GGPoker is the poster child of the “Good Game Network”, which was launched in 2014. Originally focused on the Chinese and Asian market, the site began to open its door towards European and Canadian players. GGPoker has been packed with so many features to make it exciting for recreational players. For instance, you can protect your hand with all-in insurance and can share hands on social networks through “hand moments”. GGPoker has an analysis tool called PokerCraft, which gives you all the stats you need to have more insights into your game. With innovative features such as the Fold game or All-In, partnership with prominent poker players and entrepreneurs, generous offers and promos, a variety of banking options, there is everything to play for on GGPoker. The tournaments have high guarantees, action-packed games, and a rewarding VIP program.
GGPoker is legal and safe for play. The poker room holds a Curacao Gambling license, which makes it safe and secure for users. To get started, players need to create an account on the website and provide some personal information after which they can proceed to fund their account and start playing.
You will find a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and short deck on GGPoker. The stakes are also robust with micro stakes for beginners and super high stakes for experienced players all available. However, despite becoming one of the largest and most popular online poker sites in the world, GGPoker is not available in the United States. The online poker site has previously indicated its interest in breaking into the US market but their efforts have not yielded much results so far. Let us see why.
Can You Play In the US?
No. You cannot play poker in the US but GGPoker does accept players from some US states where online poker is legal, such as New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Nevada. So, technically it depends on the state you are in as online poker regulations vary from state to state. However, according to US federal law (The Wire Act), movement of funds for gambling of any type over state lines is prohibited; all the players in a poker game must be within the state.
The legal status of online poker in the US is a complex and evolving issue, so you should carefully research the laws in your state to make sure you are not breaking any laws.
Top 3 Alternative Poker Sites for USA Players
It is not all doom and gloom for poker players from the United States. Despite GGPoker not being available in the country, there are a couple of alternative poker sites that offer similar action. Based on their reputation, gaming quality, legitimacy, security and overall user satisfaction, we have put together the top 3 alternative poker sites for players in the United States.
1. Ignition Poker
Ignition Poker was launched in 2016 but even before then, it had been in operation under different names. The site was originally launched as Bodog in 2004, and it has since become one of the largest online gambling sites in the world. In 2011, the site was rebranded as Bovada in the US alone, while the international business continued to operate as Bodog until 2016 when the brand was split into two; Bodog.eu serving the European market and Ignition Poker serving the US.
Ignition Poker is popular in the US market because it offers a variety of poker games and tournaments, as well as a rewards program that allows players to earn cashback and other rewards. Ignition Poker also features anonymous tables, which can help protect players’ identities.To get started, all you need to do is create an account on their website and provide some personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to fund your account using one of the available deposit methods, such as credit card, Bitcoin, or bank transfer. Once your account is funded, you can start playing. You can get started on Ignition Poker here.
Pros
- Accepts players from most US states where online poker is legal
- Largest poker site in the US
- Provides a mobile poker app for iOS and Android devices
- Excellent welcome bonus for new players.
- Offers anonymous tables, which can help protect players’ identities
- Rewarding loyalty programs
Cons
- Limited deposit and withdrawal options compared to some other sites
- No live chat support; only email and phone support available
2. Bovada Poker
Bovada Poker was launched in 2011, although the site itself has been in operation since 1994 under different names. Bovada is not only a poker room but also a top online gambling site offering a full-service experience including a sportsbook, online casino, racebook, and live dealer casino. The poker site offers instant play for a variety of games such as cash and premium tournaments. Regular poker events are scheduled all week including weekends and new players get a welcome offer of a 100% match on initial deposits up to a total of $500. You can get started on Bovada here.
Pros
- Offers a variety of poker games and tournament formats
- Provides mouthwatering welcome bonuses for new players
- Has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices
- Offers anonymous tables
- Offers a great rewards program
- Guarantees fast and reliable withdrawals
Cons
- No live chat support
- Does not accept players from every state in the US
- No option to use a HUD to track opponents’ stats
- Credit card deposits come with a high fee
3. BetOnline Poker
BetOnline was launched in 2001 and its headquarters is at St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Known for its innovative approach to online gaming, the online poker site has become a household name among players in the United States. Although originally a sportsbook, BetOnline also operates as an online casino and a poker room. BetOnline was one of the very first online poker rooms to accept the use of cryptocurrency and it has a license from the Panama gaming commission. It welcomes new players with a 100% match up bonus up to $1,000. You can get started on BetOnline here.
Pros
- Boasts of the best poker games and tournament variety
- Mobile-friendly
- Features a user-friendly interface and customizable table settings
- Offers anonymous tables
- Reasonable welcome bonus offers
- Offers 24/7 customer support including live chat, email, and phone
Cons
- No option to use a HUD
- Limited deposit options
- Fees of credit card deposits and bank wire withdrawals
Final Thoughts
It’s always important to remember that poker is a game that involves skill, strategy, and luck. Beginners should start with lower stakes while learning the basics of the game before moving up higher. With GGPoker still not available in most parts of the United States, we are left with the three best alternatives – Ignition Poker, Bovada, and BetOnline Poker.
Although each of these online poker sites have their pros and cons, what matters most is your personal preferences and priorities. For instance, some players do not care about a wide range of deposit options, they may prefer a site that offers a wider range; they are simply after the game or tournament variety. Hopefully, in the near future we might get to see law changes that will allow for GGPoker to be played in the United States and in other restricted countries.
