: GET10
888pokerFree $20• New Jersey
• Delaware
No code needed
partypokerFree $25• New JerseyPLAYNJCASH
BorgataPoker.comFree $20• New JerseyFREEMONEY
BetMGM PokerFree $25• New JerseyPLAYNJFREE
Global PokerFree $20 package with a verified account• US players (excl. WA)
• CAN players (excl. Que.)
No code needed
PokerStars (Note: Deposit required but play is free)Free $30 (with $20 deposit) (NJ, PA or MI)• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
FREE30

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:

Play Online Texas Hold'em For Real Money

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.

On Sign Up
100% up to $1,500 Deposit Bonus Offer

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.

On Sign Up
Limited Time & Exclusive 100% Up To $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Use Bonus Code: PLAYNJCASH

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.

With a Verified Account. PLUS get a $40 Gold Coin Package for $20 on purchase
Daily FREE Sweeps Coins Just For Logging In
Redeemable For Cash Prizes

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 Holdem For Real Money

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)

Texas Holdem For Real Cash

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.

Play Holdem Online For Money

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.

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.

Play Holdem For Real Money

Real Texas Holdem For Money

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.

Play Texas Hold'em For Real Money

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