Guide to Online Poker Sites
Learn how to play poker online and find the best online casinos for poker with our expert guide. From the basics of the game to intermediate strategy, you'll find all you need below. We also have recommendations for the best online casinos for poker, with a complete list of all the casinos that offer legal online poker.
Sweepstakes online poker sites in New Jersey While the real-money options are plentiful in New Jersey, players can also play poker on 'sweepstakes' sites. The most popular of these is Global Poker, currently available in 49 US states. For New Jersey players, a sweepstakes site does make it possible to compete in a larger pool of players. Regulated and legal New Jersey online poker launched on Nov. There are now four poker networks operating seven online poker sites in NJ. Licensed NJ online poker sites include: WSOP.com (888poker). Most New Jersey online poker sites have a wide variety of deposit options for players. Mastercard, PayPal, ACH, and PayNearMe are some ways in which the player can deposit money to start playing. Withdrawal can be made through ACH or at the cashiers' cage of a casino. The New Jersey online poker scene is one of the best in the US. Not only did it kick off the culture of state-based regulation, but it also attracted many of the leading names in the business. From the WSOP / 888 to PokerStars and Partypoker, New Jersey's online poker industry is brimming with quality. Online poker is legal in New Jersey and it is the second largest state for poker in the United States. New Jersey gambling started in the early 1800s when lotteries were common and other forms of.
We let you know about the latest casinos to offer online poker, the latest tips from experts, and how to use your bonuses to your best advantage.
Our Top Recommended Online Poker Sites
You can read more about each of these casinos in the List of New Jersey's Online Poker Sitesbelow.
1. 888
888 is one of the first casinos that ever came on the map, and by teaming up with Harrah's and WSOP (World Series of Poker), they are one of the best places to play poker in New Jersey.
- Blast poker: 4-handed, Super-turbo Texas Hold'em Sit & Go. $300,000 max prize!
- Sit and go tournaments
- Multi-table tournaments
- Weekly $100,000 tournament on Sunday
- Daily tournaments with $10,000 guarantees
888 has 2 kinds of live dealer poker! They also have a great selection of virtual poker games.
By clicking on the link below, you'll get $20 in bonus money plus up to $1,500 in a matching deposit bonus.
2. Borgata
The biggest casino in Atlantic City brings you a string of great promotions and tournaments. These include:
- Over 70 tournaments daily
- Daily $10,000 Guarantee
- $7,500 or more Guarantee every Thursday
Borgata a great selection of video poker games and good user experience for your online poker.
Get started with their offer of $20 in bonus dollars (10x wager requirement) $600 on matching deposits, with a super low wager requirement of only 20x.
3. BetMGM
BetMGM is gaining a lot of fans in New Jersey.
- Mega Tuesday $535 6-Max: $12,000+ guarantee
- Over 70 tournaments daily
- Daily $10,000 Guarantee
With over a dozen types of video poker games and a great user interface, BetMGM is becoming a favorite among poker players.
They start you off with a generous $25 no deposit bonus just for signing up, plus offer a $1,000 matching deposit bonus.
How to Find the Best Online Poker Sites?
The best poker sites will rank high based on:
- User Experience
- Selection
- Bonus and Promotional Offers
- Legality
User Experience
If you can't access a website, if the app crashes, or if the graphics are so bad you can't see what you're doing, that makes for a bad game. Accessibility, speed, graphics, and generally non-problematic programming have to do with the user experience. As technology improves and there is more competition among online casinos, there is no reason to put up with a poor online casino.
Selection
Next, you'll want to find the specific game you're looking for. If Texas Holdem or Jack or Better is your game, selection may not be as important as user experience. After all, most online casinos that offer poker have these games.
But if you're looking for higher stakes or Aces and Faces poker, your options will be limited. Also, if you're the kind of player who likes to play a few kinds of poker, you'll want a casino with a good selection of poker games.
Bonus and Promotional Offers
Registration bonuses let you start out ahead of the house, plain and simple. If you can find $20 or more in no deposit bonus cash for poker, and couple that with a matching deposit bonus, you give yourself a great head start.
Bonus dollars can take the sting out of a loss and give you some cushion while you're learning a new game or new format. By taking advantage of a casino's registration bonus, you automatically increase your bankroll and decrease the house edge.
Legality
Last, it is important that your online poker site is legal, and that means it must be hosted within a state where online casinos are legal (such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware).
Illegal, off-shore sites are increasingly being denied recognition by credit card companies. And worse, they leave you without legal support if they abuse you.
What is Online Poker?
Online poker is essentially the same game that you would play at a table with friends. The same rules apply to the game. You can play against other real players or a computer.
Online poker comes in 3 types:
- Poker rooms and tournaments
- Live dealer poker
- Video poker for solo play
You can choose, depending upon your preferences and experience. For this article, we'll focus on online poker and live dealer.
Difference between Virtual Poker and Live Dealer Poker
Online poker is a software-based game. The software has a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that the draw of the cards is random, and therefore fair. You'll also notice that:
- Games are quicker: no waiting on dealing cards or chips
- Easier to use free bonus dollars: some casinos won't let you use welcome bonus with live dealer
- Easier to use your strategy cards and notes
Live dealer poker is filmed and streamed from a studio in Atlantic City. You have real dealers, real cards, real chips. You can chat with and see the dealers, but they can't see you. So if you have questions or want tips, the dealer can respond.
Most live dealer poker tables offer three-card poker and Holdem.
Recommended Live Dealer Poker
These New Jersey online casinos offer the best live dealer poker:
- 888: Holdem and three-card poker
- Golden Nugget: Holdem and three-card poker
- Betfair: Holdem and three-card poker
How Start Playing Online Poker
1. Find an online poker room. In New Jersey, your options are:
- WSOP NJ through 888 Poker (partnered with Caesars): allows play with Nevada and Delaware
- WSOP NJ through Caesars
- Borgata Poker
- BetMGM Poker (partnered with Borgata)
- Pala Poker (partnered with Borgata)
- PartyPoker (partnered with Borgata)
- PokerStars (partnered with Resorts)
2. Register for an account.
3. You might want to take advantage of a special welcome offer for first-time customers.
4. If you want to play for real money, then deposit. Several poker rooms will let you play for free at novice tables. We're always fans of putting at least a few cents into a game because it will make you take it more seriously.
5. Pick your level, find a table, and begin playing.
How Online Poker Works
Online poker uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) in the software - instead of an actual deck - to assure that the cards are random.
You play against other real players. The online environment it made to give you all the information you would have in a face-to-face game. In short, you can see your cards and those in the pool. Obviously you can't see your opponents'.
No one can see you. This is good news if you don't have a good poker face. But it means that you won't be able to read others' faces either.
Beginning Poker Tips
These basic tips offer guidelines that are useful for all poker players. These will help you to make the best decisions based on 1) the hand you're dealt, 2) your position, and 3) decisions made by other players.
All casino games involve an element of luck, but poker also involves a significant amount of strategy. That's why you always see the same players at the finals in the poker tournaments: they have a good strategy. Let's look at some of the best strategies to get you winning video poker!
1. Know your Winning Hands
One of the most important aspects of winning in poker is to be sure that you know the order of winnings hands for the game you're playing. You need to be sure that you know what you're working toward and the likelihood of others being able to beat your best hand.
At its most basic level, you are playing to make the strongest hand possible in poker. Below is a list of the order of the strongest hands. Your steps go as follows:
- Assess your hand (both your hole cards and the shared cards).
- Determine what is the strongest hand you can build based on the order below
- Discard any cards that are not building toward that strongest possible hand.
That's simple enough. Let's say you're dealt 4♣ and 6♥, and the shared pile shows 2♠, 4♦,5♠, 7♦, and 10♥. What is the highest hand you can make?
You'll see you already have a low pair (two 4s). Sounds useless, right? Actually it's #16 on the chart, meaning it beats at least 20 other hands. So even though you can make 4♣,4♦,5♠,6♥,7♦ (#21. 4 card Straight with no high cards below), you will want to work with that pair of 4s. That low pair (#16) beats that 4 card Straight (#21). And if you're you're dealt another 4, you'd be even better placed with 3 of a kind (#7).
In fact, even if there were more impressive looking cards in the pile, say 4♦,5♠, 7♦,10♥,Q♦, this would give you a 4 card Straight with 2 high cards (#17). Still, you'd still discard your 6. You're already stronger with the pair of 4s, and you might turn that into a triple.
Poker Order of Hands
It is important to know the hand values in any poker game.
Best Poker Sites Nj
- Royal flush - highest possible straight with cards of the same suit
- Straight flush - five cards in sequence, must be the same suit
- Four of a kind - four cards of the same value
- Full house - three of a kind in combination with a pair
- Flush - five cards of the same suit that don't make a straight
- Straight - five cards in sequence, not in the same suit
- Three of a kind - three caråds of the same value
- Two pair - two cards of the same value, plus another two cards of a different value
- One pair - two cards of the same value
- High card - five unrelated cards
2. Come Out Strong
One of the primary ways players lose games that they could have won is by not playing aggressively enough. Many players are good at playing defensively, and if you're out of position, that's the right way to play. But if you're in position, i.e., at the back end and close to the button, you need to be on the offense.
You might also want to keep in mind this word of advice: 'If it's good enough to call, it's good enough to raise.'
3. Know When to Fold in Poker
Many new poker players want to stay in the action. Unfortunately staying in can be expensive if you're not playing smart.
In reality, you should only be playing no more than 20% of your hands. That means you should not play at least 80% of your hands.
If your a beginner, and don't have a limitless supply of money, you should be playing tight. That means only play your best hands. If you start out with one of those big pocket pairs (10-10 - AA), then, by all means, try to play it through. But if you're dealt a weak hand, you're better off to fold and watch the action.
4. Watching is Learning to Win
But just because you're out of the action, that doesn't mean you can switch off. Be sure that you're actively watching: assess what's happening on the table, put yourself in other players' shoes, try to determine the weaker and stronger players, and keep in mind how your hand might have played out had you continued.
Learning poker even after you've folded is a valuable exercise. It gets you more familiar with your table and poker in general.
Poker betting systems and strategies
Intermediate poker strategy builds upon the basics. You'll want to play in accordance with the order of hands and learn to bluff (selectively) if you're playing against other actual players.
Know Your Position
It is crucial to know the advantages you have based on your position at the table. If you're playing in the late position, you stand to make more money here, so pay to win.
When you're out of position, you don't know what's will happen after your play—you might get bluffed or raised. Many bad things could happen. In short, if when you're out of position, stay on your toes and keep your guard up. Generally, this is the time to play tight and rely only on strong hands.
While there's some debate among expert players and statisticians, they all agree on the first 3 strongest hands to start with:
- AA
- KK
Most would put A-K suited next. After that, your highest pairs enter in again to make your strongest beginning hands:
- JJ
- 10 10
- 9 9
Even if you're out of position, these are going to be strong hands. Being in a position with a strong hand just makes it stronger!
Bluffing
Bluffing is probably the most famous move in poker. When you bluff, you play as if you have a stronger hand than you do. In order to win, you do not need to have a stronger hand. You just need to be the last person still playing. So a weaker hand can win.
Value betting
With value betting, you wager on the fact that your hand is stronger than another player's. Value betting is only effective when you are relatively sure of the value of your opponent's cards.
Indicators of your opponent's hand are:
- how strong and confidently they've been betting
- the cards visible on the table in addition to your own
Why Play Poker Online?
The best reasons to play online poker are:
- Play from home.
- You can play anytime, anywhere in New Jersey.
- You'll make more money overall.
Let's look at these two factors in more detail.
Play from your home
New Jersey Online Poker Sites To Play With Friends
Playing from home is not only convenient. It also helps you save money. No money for tips, food, or drinks. That means you can keep that money for yourself to spend as you like.
You can take your poker money saved from your budget on playing more hands or making larger bets. Those are two great ways to increase your winnings!
Play anytime, anywhere
The key to getting better in poker (and winning) is practice. The masters have played thousands of hours. Since the invention of online poker, you can play whenever you want.
Use your notes and charts to practice making the right decision.
Use Online Poker bonuses
Online poker houses also provide great bonuses, especially for first-time players! These allow you to play for free with bonus dollars. You can take your winnings after satisfying wagering requirements, or just enjoy the free games.
Access to live casino promotions
You can also get access to the latest casino promotions. These might be special deals on poker tables, or offers for other games. Casinos also regularly give double rewards points. Be sure to check out the promotions.
Poker Variants
There are dozens of poker variants, and you'll find plenty of these online. Let's look at the 3 most popular.
Texas Hold'em
Texas Holdem is the most popular form of poker. You seek to make the best hand (or make everyone else believe you have the best hand!) using your 2 private dealt cards and the 5 cards in the community pool.
The excitement is in combining what is known - i.e., the community cards - with what is not - the players' private cards.
Omaha Hold'em
With Omaha, you try to make a winning 5-card hand. You're dealt 3 cards (instead of 4). You use 2 of these and 3 of the 5 community cards.
There are many versions of Omaha, including Omaha Hi, 5-Card Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo.
Three Card Poker
Just like the same says, 3 card poker involves only 3 cards. You're dealt three cards and play only against the dealer. That is, like in blackjack, you play against the dealer, not other players.
There are only two bets:
- ante wager and/or a pair plus wager: placed before dealing
- play wager: in process of playing
Due to its simple rules and fast action, 3 card poker is a favorite of many players.
Is Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, you can play online poker 100% legally in New Jersey. All of the casinos we list are legal. This means you can use your credit card for payments and receive payments legally. You also have 100% legal protection as a consumer.
Are Online Poker Games Rigged?
Every legal online casino operating from New Jersey must obey New Jersey state laws. Online games are regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Can Players Cheat in Online Poker?
Online poker software has high security to be sure that no one can, for example, see your cards. Players who are caught colluding will be barred and blacklisted.
Can You Play Online Poker for Free?
Yes, you can play online poker for free if you use a bonus from an online casino. Grab a bonus from one of the links on this page, which can let you play online for free with a casino bonus.
You can also try out a game by playing in a novice room. This great if you're a beginner. However, you cannot win money from free games.
Generally, you cannot play live dealer poker with casino bonus money (check your casino's T&C). Live dealer poker also does not have demo mode.
Regulated online poker launched late in 2013 and ever since many of the world's top online casinos have launched their online poker brands to NJ-based users. With NJ online poker now in full flow, this article looks to provide insight into the best NJ poker sites currently available and what kind of bonus offers you can look forward to when joining them.
Top NJ Poker Sites
The following Poker Sites are considered the best to play online poker in New Jersey thanks to their registration offers, features, and overall feeling.
All Licensed NJ Poker Sites
| NJ Online Poker Sites | Bonus Details |
|---|---|
| PartyPoker | Match Bonus On First Deposit Up To $1000 |
| Pokerstars | $30 Free Play or 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| 888Poker | $20 No Deposit Bonus + $1,500 First Deposit Bonus |
| Pala Poker | $10 No Deposit Bonus + $500 First Deposit Bonus |
| WSOP | 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| Borgata | $20 Sign Up Bonus + 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| BetMGM | $25 In Bonuses + 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $1000. |
Is Online Poker Legal In NJ?
After a few failed attempts in the early 2010s, New Jersey lawmakers were able to finally convince then-Governor, Chris Christie, to sign an online gambling bill which included the legalization of online poker in February 2013.
The bill stipulated that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement would be required to ensure that all NJ online poker sites were affiliated with land-based Atlantic City casinos.
At the time, New Jersey became the third state in the US to legalize online poker after Delaware and Nevada. Over the next few years the states signed agreements to share players and now in 2019 users from all three states can play together on certain NJ poker sites.
It is required that anyone playing online poker at NJ poker sites must be over the age of 21 and physically located within the state. To ensure users are playing within the state boundaries, location software and settings on both desktops and mobile devices will be required to be activated when playing.
All sites ask users to verify their identities for proof of age but do not require users to actually be residents of NJ.
Where Can I Play Online Poker in New Jersey for Real Money?
Users can play online poker NJ real money at some of the world's leading online poker rooms. The following is a full list of NJ online poker sites and what kind of Welcome Bonus you can expect from each platform when you join:
Pala Poker NJ
Pala Poker is one of the newcomers to the NJ online poker market, launched in 2017 under Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City's internet gaming license. The platform uses its own proprietary software and provides users with the chance to play online casino games and bingo as well. A mobile app is currently available for both iOS and Android which can be downloaded by visiting the Pala Poker NJ website.
Cash games, sit n go's and tournaments are all available at Pala Poker NJ along with a special type of fast-fold poker called FastPala. Game types are mainly limited to Texas Hold Em, however, you can find some Omaha cash games. Stud is expected to be the next game type which will be available on the site.
The Pala Poker Welcome Package comes in two stages. First-time users can enjoy a signup bonus just for registering for a Pala Poker Account. The bonus gives new users a $10 bonus which can be used on poker and $15 which can be used at the casino. The second part of the Welcome Package gives users a first deposit match bonus up to $500. The bonus will be released in increments of $5.
*Terms and conditions may apply
Borgata Poker NJ
As you would expect, Borgata Poker is licensed through the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. The site launched in 2013 along with all the other first entrants with the help of online gaming leader bwin.party, now known as GVC. A mobile app is available for Borgata Poker on both Android and iOS.
The site offers cash games, sit n go's and tournaments in a number of game type variants including No-Limit and Limit Hold'em, 7 Card Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha & Omaha Hi-Lo. A number of daily freerolls and weekly tournaments are available if you would like to give the site a shot for free.
At the moment the Welcome Package at Borgata Poker offers all new users the chance to get a $20 sign up bonus just for registering at the site and a 100% match bonus on a player's first deposit worth up to $600. Users will be required to unlock the bonus cash for each bonus by playing real money poker.
$20 Free and up to $600 1st deposit match
Bet in
NJ
Open an account with Borgata Poker to benefit from the welcome bonus. You may register from any state in the U.S., but must be 21+ and located in NJ to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-Gambler.
BetMGM Poker NJ
BetMGM (formerly PlayMGM) opened up just a couple years ago in 2017 under the MGM-owned Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's internet gambling license. The site has been able to do very well for itself within a short period of time, becoming one of the preferred NJ online poker sites. Users can access the BetMGM Poker site by either downloading the desktop software by visiting the BetMGM website or by downloading the app available on both iOS and Android.
Poker variants found at BetMGM include: Texas Hold Em, Pot Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and 7 Card Stud. All games can be played across cash games, sit n go's and tournaments with a heavy amount of each being dedicated to Texas Hold Em and Pot Limit Omaha.
The BetMGM Welcome Offer is two-fold, providing users with a chance to get both a $25 sign up bonus and a 100% match bonus on a user's first deposit worth up to $1000. The $25 sign up bonus is divided into $10 in online cash and $15 in tournament tickets. Cash for the first deposit bonus is released in increments of 10% on a player's initial deposit based on the amount of real money points accrued.
BetMGM Poker
Play in
NJ
$25 FREE at Signup
Deposit Match up to $1000
iOS & Android Apps
Open an account with BetMGM to benefit from the welcome bonus. You may register from any state in the U.S., but must be 21+ and located in NJ to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-Gambler.
PartyPoker NJ
PartyPoker NJ launched in 2013 as one of the first entries on the NJ online poker market. PartyPoker has long been one of the leaders in online poker and caters to millions of players from Europe and across the globe. In New Jersey, PartyPoker and Borgata Poker share online poker players as both sites are powered by the same platform.
This means users from Borgata and PartyPoker can play with each other even though they are on separate platforms. PartyPoker NJ is available both as a desktop client and as a mobile app which can be used within New Jersey.
In terms of online poker games, PartyPoker offers its users cash games at several limits for Texas Hold Em, Stud and Omaha. Users will also be able to take part in a range of sit n go's and tournaments of varying buy-ins.
PartyPoker NJ currently offers new users a 100% match bonus on their first deposit worth up to $1000. The bonus money is paid in 10 equal parts as users play and collect points.
Party Poker Welcome Bonus
100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000
$25 on the House
Tuesday Tournaments
The free $25 will be paid as a combination of: $5 tournament dollars to be used on big money tournaments and Sit&Go, $10 to be used on poker cash games and fast-forward, $10 to be used on casino slots and jackpot slots. The $10 slots bonus is subject to a minimum play-through requirement of one time (x1) the bonus amount; you must therefore wager $10 before you can withdraw the bonus amount.The $10 poker bonus requires that a single raked hand be played (hand played on real money games) in order to withdraw the bonus amount. First Deposit Bonus: you must deposit at least $10 to qualify. 21+, NJ only.
PokerStars NJ
Pokerstars is the world's leading online poker platform. The site launched in New Jersey in 2016 under the license of the Resorts Atlantic City Casino. Since then the site has been able to gain huge traction and now easily has some of the best online poker NJ has to offer. Pokerstars NJ can be accessed both via its award-winning software for desktops and through the Pokerstars NJ Mobile App, available on both Android and iOS devices.
- Over 70 tournaments daily
- Daily $10,000 Guarantee
- $7,500 or more Guarantee every Thursday
Borgata a great selection of video poker games and good user experience for your online poker.
Get started with their offer of $20 in bonus dollars (10x wager requirement) $600 on matching deposits, with a super low wager requirement of only 20x.
3. BetMGM
BetMGM is gaining a lot of fans in New Jersey.
- Mega Tuesday $535 6-Max: $12,000+ guarantee
- Over 70 tournaments daily
- Daily $10,000 Guarantee
With over a dozen types of video poker games and a great user interface, BetMGM is becoming a favorite among poker players.
They start you off with a generous $25 no deposit bonus just for signing up, plus offer a $1,000 matching deposit bonus.
How to Find the Best Online Poker Sites?
The best poker sites will rank high based on:
- User Experience
- Selection
- Bonus and Promotional Offers
- Legality
User Experience
If you can't access a website, if the app crashes, or if the graphics are so bad you can't see what you're doing, that makes for a bad game. Accessibility, speed, graphics, and generally non-problematic programming have to do with the user experience. As technology improves and there is more competition among online casinos, there is no reason to put up with a poor online casino.
Selection
Next, you'll want to find the specific game you're looking for. If Texas Holdem or Jack or Better is your game, selection may not be as important as user experience. After all, most online casinos that offer poker have these games.
But if you're looking for higher stakes or Aces and Faces poker, your options will be limited. Also, if you're the kind of player who likes to play a few kinds of poker, you'll want a casino with a good selection of poker games.
Bonus and Promotional Offers
Registration bonuses let you start out ahead of the house, plain and simple. If you can find $20 or more in no deposit bonus cash for poker, and couple that with a matching deposit bonus, you give yourself a great head start.
Bonus dollars can take the sting out of a loss and give you some cushion while you're learning a new game or new format. By taking advantage of a casino's registration bonus, you automatically increase your bankroll and decrease the house edge.
Legality
Last, it is important that your online poker site is legal, and that means it must be hosted within a state where online casinos are legal (such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware).
Illegal, off-shore sites are increasingly being denied recognition by credit card companies. And worse, they leave you without legal support if they abuse you.
What is Online Poker?
Online poker is essentially the same game that you would play at a table with friends. The same rules apply to the game. You can play against other real players or a computer.
Online poker comes in 3 types:
- Poker rooms and tournaments
- Live dealer poker
- Video poker for solo play
You can choose, depending upon your preferences and experience. For this article, we'll focus on online poker and live dealer.
Difference between Virtual Poker and Live Dealer Poker
Online poker is a software-based game. The software has a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that the draw of the cards is random, and therefore fair. You'll also notice that:
- Games are quicker: no waiting on dealing cards or chips
- Easier to use free bonus dollars: some casinos won't let you use welcome bonus with live dealer
- Easier to use your strategy cards and notes
Live dealer poker is filmed and streamed from a studio in Atlantic City. You have real dealers, real cards, real chips. You can chat with and see the dealers, but they can't see you. So if you have questions or want tips, the dealer can respond.
Most live dealer poker tables offer three-card poker and Holdem.
Recommended Live Dealer Poker
These New Jersey online casinos offer the best live dealer poker:
- 888: Holdem and three-card poker
- Golden Nugget: Holdem and three-card poker
- Betfair: Holdem and three-card poker
How Start Playing Online Poker
1. Find an online poker room. In New Jersey, your options are:
- WSOP NJ through 888 Poker (partnered with Caesars): allows play with Nevada and Delaware
- WSOP NJ through Caesars
- Borgata Poker
- BetMGM Poker (partnered with Borgata)
- Pala Poker (partnered with Borgata)
- PartyPoker (partnered with Borgata)
- PokerStars (partnered with Resorts)
2. Register for an account.
3. You might want to take advantage of a special welcome offer for first-time customers.
4. If you want to play for real money, then deposit. Several poker rooms will let you play for free at novice tables. We're always fans of putting at least a few cents into a game because it will make you take it more seriously.
5. Pick your level, find a table, and begin playing.
How Online Poker Works
Online poker uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) in the software - instead of an actual deck - to assure that the cards are random.
You play against other real players. The online environment it made to give you all the information you would have in a face-to-face game. In short, you can see your cards and those in the pool. Obviously you can't see your opponents'.
No one can see you. This is good news if you don't have a good poker face. But it means that you won't be able to read others' faces either.
Beginning Poker Tips
These basic tips offer guidelines that are useful for all poker players. These will help you to make the best decisions based on 1) the hand you're dealt, 2) your position, and 3) decisions made by other players.
All casino games involve an element of luck, but poker also involves a significant amount of strategy. That's why you always see the same players at the finals in the poker tournaments: they have a good strategy. Let's look at some of the best strategies to get you winning video poker!
1. Know your Winning Hands
One of the most important aspects of winning in poker is to be sure that you know the order of winnings hands for the game you're playing. You need to be sure that you know what you're working toward and the likelihood of others being able to beat your best hand.
At its most basic level, you are playing to make the strongest hand possible in poker. Below is a list of the order of the strongest hands. Your steps go as follows:
- Assess your hand (both your hole cards and the shared cards).
- Determine what is the strongest hand you can build based on the order below
- Discard any cards that are not building toward that strongest possible hand.
That's simple enough. Let's say you're dealt 4♣ and 6♥, and the shared pile shows 2♠, 4♦,5♠, 7♦, and 10♥. What is the highest hand you can make?
You'll see you already have a low pair (two 4s). Sounds useless, right? Actually it's #16 on the chart, meaning it beats at least 20 other hands. So even though you can make 4♣,4♦,5♠,6♥,7♦ (#21. 4 card Straight with no high cards below), you will want to work with that pair of 4s. That low pair (#16) beats that 4 card Straight (#21). And if you're you're dealt another 4, you'd be even better placed with 3 of a kind (#7).
In fact, even if there were more impressive looking cards in the pile, say 4♦,5♠, 7♦,10♥,Q♦, this would give you a 4 card Straight with 2 high cards (#17). Still, you'd still discard your 6. You're already stronger with the pair of 4s, and you might turn that into a triple.
Poker Order of Hands
It is important to know the hand values in any poker game.
Best Poker Sites Nj
- Royal flush - highest possible straight with cards of the same suit
- Straight flush - five cards in sequence, must be the same suit
- Four of a kind - four cards of the same value
- Full house - three of a kind in combination with a pair
- Flush - five cards of the same suit that don't make a straight
- Straight - five cards in sequence, not in the same suit
- Three of a kind - three caråds of the same value
- Two pair - two cards of the same value, plus another two cards of a different value
- One pair - two cards of the same value
- High card - five unrelated cards
2. Come Out Strong
One of the primary ways players lose games that they could have won is by not playing aggressively enough. Many players are good at playing defensively, and if you're out of position, that's the right way to play. But if you're in position, i.e., at the back end and close to the button, you need to be on the offense.
You might also want to keep in mind this word of advice: 'If it's good enough to call, it's good enough to raise.'
3. Know When to Fold in Poker
Many new poker players want to stay in the action. Unfortunately staying in can be expensive if you're not playing smart.
In reality, you should only be playing no more than 20% of your hands. That means you should not play at least 80% of your hands.
If your a beginner, and don't have a limitless supply of money, you should be playing tight. That means only play your best hands. If you start out with one of those big pocket pairs (10-10 - AA), then, by all means, try to play it through. But if you're dealt a weak hand, you're better off to fold and watch the action.
4. Watching is Learning to Win
But just because you're out of the action, that doesn't mean you can switch off. Be sure that you're actively watching: assess what's happening on the table, put yourself in other players' shoes, try to determine the weaker and stronger players, and keep in mind how your hand might have played out had you continued.
Learning poker even after you've folded is a valuable exercise. It gets you more familiar with your table and poker in general.
Poker betting systems and strategies
Intermediate poker strategy builds upon the basics. You'll want to play in accordance with the order of hands and learn to bluff (selectively) if you're playing against other actual players.
Know Your Position
It is crucial to know the advantages you have based on your position at the table. If you're playing in the late position, you stand to make more money here, so pay to win.
When you're out of position, you don't know what's will happen after your play—you might get bluffed or raised. Many bad things could happen. In short, if when you're out of position, stay on your toes and keep your guard up. Generally, this is the time to play tight and rely only on strong hands.
While there's some debate among expert players and statisticians, they all agree on the first 3 strongest hands to start with:
- AA
- KK
Most would put A-K suited next. After that, your highest pairs enter in again to make your strongest beginning hands:
- JJ
- 10 10
- 9 9
Even if you're out of position, these are going to be strong hands. Being in a position with a strong hand just makes it stronger!
Bluffing
Bluffing is probably the most famous move in poker. When you bluff, you play as if you have a stronger hand than you do. In order to win, you do not need to have a stronger hand. You just need to be the last person still playing. So a weaker hand can win.
Value betting
With value betting, you wager on the fact that your hand is stronger than another player's. Value betting is only effective when you are relatively sure of the value of your opponent's cards.
Indicators of your opponent's hand are:
- how strong and confidently they've been betting
- the cards visible on the table in addition to your own
Why Play Poker Online?
The best reasons to play online poker are:
- Play from home.
- You can play anytime, anywhere in New Jersey.
- You'll make more money overall.
Let's look at these two factors in more detail.
Play from your home
New Jersey Online Poker Sites To Play With Friends
Playing from home is not only convenient. It also helps you save money. No money for tips, food, or drinks. That means you can keep that money for yourself to spend as you like.
You can take your poker money saved from your budget on playing more hands or making larger bets. Those are two great ways to increase your winnings!
Play anytime, anywhere
The key to getting better in poker (and winning) is practice. The masters have played thousands of hours. Since the invention of online poker, you can play whenever you want.
Use your notes and charts to practice making the right decision.
Use Online Poker bonuses
Online poker houses also provide great bonuses, especially for first-time players! These allow you to play for free with bonus dollars. You can take your winnings after satisfying wagering requirements, or just enjoy the free games.
Access to live casino promotions
You can also get access to the latest casino promotions. These might be special deals on poker tables, or offers for other games. Casinos also regularly give double rewards points. Be sure to check out the promotions.
Poker Variants
There are dozens of poker variants, and you'll find plenty of these online. Let's look at the 3 most popular.
Texas Hold'em
Texas Holdem is the most popular form of poker. You seek to make the best hand (or make everyone else believe you have the best hand!) using your 2 private dealt cards and the 5 cards in the community pool.
The excitement is in combining what is known - i.e., the community cards - with what is not - the players' private cards.
Omaha Hold'em
With Omaha, you try to make a winning 5-card hand. You're dealt 3 cards (instead of 4). You use 2 of these and 3 of the 5 community cards.
There are many versions of Omaha, including Omaha Hi, 5-Card Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo.
Three Card Poker
Just like the same says, 3 card poker involves only 3 cards. You're dealt three cards and play only against the dealer. That is, like in blackjack, you play against the dealer, not other players.
There are only two bets:
- ante wager and/or a pair plus wager: placed before dealing
- play wager: in process of playing
Due to its simple rules and fast action, 3 card poker is a favorite of many players.
Is Online Poker Legal in New Jersey?
Yes, you can play online poker 100% legally in New Jersey. All of the casinos we list are legal. This means you can use your credit card for payments and receive payments legally. You also have 100% legal protection as a consumer.
Are Online Poker Games Rigged?
Every legal online casino operating from New Jersey must obey New Jersey state laws. Online games are regulated by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Can Players Cheat in Online Poker?
Online poker software has high security to be sure that no one can, for example, see your cards. Players who are caught colluding will be barred and blacklisted.
Can You Play Online Poker for Free?
Yes, you can play online poker for free if you use a bonus from an online casino. Grab a bonus from one of the links on this page, which can let you play online for free with a casino bonus.
You can also try out a game by playing in a novice room. This great if you're a beginner. However, you cannot win money from free games.
Generally, you cannot play live dealer poker with casino bonus money (check your casino's T&C). Live dealer poker also does not have demo mode.
Regulated online poker launched late in 2013 and ever since many of the world's top online casinos have launched their online poker brands to NJ-based users. With NJ online poker now in full flow, this article looks to provide insight into the best NJ poker sites currently available and what kind of bonus offers you can look forward to when joining them.
Top NJ Poker Sites
The following Poker Sites are considered the best to play online poker in New Jersey thanks to their registration offers, features, and overall feeling.
All Licensed NJ Poker Sites
| NJ Online Poker Sites | Bonus Details |
|---|---|
| PartyPoker | Match Bonus On First Deposit Up To $1000 |
| Pokerstars | $30 Free Play or 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| 888Poker | $20 No Deposit Bonus + $1,500 First Deposit Bonus |
| Pala Poker | $10 No Deposit Bonus + $500 First Deposit Bonus |
| WSOP | 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| Borgata | $20 Sign Up Bonus + 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $600 |
| BetMGM | $25 In Bonuses + 100% First Deposit Bonus Up To $1000. |
Is Online Poker Legal In NJ?
After a few failed attempts in the early 2010s, New Jersey lawmakers were able to finally convince then-Governor, Chris Christie, to sign an online gambling bill which included the legalization of online poker in February 2013.
The bill stipulated that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement would be required to ensure that all NJ online poker sites were affiliated with land-based Atlantic City casinos.
At the time, New Jersey became the third state in the US to legalize online poker after Delaware and Nevada. Over the next few years the states signed agreements to share players and now in 2019 users from all three states can play together on certain NJ poker sites.
It is required that anyone playing online poker at NJ poker sites must be over the age of 21 and physically located within the state. To ensure users are playing within the state boundaries, location software and settings on both desktops and mobile devices will be required to be activated when playing.
All sites ask users to verify their identities for proof of age but do not require users to actually be residents of NJ.
Where Can I Play Online Poker in New Jersey for Real Money?
Users can play online poker NJ real money at some of the world's leading online poker rooms. The following is a full list of NJ online poker sites and what kind of Welcome Bonus you can expect from each platform when you join:
Pala Poker NJ
Pala Poker is one of the newcomers to the NJ online poker market, launched in 2017 under Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City's internet gaming license. The platform uses its own proprietary software and provides users with the chance to play online casino games and bingo as well. A mobile app is currently available for both iOS and Android which can be downloaded by visiting the Pala Poker NJ website.
Cash games, sit n go's and tournaments are all available at Pala Poker NJ along with a special type of fast-fold poker called FastPala. Game types are mainly limited to Texas Hold Em, however, you can find some Omaha cash games. Stud is expected to be the next game type which will be available on the site.
The Pala Poker Welcome Package comes in two stages. First-time users can enjoy a signup bonus just for registering for a Pala Poker Account. The bonus gives new users a $10 bonus which can be used on poker and $15 which can be used at the casino. The second part of the Welcome Package gives users a first deposit match bonus up to $500. The bonus will be released in increments of $5.
*Terms and conditions may apply
Borgata Poker NJ
As you would expect, Borgata Poker is licensed through the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. The site launched in 2013 along with all the other first entrants with the help of online gaming leader bwin.party, now known as GVC. A mobile app is available for Borgata Poker on both Android and iOS.
The site offers cash games, sit n go's and tournaments in a number of game type variants including No-Limit and Limit Hold'em, 7 Card Stud, Pot-Limit Omaha & Omaha Hi-Lo. A number of daily freerolls and weekly tournaments are available if you would like to give the site a shot for free.
At the moment the Welcome Package at Borgata Poker offers all new users the chance to get a $20 sign up bonus just for registering at the site and a 100% match bonus on a player's first deposit worth up to $600. Users will be required to unlock the bonus cash for each bonus by playing real money poker.
$20 Free and up to $600 1st deposit match
Bet in
NJ
Open an account with Borgata Poker to benefit from the welcome bonus. You may register from any state in the U.S., but must be 21+ and located in NJ to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-Gambler.
BetMGM Poker NJ
BetMGM (formerly PlayMGM) opened up just a couple years ago in 2017 under the MGM-owned Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's internet gambling license. The site has been able to do very well for itself within a short period of time, becoming one of the preferred NJ online poker sites. Users can access the BetMGM Poker site by either downloading the desktop software by visiting the BetMGM website or by downloading the app available on both iOS and Android.
Poker variants found at BetMGM include: Texas Hold Em, Pot Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and 7 Card Stud. All games can be played across cash games, sit n go's and tournaments with a heavy amount of each being dedicated to Texas Hold Em and Pot Limit Omaha.
The BetMGM Welcome Offer is two-fold, providing users with a chance to get both a $25 sign up bonus and a 100% match bonus on a user's first deposit worth up to $1000. The $25 sign up bonus is divided into $10 in online cash and $15 in tournament tickets. Cash for the first deposit bonus is released in increments of 10% on a player's initial deposit based on the amount of real money points accrued.
BetMGM Poker
Play in
NJ
$25 FREE at Signup
Deposit Match up to $1000
iOS & Android Apps
Open an account with BetMGM to benefit from the welcome bonus. You may register from any state in the U.S., but must be 21+ and located in NJ to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-Gambler.
PartyPoker NJ
PartyPoker NJ launched in 2013 as one of the first entries on the NJ online poker market. PartyPoker has long been one of the leaders in online poker and caters to millions of players from Europe and across the globe. In New Jersey, PartyPoker and Borgata Poker share online poker players as both sites are powered by the same platform.
This means users from Borgata and PartyPoker can play with each other even though they are on separate platforms. PartyPoker NJ is available both as a desktop client and as a mobile app which can be used within New Jersey.
In terms of online poker games, PartyPoker offers its users cash games at several limits for Texas Hold Em, Stud and Omaha. Users will also be able to take part in a range of sit n go's and tournaments of varying buy-ins.
PartyPoker NJ currently offers new users a 100% match bonus on their first deposit worth up to $1000. The bonus money is paid in 10 equal parts as users play and collect points.
Party Poker Welcome Bonus
100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000
$25 on the House
Tuesday Tournaments
The free $25 will be paid as a combination of: $5 tournament dollars to be used on big money tournaments and Sit&Go, $10 to be used on poker cash games and fast-forward, $10 to be used on casino slots and jackpot slots. The $10 slots bonus is subject to a minimum play-through requirement of one time (x1) the bonus amount; you must therefore wager $10 before you can withdraw the bonus amount.The $10 poker bonus requires that a single raked hand be played (hand played on real money games) in order to withdraw the bonus amount. First Deposit Bonus: you must deposit at least $10 to qualify. 21+, NJ only.
PokerStars NJ
Pokerstars is the world's leading online poker platform. The site launched in New Jersey in 2016 under the license of the Resorts Atlantic City Casino. Since then the site has been able to gain huge traction and now easily has some of the best online poker NJ has to offer. Pokerstars NJ can be accessed both via its award-winning software for desktops and through the Pokerstars NJ Mobile App, available on both Android and iOS devices.
One of the main differentiating factors of Pokerstars compared to other poker sites in NJ is the wide range of tournaments and sit n go's which are available to users. Cash tables for Texas Hold Em', Omaha and Stud can also be found on the site at many different stakes.
Currently, Pokerstars NJ is offering a Welcome Bonus to all new users who join the site where users can choose between $30 in free play with a deposit of $20 or more, or a 100% match bonus on a user's first deposit worth up to $600.
*Terms and conditions may apply.
888poker NJ
888poker NJ launched in late 2013 under the Bally's Casino internet gaming license. One of the heavyweights in both the online poker and sports betting industry, 888 has been able to secure more than its share of the NJ market and continues to grow each year. Users will, however, not be able to share liquidity with the international 888 market or the 888poker platform which is live in Delaware. A mobile app is available for 888poker NJ which is iOS and Android compatible.
888 is known for its mid-ranged cash tables which give users the chance to play from stakes as low as $0.01/$0.02 to as high as $10/$20 on both Omaha and Texas Hold Em. Sit n Go's as well as multi-table tournaments are also available on the platform.
The 888 NJ Welcome Offer gives new users $20 in bonus funds just for signing up, no deposit necessary. The offer includes $10 in Free Play, 6 x Tournament Tickets and $4 in bonus cash. Users will also be able to take part in a First Deposit Bonus which gives users the chance to get up to $1500 matched in bonus cash.
WSOP.com NJ
One of the best NJ Poker sites, WSOP.com was launched by Caesars Interactive Entertainment with the help of 888, when online poker was made legal in 2013. WSOP.com is the most trafficked NJ online poker site at the moment and is the highest grossing of all online poker sites in the state. The platform shares players with the 888poker NJ but not the WSOP.com Nevada or WSOP.com international platforms. Users can access the WSOP.com NJ site via a mobile application which is available on both iOS and Android, sharing the same functionality as the downloadable desktop client.
One of the main reasons why WSOP.com has done so well in New Jersey is the high liquidity in cash games which allow users to easily find a table to play at. Users can choose from Texas Hold Em, Omaha and Omaha Hi/LO at WSOP, with tables running all night long in most cases between the stakes of $0.01/$0.02 and $1/$2. Sit n go's and tournaments are also available at WSOP, which can lead to pretty big prize pools given the number of players.
At the moment the WSOP.com NJ Welcome Offer gives all new users the chance to get up to $600 in bonus cash on their first deposit. The bonus is released to players in $5 increments for every 50 APP points earned. Lucky lils casino great falls montana. A minimum deposit of $10 is required to activate this bonus.
*Terms and conditions may apply.
Best Online Poker NJ Real Money App – Pokerstars
All of the best NJ poker sites have an online app which makes playing on the go just as simple as playing on your desktop. As mentioned earlier, all the apps require users to turn location settings on in order to ensure they are within the New Jersey State boundaries.
In the battle of best online poker NJ app, Pokerstars seems to just edge out the competition. The world famous mobile app which is composed of award winning software gives users the chance to play seamlessly with little to no hitches. Notifications on the app allow users to get alerts whenever a new promotion is available and when tournaments they have registered in are about to begin.
Other notable online poker mobile apps in NJ include the 888poker App, PartyPoker App and WSOP.com Poker App.
Nj Online Poker Tournaments
Poker tournaments always attract a lot of attention and when you choose any of these operating sites for NJ online poker, you will also find many scheduled events. Poker tournaments can offer huge cash payouts and they can also offer you the chance to win seats at larger paying events. Get ready to enjoy the endless action of tournament play at some of the best NJ online poker sites operating today.
With all of the operating sites, you will find more than $300,000 to be won from weekly guaranteed poker tournaments in the state of New Jersey. With PartyPoker and Borgata combined, there is a great $50,000 guaranteed prize pool that can be enjoyed for a $200 buy-in. The great thing about this event is that once a month, the prize pool doubles to $100,000!
At 888Poker and WSOP.com, there are $200 buy-in events each Sunday and the amount of the prize pool will vary from $25,000 to $50,000 based on how many have entered to play. With so many tournament options, you will find you always have ways to compete with others and enjoy the very best of NJ online poker.
NJ Online Poker Sites FAQ
The following FAQ section attempts to answer any questions you may have about playing online poker in NJ:
Is online poker legal in New Jersey?
Yes, online poker is legal in the State of New Jersey following the 2013 bill passed by then-Governor, Chris Christie.
How many online poker providers are there in New Jersey?
- PartyPoker
- Pokerstars
- 888Poker
- Pala Poker
- WSOP.com
- Borgata
- BetMGM
Are there requirements for playing NJ online poker?
Users must be over the age of 21 and physically located within the state of New Jersey to enjoy online poker games.
How do I register on a NJ online poker site?
To register at an online poker site in New Jersey you may simply visit the website of the poker platform and either download the desktop software or mobile app. You will then be able to register for an account on the platform.
Can I play for play money in NJ?
Yes, many of the poker sites in New Jersey offer users the chance to play for play money cash games, sit n go's and tournaments.
