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If you’re looking for a chance of pace from the same run-of-the-mill poker rooms, have we got a treat for you! We’ve lined up the best new poker sites with the most traffic and biggest GTDs.
Take Ignition Casino, for example — they’re offering a solid $3,000 welcome bonus and a feature-rich app filled with customizable visuals, fast-fold gameplay, and anonymous tables. Plus, they’ve got a phenomenal mix of low and high-stakes games, hitting the right notes for players of all bankroll sizes.
Stick around, though, as we dive deeper into the scene and unearth eight other phenomenal picks. Surely you’ll find your perfect table among them.
Best New Poker Sites
- Ignition: Best new poker site overall
- Bovada: Impressive tournaments
- BetOnline: Top pick for Texas Hold’em
- SportsBetting.ag: Best for new players
- Black Chip Poker: $2,000 welcome bonus
- America’s Cardroom: 100% match up to $2,000
- Everygame: 200% match up to $1,000
- 7bit: Best for video and casino poker games
- mBit: 100% match up to 1 BTC + 100 free spins
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While Ignition is the all-around best poker site we’ve found, we recommend you read through its top competition before settling in.
1. Ignition Casino – Best New Online Poker Site Overall 
Pros
- $3,000 in bonus for casino and poker
- Feature-rich poker app
- Fast-fold “Zone Poker”
- Fully anonymous tables
- High-traffic tables
- Rabbit cam feature
Cons
- Limited weekly payout caps
- Does not support HUDs
Ignition Casino has become one of the ideal online poker destinations thanks to its generous welcome bonus, phenomenal poker app, and impressive collection of massive guaranteed prize pool tournaments.
Real Money Poker Games: 5/5
Like most of the big names in online poker, Ignition has primarily set its sights on Texas Hold’em — and considering Hold’em has been the most popular poker format for some time now, we don’t blame them.
In addition to a wide range of no-limit Hold’em tables, you will find a generous smattering of Omaha and Hi/Lo games as well. And with Ignition’s beautifully designed poker app (which you can download on desktop and mobile devices or just access through your favorite browser), finding a table within your budget is a piece of cake.
Some of our favorite features built into Ignition’s poker are the anonymous tables (meaning nobody can see your username and use it to study your habits), a handy note-taking app, and their “rabbit cam” feature, which lets you see what the next card dealt would have been, so you don’t have to spend your days wondering about what could have been.
There are also a host of great tournaments ranging from Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments, bounty-hunting Knockout tourneys, and the Triple Header Sunday, which is made up of 3 events with a combined $235k in GTD prizes on the table.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
The Ignition Casino welcome bonus consists of two 100% deposit match bonuses worth up to $1,000 each.
The first $1,000 is dedicated to Ignition’s online poker games and tournaments and is unlocked gradually by staking real money at the tables. The second $1,000 bonus is for Ignition’s slots and casino games.
Are you looking for a little more bang for your buck? Deposit with one of the accepted forms of cryptocurrency and get two 150% deposit match bonuses instead, each of which is worth $1,500 for a generous $3,000 bonus cash.
And that’s just getting you warmed up. Ignition offers customized weekly reload bonuses, freeroll tournaments, a generous loyalty program, and much more.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.95/5
Ignition offers fantastic mobile compatibility through its downloadable poker app. This app has a host of great features built-in, easy-to-read graphics, a navigation menu built from the ground up to make finding your table swift and easy on every device, plus it’s recently been expanded to include a “portrait mode” function, making it easier than ever to play the game one-handed — just don’t do it while you’re driving.
Banking Options: 4.8/5
You can deposit into your Ignition account using Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. You can also use your favorite e-wallets like PayPal or Venmo through MatchPay, but will not be qualified for bonuses with those deposits.
>> Get a $3,000 poker and casino bonus [Ignition]
2. Bovada – Best New Poker Site for Knockout Bounty Tournaments 
Pros
- Up to $500 in poker bonuses
- Anonymous poker tables
- Convenient hand history tool
- Play up to 15 tournaments at once
- Top-notch Knockout tournaments
Cons
- On-site bonuses favor sports betting
- Smaller welcome bonus than some competitors
While most gamblers know Bovada for its rich online sports betting app, it deserves nearly as much acclaim for its online poker offerings as well. With a rich collection of low buy-in tables, high-stakes poker rooms, and massive GTD tournaments, Bovada is a force to be reckoned with.
Real Money Poker Games: 4.9/5
You’ll find a similar collection of no-limit Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo here as you would with Ignition, which is not a complaint. Keeping the selection limited like this ensures that the traffic is not diluted across too many game types and there are always plenty of tables available, even when playing during off hours.
What Bovada knocked out of the park though is its collection of Knockout tournaments. You can find a variety of Knockout style tournaments including Knockout Sit & Go and classic Knockout. There’s even a Progressive Knockout Tournament where every player’s own bounty grows as they knock players out until the last player standing walks away with their own bounty in addition to the regular prize.
But that’s not all. You’ll also find exciting three-card poker games in its collection.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.7/5
Bovada offers new players a 100% match up to $500 on their first deposit when they use the PWB500 poker bonus code. Instead of standard wagering requirements, this bonus unlocks at a rate of $5 for every 150 Rewards Points you earn playing poker.
Once unlocked, there are no additional wagering requirements attached, making this a solid choice, even if it’s somewhat smaller than competing bonuses.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.95/5
The Bovada poker app has a lot in common with Ignition’s, which means you’ll have a similar level of excellence. Clear graphic design, intuitive table browser, quick-seat functions, and even the same Zone Poker feature so you can swiftly move from table to table when you fold, even from your iPhone or Android device.
Banking Options: 4.8/5
Bovada accepts most major credit cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and BitcoinSV. Payments are fast and easy, and payouts are resolved the same day with many payment options. Some payment options have fairly stiff fees attached, however, so make sure you read into that before making your deposits.
>> Get $500 in bonus cash [Bovada]
3. BetOnline – Best Texas Hold’em of all New Poker Sites 
Pros
- 100% match up to $1,000
- Tons of Texas Hold’em format tables
- Exciting short-deck games
- Impressive tournament variety
- Excellent crypto banking options
Cons
- Table navigator could be streamlined
- Stiff fees on some transactions
BetOnline is another gambling site that does a little bit of everything. From its extensive online casino to the robust sportsbook, it manages to get everything right. But today, we’re here to dive into its online poker app and see why it was our team’s favorite place for Texas Hold’em.
Real Money Poker Games: 4.8/5
The BetOnline poker app is not quite as clean as Ignition’s is, but it’s still fairly easy to navigate, even if it looks a bit busy. We found a wide range of games suitable for all pocketbooks with stakes as low as $0.05 across Pot Limit Omaha, No Limit Hold’em, and a few other select formats.
But BetOnline’s dedication to Texas Hold’em makes them so special. Not only will you find a massive collection of Hold’em cash games and tournaments, but more exciting variants like the 6+ short deck Hold’em tables where all cards lower than 6 have been removed, giving you a fast-paced game that requires decisive strategies.
The tournament variety is nothing to be scoffed at, either, with plenty of Knockout, Sit & Go, and Windfall tournaments with buy-ins ranging from just a few bucks up to the $500+ price tags on some of the bigger GTD tournaments. No matter how you like your Hold’em, BetOnline’s got something up its sleeves.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5
New players can use the POKER1000 promo code to get a 100% match up to $1,000 on their first deposit, doubling their bankroll. This bonus releases over time as you stake real money at the tables, making this a much better option than standard rollover bonuses.
In addition to that, BetOnline offers players using the POKER1000 bonus code free tickets to a series of Sit & Go tournaments, provided they meet the daily rake requirements for their first eight days.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.75/5
BetOnline has built a remarkable online poker app usable across iOS, Android, and even Desktop devices. The download is fairly lightweight and gives you access to numerous features, including poker odds calculators, specialized game types, and more.
Banking Options: 4.9/5
In addition to classic fiat options like credit cards, wire transfers, and money orders, BetOnline accepts over a dozen different forms of cryptocurrency.
In fact, it’s one of the most popular Bitcoin poker sites where you can also use Avalanche, Binance, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polygon, Ripple, Shiba Inu, Solana, Stellar, Tether, Tron, and USD Coin.
>> Claim up to $1,000 poker bonus [BetOnline]
4. SportsBetting.ag – High Traffic New Online Poker Room for Omaha 
Pros
- $1,000 in bonus cash + free tournament tickets
- Easy-to-use poker app
- Top-notch mobile support
- High-traffic Omaha and Hold’em tables
- Tons of tools for new players
Cons
- Slow payout with some options
- Limited bonus variety
If you’re just learning the ropes, SportsBetting.ag’s Poker101 series of articles and guides are just what the doctor ordered — heck, even if you’re a skilled hand at the table, there may be something to learn from there.
And when combined with the robust beginner toolset like play-money games (risking no cash of your own) and hand odds calculation tools, you’ll have everything you need to start cleaning house.
Real Money Poker Games: 4.75/5
Much like the other top picks, SportsBetting.ag is focused on providing a sterling Texas Hold’em and Omaha experience with a wide range of table limits. Whether you’re looking to play for a few cents per hand or want to throw down some serious cash at SportsBetting.ag’s multi-table tournament selection, the slick navigation interface will help you find a seat in moments.
While we initially included this poker site because of how well it eases new players into the competitive world of online poker, it’s still worth checking out for more serious players. From the Money Builders tournaments Sunday Majors, Progressive Bounties, and Windfall Tournaments, there is no shortage of exciting action with GTD prize pools large enough to entice even the high-rollers.
On top of that, you’ll find some of the most exciting live poker games on this site.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
The welcome bonus here is very similar to the one offered by BetOnline. New players can use the NEWSB promo code to get a 100% match up to $1,000 in bonus funds, which will be released to your account gradually as you stake real money at the tables.
SportsBetting.ag is also offering free tournament tickets to players who meet specific rake requirements over the first eight days, giving you a chance to play in the Step Satellites tournaments and, ultimately, the $100k Sunday Showdown.
This is a perfect opportunity, especially for new players to get the feel for not just online poker but the cutthroat world of online tournament play — which is where the real action always has been.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.75/5
The downloadable app offered by SportsBetting.ag is extremely easy to use and has many built-in features to make finding and playing your perfect game a breeze.
Banking Options: 4.8/5
SportsBetting.ag offers various fiat and crypto payment options, including most major credit cards, wire transfers, cashiers check, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and other popular cryptocurrencies.
Both deposits and withdrawals are fairly swift — though some fiat options may take a couple of days to clear when collecting your payout.
>> Get up to $1,000 bonus [SportsBetting.ag]
5. Black Chip Poker – Best Welcome Bonus of all New Poker Sites 
Pros
- 100% match up to $2,000 bonus
- Over $12 Million in weekly GTD Prizes
- Award-winning customer support
- User-friendly software for desktop and mobile
- Generous freeroll offers
Cons
- Would like to see more non-Hold’em titles
- No anonymous tables
Rounding out our top five list of the best online poker sites is Black Chip Poker, an impressive poker site offering robust gaming options and a $2,000 welcome bonus.
While we prefer anonymous tables, there is a significant number of poker fans who will be excited to know that Black Chip Poker is also HUD-friendly, so if you’re looking for that extra bit of edge, this might be the pick for you.
Real Money Poker Games: 4.7/5
Black Chip offers a wide range of games with a rather impressive focus on tournaments. We saw tons of games every day of the week, ranging from Big 10 tournaments to Progressive Knockout and Loncar Mega Stack, many of them with guaranteed prize pools in the tens and hundreds of thousands — especially on Sundays.
According to the website, there are over $12,000,000 in GTD prizes every week, and while we didn’t do the math (there are several pages of tournaments listed), we believe them.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5
Black Chip Poker offers one of our favorite welcome bonuses. New players will get a 100% match on their first deposit up to $2,000. Like the other first-deposit bonuses we looked at, this is not an up-front bonus but will be unlocked at a rate of $1 for every 27.5 award points you earn playing real-money poker.
Once you’re done with that, you’ll be able to reload your account with a massive $2,000 welcome bonus as well lay claim to a ton of other exciting promotions like freeroll tournaments, specialized jackpots, leaderboard contests, and more.
Mobile Compatibility: 4.75/5
Black Chip Poker has impressive mobile support thanks to its downloadable iOS and Android apps. The apps all look great and give you access to everything Black Chip has to offer, all without slowing down your system.
The apps lack features like anonymous tables and rabbit cam, which we enjoyed at Bovada and Ignition, but there is still much to love.
Banking Options: 4.7/5
Keeping your account topped up is easy as Black Chip Poker accepts Luxon, e-wallet transfers, major credit cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Payouts are a little slower than we’d like, but still plenty fast — though if you collect your payout via check, you might be waiting up to 8 weeks.
>> Claim your $2,000 bonus [Black Chip Poker]
How We Rank and Score the New Online Poker Sites
Real Money Poker Games
From Texas Hold’em poker room games to fast-paced multi-table tournaments backed up by massive guaranteed prize pools, we’ve made sure to only include top-quality poker sites offering real-money online poker games with enough traffic to make sure you can always find your perfect table.
Bonuses and Promotions
The best online poker sites know that the most effective way to get new players in the door is by offering generous bonuses. That’s why we’ve made sure to pick poker sites offering the best poker bonuses, free roll tournaments, cashback offers, and anything else we felt you would like to get your hands on.
Mobile Compatibility
One of the highlights of online poker is being able to enjoy the most epic game on Earth from anywhere, at any time. To ensure you have the best possible experience, we have scored each site based on their mobile experience, whether they have a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-friendly website.
Banking Options
Finally, all of the mobile apps and bonuses in the world won’t do you a bit of good if you can’t bring your bankroll to bear. We have ensured that each poker site uses secure, trustworthy payment portals regardless of whether they accept credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, e-wallets, or even crypto.
Why is Ignition Casino the Best New Online Poker Site?
With so many different poker sites offering a wide range of amazing options, it was difficult to narrow it down to just 10, and harder still to decide which one was going home with the gold. Ignition Casino didn’t leave us any other choice, however, and proved itself to be the best, and we’re thrilled to show you why.
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- Feature-Rich Poker App: Ignition’s online poker app is available for download on desktop and mobile devices and puts many amazing features at your fingertips. Everything is streamlined – from the handy note-taking function to the quick-seat navigation system.
- Amazing Welcome Bonus: The Ignition Casino welcome offer is two bonuses in one. The first bonus comes with up to $1,500 in bonus cash for real money slots and table games, while the second bonus is a matched amount specifically for the poker tables and tournaments, giving players like you plenty of chances to win.
- Anonymous Tables: No need to constantly be looking over your shoulder here, as Ignition’s anonymous tables ensure that nobody can track your username to study your playstyle and ultimately turn your weaknesses against you.
- Fast-Fold Poker Action: Trying to cram as many hands as possible into a short period of time? Take advantage of Ignition’s Zone Poker feature, where every time you fold, you’re instantly whisked away to a new table, letting you play more hands per hour than ever before.
Why Are New Online Poker Sites Better?
While it’s almost impossible to capture the thrill of sitting around a smokey poker table with your best buds, when it comes to less casual poker action, the online poker world cannot be beat.
Here’s why many players are making the switch to virtual felt and cards:
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the main advantages of online poker is how accessible it is. Players have access to a wide range of games 24/7 from the comfort of their own homes — or anywhere, thanks to modern mobile devices.
This convenience means you’re never more than a couple of clicks away from sizzling poker action in your favorite formats like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Better Variety
The biggest poker sites tend to cater to a vast spectrum of players ranging from beginners to high rollers by offering a wider variety of games and stakes than most land-based venues can accommodate. Whether you’re looking for micro-stakes cash games or high-stakes multi-table tournaments, there’s always a seat waiting.
Bonuses and Promotions
Many poker sites frequently offer generous bonuses and promotions to get new players in the door — and retain them. These can include welcome promos, deposit match offers, freeroll tournaments, and loyalty programs. All these provide incredible value by giving players more time to play and chances to win — something traditional casinos can seldom offer.
Are Online Poker Sites Legit?
Yes, online poker sites are legitimate places to play real money games. We recommend playing at any of the top online poker rooms reviewed in this article, as we’ve already vetted them and can speak to the fact they are legitimate.
How Can You Tell if a Poker Site is Safe?
There are several ways to determine whether or not an online poker site is safe. One thing to look for is whether or not they are fully licensed and regulated by a governing body.
You can also look into safety and security measures like a secure SSL encryption (do not play at any poker site that does not, as your data will not be safe) or trusted payment portals and software providers. These are all good signs as to whether or not a poker site is safe for you to play games at.
What is the Best Poker Game to Play?
The best poker game to play would have to be Texas Hold’em. It’s currently the most popular and accessible form of poker, and you should have no trouble finding tables full of other players to play against.
Because it’s so popular, any online poker site you join will have many poker rooms and tournaments in the Hold’em format. Another great option would be Omaha, which is nearly as popular lately as Hold’em, and some exciting GTD tournaments are being hosted with it.
Want to play video poker games instead? Check out our guide for the most popular ones you can try.
Is Poker a Game of Luck or Skill?
The answer is both. Poker is a game of both luck and skill.
Like all proper gambling games, there is a heavy dose of randomness thanks to the deck of cards (or random number generator if you’re playing online poker). In addition, you have to know how hands are ranked, how to leverage your position at the table, and how to anticipate what your opponents have — all of which are skills that can be developed and used to give you an upper hand.
Guide to New Online Poker Sites – FAQs
Can you play online poker for real money?
Yes, you can play online poker for real money. All of the top online poker sites we’ve reviewed let you play real money poker in the form of casino games, online poker tournaments, or cash games against other players.
Is online poker rigged?
No, online poker is not rigged.
It is probably one of the most fair online gambling games you can play because instead of playing against the house, you are playing against other players, and the house is only taking a small amount of the pot in rake.
What is the ‘rake’ in poker?
“Rake” in poker is the small percentage of money taken from the pot by the house as payment for hosting the game or tournament. It is the most common way for poker sites to generate revenue.
What is the best new online poker site?
After putting the biggest online poker sites to the test, we determined that Ignition Casino is the best new online poker site. It offers a high-traffic online poker experience complete with cash games, massive GTD prize tournaments, and a feature-rich app that the competition just can’t compare with.
How can I claim bonuses at new poker sites?
Poker bonuses work in a couple of ways. The common form of poker bonus is a deposit match offer (usually 100% of your deposit is matched up to a certain amount). Still, instead of being added to your account immediately, you must unlock the bonus cash over time by staking real money at the tables.
The benefit to this type of bonus is that any bonus cash earned in this way is generally free from any additional wagering requirements, so anything you win by playing with this bonus cash is yours to keep.
Other forms of poker bonuses include free tournament entry tickets, cashback offers for when you lose, or in some cases, bonuses are given to players who meet specialized jackpot requirements, such as the Bad Beat Jackpot Bonus hosted by the best gambling sites like Ignition and BetOnline.
Can you play poker on a mobile device?
Yes, you can play poker on tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Many of the best poker sites online offer specially crafted downloadable mobile apps that put a ton of great features at your fingertips.
Top 5 New Places You Should Consider for Playing Poker Online
Ignition: Ignition knocks it out of the park with the perfect blend of cash games and multi-table tournaments backed up by one of the best mobile poker apps. Join now and get up to $3,000.
Bovada: This site offers a poker experience that rivals Ignition, thanks to a host of great Hold’em and Omaha games and a ton of exciting Knockout tournaments. Get up to $500 in bonus cash to start.
BetOnline: BetOnline does Texas Hold’em better than anyone and offers a wide range of tables with no-limit Hold’em games as well as 6+ Hold’em. New players can get a 100% match up to $1,000.
SportsBetting.ag: This poker site offers a wide range of poker rooms and weekly tournaments. Using NEWSB will land players up to $1,000 in bonus cash plus free tournament entry tickets.
Black Chip Poker: Black Chip Poker offers $12 million in weekly GTD prizes, a great mobile app, and up to $2,000 in bonus cash to new players, making it a perfect way to cap off our top five poker sites.
How to Register at a New Poker Site
So you’re finally ready to take your first steps into online poker but are still unsure where to get started? Thankfully, we’ve taken that burden on for you. Our team has put together a step-by-step guide for signing up at our #1 online poker site: Ignition Casino.
With its generous $3,000 welcome bonus, anonymous tables, and easy signup, it’s a perfect choice for new poker players as well as for those looking for a new haunt.
Step 1: Create Your Account
- Make your way to Ignition Casino and click “Play Now”
- Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, and other information
Step 2: Finalize Your Registration
- Agree to Ignition’s terms and conditions
- Click “Register” before heading to your email for verification
Step 3: Claim Your $3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus
- Once your account is verified, log in and open your account menu
- Click “Rewards” and then open the “Bonuses” tab
- Find your welcome bonus and click “Deposit”
- Follow the steps and once your deposit clears your bonus will be automatically added to your account!
- Congratulations, you’re ready for one of the best online poker sites!
Top Tips for Playing at New Online Poker Sites Real Money
Whether you’re new to poker, or just looking for ways to up your game, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to set you on the path toward victory — or at least the path toward not losing your shirt as fast.
Master the Basics
Before you start trying to get fancy, playing with advanced strategies, make sure you have a solid grasp of the basic rules, hand rankings, and the flow of play. There are a ton of useful spreadsheets (that are valid tools to use with online play) to help you learn what hands beat what and the importance of your position at the table.
Study and Practice
Like any skill, poker requires dedication and effort. Use online resources like Sportsbetting.ag’s Poker101 articles to deepen your knowledge and game sense. And when you do start playing, stick with low-stakes games to begin with, where mistakes carry little actual risk.
Know When to Fold
Play fewer hands, but play them aggressively. All of that studying you’re doing should help you understand when you have a hand worth playing, and if your hand is trash, fold and wait for the next deal.
Manage Your Poker Bankroll
Effectively managing your purse is the key to long-term success and survival in online poker. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and don’t jump into higher-stakes games until you’re consistently winning. You can generally expect high-stakes players to be more serious (and therefore, tougher) opponents than anyone you’ll find at the penny tables.
Leverage Online Poker Bonuses
Bonus cash is a great way to stretch your bankroll and give you the freedom you need to try out more aggressive styles of play. It can be scary to stake large chunks of cash on a hand when it’s coming out of your pocket, but when it’s the house’s money? That’s someone else’s problem… right?
Time to Check Out Those Brand-New Online Poker Sites and Promotions
Now that you know where to play (and have a few new tips to help you along the way) our job here is done.
We firmly believe that Ignition Casino is the overall best pick for most players, thanks to the sheer traffic it gets through its tables, the amazing features built into its app — we love the anonymous tables — and the generous $3,000 bonus it offers.
But honestly? You’d do well at any of the casinos on this list, and it’d be well worth your time to check into every one of them.
No matter where you decide to play, however, remember to focus on having fun and to always wager responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.
If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
Article paid for by: PlayTogga, partners@playtogga.com
The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.
