1) The rules that control players' options when it comes to betting and raising. The most common betting structures include: No-Limit, Fixed Limit, Pot-Limit and Spread Limit. 2) The blinds schedule in a poker tournament. If you're a total beginner at poker check our Beginners Guide to How to Play Poker to learn the ropes fast and start competing in live and online games! If you're looking for strategy tips for each game, check out our comprehensive poker strategy section with plenty of helpful articles for poker beginners. . Poker Room Guests will be randomly selected for their chance to win a share of $5,000 in available prize money each day of the promotion. A daily maximum amount of $4,050 to a minimum amount of $650 will be awarded each day of the promotion based on the total of twenty-six (26) prizes awarded. Random Seat Drawing Rules and Times.

Legal, regulated online poker sites in the US offer a safe game that you won’t inherently find if you use offshore, unregulated (at least not by US gaming authorities) poker sites.

With that in mind, this guide will help you determine what exactly constitutes a safe online poker site. The goal is to help you sign up, deposit and play at only the most trusted and reliable poker sites.

1. Win your way to a wild weekend of poker and partying in San Jose, Costa RicaIt’s time to pack your bags and leave your significant other at home. We’re bringing The Cage Live to the Taormina Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica, every other month.
2. We reserve the right to enforce a 24-hour waiting period between cage withdrawal requests, subject to applicable laws and gaming regulations. Player authorization and/or some documentation will be required to process withdrawal requests, and we may ask that the player sign a list of all previous deposits to his WSOP.com account.

When you play poker online for real money, safety and security are paramount. That includes ensuring:

• The game itself is fair.
• Your funds are always secure.
• Proper security is in place and persistent, effective efforts are in place to identify any hints of player collusion.

If you’re worried about finding a safe poker site to play on, this page we’ll answer all your questions including:

List of the safest poker sites for US players

The US online poker market consists of some of the most trusted names in online gaming. You can trust these major brands to offer you plenty of action in a secure and fair environment.

Among them will be many names you likely recognize including PokerStars, partypoker, WSOP, 888poker and Borgata Poker. If you don’t live in a fully legalized and licensed online poker state, Global Poker is a trusted and safe sweepstakes poker site many players use.

So far, these are the operators that offer legal and safe real money online poker in the US:

1. PokerStars – $30 Free Play

• Available in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Largest online poker operator in the world.
• Great software and tournament experience.
• Numerous promotions and major tournament series are available
• Home Games feature to set up and play private poker games and tournaments with friends online
• First-class customer support team on call 24/7
• Industry-leading security protocols to monitor fair play & collusion

2. WSOP.com – $10 Free

• Available in New Jersey and Nevada.
• It shares a liquidity market in the two states and with 888poker in Delaware.
• The site uses partner 888poker’s software.
• Offers online bracelet events and live WSOP event qualifiers.
• World-renowned brand with commitment to customer service and player protection

3. 888poker.com – $20 Free

Shark Cage Poker Rules Value Card

• Available in New Jersey and Delaware.
• Remains the sole online poker operator in Delaware.
• Partners with WSOP on qualifiers.
• It’s a proven international brand with excellent poker experience.

4. Partypoker/Borgata Poker/BetMGM – $25 Free

Poker Shark Cage Rules

• Available in New Jersey and a leader in the industry.
• Both are major poker and gaming brands in New Jersey and abroad.
• Partypoker offers qualifiers for its live events.
• Borgata Poker & BetMGM Poker skins offer qualifiers to live events at the property.

Is Global Poker a safe, legal and legitimate online poker option?

If you’re outside the regulated markets mentioned above, you have another option: Global Poker.

This site is based on a poker sweepstakes model.Global Poker’s sweepstakes license (like the one given to McDonald’s Monopoly game) makes playing its free sweeps cash games legal in much of the US and Canada.

The site is based more on social gaming than traditional online poker. Players use virtual chips (Gold Coins) they can win for playing, but these don’t have any cash value and they can’t redeem them for real money.

However, when purchasing more Gold Coins, you also receive the site’s sweepstakes currency called Sweeps Coins. This virtual currency can be used for Sweeps Coin tournaments and ring games. Unlike Gold Coins, accumulated Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real money.

Global Poker offers a safe and secure alternative for poker players. VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia, owns Global Poker. The site is also licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Alongside the playing experience, excellent customer service and easy deposit and withdrawal methods have been confirmed with Global Poker. Like the regulated casino poker sites mentioned above, security and safety hasn’t been a concern.

What is a safe poker site?

So what should you consider when getting started with online poker? Some signs will easily show a poker site is safe and regulated. Here’s what to look for:

1. Safe poker sites are licensed and regulated by states

In the US, there are four states currently offering legalized online poker:

Michigan online poker and West Virginia online poker were also legalized in 2018/2019 but neither have not gone live yet. All six states feature a completely legal and regulated market overseen by state government authorities.

Just like traditional retail casinos and poker rooms, reliable online poker sites face strict licensing and regulation. The sites can only operate in complete compliance and enforcement.

2. Safe poker sites use proper technical security and geolocation

These regulations make your information and funds secure. Online casino and poker operators have systems in place to offer numerous player protections that are required by state laws and regulations.

Geolocation software also makes sure all players are located within the legal jurisdiction. State regulators require this technology to keep the game safe from outside influences.

Another key security issue is the prevention of player collusion and gameplay issues like chip dumping. Each operator monitors gameplay in this way. Software monitoring commonly uncovers player collusion and discrepancies. It assures you of a safe and fair game of poker.

3. Safe poker sites have proper deposit and withdrawal methods

Along with gameplay, online poker operators also make sure your funds are secure. That goes likewise for the deposit and withdrawal process. Whether you fund your account through e-check, debit card or another form of payment (e.g., PayPal), the licensed poker site ensures your personal information, account and other information are secure.

Players who use offshore sites will not encounter measures as stringent and have no way to know if their funds and information are safe. They also have little to no recourse if their funds are confiscated or their account is closed.

4. Safe poker sites have government oversight

Poker sites in legalized US states are regulated by laws and rules enforced by those states’ gaming commissions. This statute should give you a level of confidence in secure online poker rooms that don’t come with using unregulated poker sites.

In the four legalized states currently offering online poker, the regulating bodies are:

• Nevada Gaming Control Board
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement

The entities ensure that play is truly random through random number generators and that the game is fair for everyone playing. They also monitor to make sure payouts are made fairly and that operators follow proper and legal procedures.

5. Safe poker sites have proper channels for customer service and disputes

The gaming regulators in each state offer recourse for those who may have a complaint or dispute. Reputable poker sites also provide customer service support for those looking to ask a question or have an issue resolved.

Most operators offer several means to contact customer service and support, including:

• An FAQ section
• User help database
• Email support
• Live chat
• Customer service phone number

How do I know it’s a safe and trustworthy poker site?

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an online poker operator. Beyond state regulators and gaming commissions, some other factors can help ensure numerous player protections:

• State-Approved Partnerships: Each online poker operator must have a live casino partner in each state. Casinos must meet extensive regulations, and this adds to player safety. It also gives you a local, trusted brand.
• Reputable Companies: In addition, most companies offering online poker within each state are trusted and proven brands. Many are also public companies and not the fly-by-night operations one might find in the offshore, unregulated market.
• Approvals and Inspections: Each legal site has a seal or statement somewhere on the home page, which indicates it is a regulated site. For example, PokerStars NJ has a link to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. These sites are regularly inspected and monitored by these commissions.
• Mainstream Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: Along with being regulated and having casinos in the jurisdiction as partners, trusted online poker sites use accepted, mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods. Those include PayPal, e-checks, bank transfers, e-wallets, and debit and credit cards, among other options. Some even allow deposits at a casino partner’s cashier cage. You can also expect quick turnarounds on withdrawals as well.
• Support and Customer Service: Reliable poker sites offer numerous ways to help with an issue or concern, from email and FAQ to live chat and a customer service phone number. Offshore operators might not provide this support.
• SSL Encryption: A critical focus in the security effort, secure sockets layer (SSL) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. It helps keep your player information private and safe.

How to download a safe online poker site and set up an account

Because of SSL and encryption technology, downloading a poker app or desktop-based poker client is exceptionally secure. The same goes for depositing and cashing out.

Unlike offshore and unregulated sites, legal online poker sites guarantee your funds are safe and secure. Trouble or long delays getting payouts are a common complaint about unregulated sites, but this is not an issue if you use regulated, secure and reliable poker sites as mentioned here.

Downloading is simple. Simply use any of the links above to get started, which will also allow you to take advantage of the listed free no deposit poker bonuses and the additional deposit match bonuses.

You then enter some necessary information like name, address, email, username and password. Once that’s complete, you may have to confirm your identity and email.

Deposit and withdrawal methods at a legal online poker site

After getting an account set up, making a deposit is also a simple process. Reliable online poker sites offer several safe deposit methods, including:

• E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
• Visa or Mastercard
• Wire payments
• E-wallets, such as Neteller and Skrill
• Cash at partner casinos

When cashing out your winnings, the process is safe and secure as well. You can receive your winnings back via the method you used to deposit.

Trusted poker sites offer fast and secure payouts through several options. Some offer a paper check option for payouts as well. Many even provide cash payouts from casino partners at the cashier cage.

What’s one thing you don’t have to worry about with a regulated site? Funds not being there or disappearing out of the blue.

Your funds are not intermingled with operator or casino funds at a secure, legal poker site. The money is held in separate accounts and available to you 24/7 so you can feel confident that your funds are safe.

Are poker apps safe?

As online poker has grown, the use of mobile phones and tablets has become an even more popular way to play in the last several years. All major safe US poker sites offer mobile poker apps for iPhone/iPad and Android devices with excellent app interfaces .

Secure poker app providers include:

Poker apps provide the same security as desktop poker clients. Apps must still meet tight regulations from each jurisdiction’s gaming commission. Poker apps also include geolocation software to make sure every player is within the state offering legal online poker.

How do I keep my poker account secure?

Regulated and reliable online poker sites offer a secure environment for signing up, depositing, cashing out and playing. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your online poker experience remains safe.

Here are a few security recommendations:

• Use proper security protocols when depositing.
• Be careful when playing on public Wi-Fi.
• Don’t share usernames or passwords with anyone.
• Make passwords challenging to figure out.
• Don’t leave a game open on a device or computer that’s unattended.

How do I recognize an ‘unsafe’ poker site?

This question is good to keep in mind when jumping into online poker for the first time. Many offshore poker sites will not offer any regulatory information or display the legal sealof an appropriate governing body or regulatory commission.

They may also feature more obscure website addresses and not be a well-known brand. Offshore operators may also make use of less scrupulous deposit methods, which come with many security concerns.

Some unregulated poker sites make it challenging to find where they are based. It is a red flag as to the site’s legitimacy and security protocols. Your player funds may not be safe with these sites or using their deposit options.

You should never use a questionable deposit method. Also, transferring funds to players you don’t know can be sketchy. Look out for these types of scams on unregulated poker sites.

Safest poker sites FAQ

After considering all these facts and concepts, here are some key ideas to remember:

What do I do if I think I’m playing on an unsafe poker site?

Research the site and determine if it’s a legitimate US poker site. If not, look for a legal option, including those mentioned in this guide. You may want to withdraw your funds from an offshore site and use a legitimate, secure option.

How do I know if a poker site is reputable?

Make sure it’s a legal US site by looking for signs that it’s licensed by a state regulating body. However, beware of imposters that may represent themselves as a legal option. When in doubt, contact your state gaming commission to see if the site falls under its jurisdiction.

Is it safe to play against players from other countries?

Legal US online poker uses “fenced-in” markets, and only players within specific states can play. Any site featuring players from other countries doesn’t fall in line with American law. It can be a major security issue, and you should avoid these sites.

Are Bitcoin poker sites safe?

Again, many of these sites use cryptocurrency to get around American law. Just because a site accepts a deposit doesn’t mean that it’s a legal, regulated site. Review this article for websites that are legal in the US, including sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker.

Do I need to worry about viruses from poker sites?

Regulated online poker sites offer secure, safe environments. They meet rigorous licensing, technology and regulatory requirements to stay in business and to keep serving players. You will never download any malware or viruses from a legal and regulated poker site.

There is an eight-foot high metal cage swivelling on the extended platform that stretches out in front of the TV feature table at the PokerStars and Monte-Carlo® Casino European Poker Tour Grand Final. Several thick black cables, which are spliced together, run around the circumference of the shark cage supplying the power to move the metal structure. As the cage spins the cables move with it, pulling taut from stage left.

A cameraman, Frank Baglino, director of photography of 'Ride on the River', stands by the cage pointing his lens towards the TV stage and players including Gus Hansen, Vicky Coren Mitchell and Patrik Antonius. He doesn't see the cables snaking toward his feet. A colleague does, however, and quickly guides Baglino over the health and safety obstacle.

This shark cage is dangerous business. And fun. And one player will win $1,000,000.

I'm going to be honest with you, upon first hearing about the new televised format I wasn't convinced that it was going to set the world alight. My cynicism had got the better of me, but since hearing the early feedback during the PCA, I'm inclined to think I should scribble my nay-saying onto a piece of paper and eat it. Shark Cage looks like it's going to be really entertaining. (So much so, in fact, that I'm introducing it into my next home game and I'll give you instructions how to do so, too. See below.)

The Shark Cage televised tournament is taking place across eight heats, each featuring six players. A quick bit of maths later, that's 48 players all gunning for one $1,000,000 no-deals-allowed first prize. Heats one and two took place at the PCA, while heats three and four take place here in Monaco. The remaining four will play out at the start of Season 11 at EPT Barcelona - the 100th ever European Poker Tour stop - while the Shark Cage big money final will take place towards the back end of the year.

This morning at 11.30am, today's Shark Cage contestants started to circle back stage in the green room for heat three. You may have heard of them: two-time EPT champ Vicky Coren Mitchell, tour regular Maria Ho, high stakes legends Gus Hansen and Patrik Antonius, and WSOP Main Event runner-up David Williams. That makes five. What about the sixth contestant? This is your spot, the online qualifier seat.

Hansen, Ho and Williams sat waiting in the green room (that's a fancy name for 'waiting room' in TV lingo) for their briefing from EPT presenter James Hartigan. You'd think that getting five players together in time for a freeroll shot at a million bucks would be easy. Not necessarily so. Hansen certainly thinks not. 'Put it this way, I'm not going to spend too many minutes of my life waiting for Patrik Antonius,' said Hansen, who one would imagine is better informed on the relative punctuality of the Finn than most. Hansen wandered off downstairs to buy a friend into the €10,600 EPT Grand Final Main Event.

As the Great Dane left, the Great Brit entered. Coren Mitchell, fresh from her historic two-time EPT win in Sanremo walked into the room. A member of the production staff had already been dispatched to pick her up a cup of tea, which kind of goes without saying. Some EPT congratulations and hugs later, Coren Mitchell grabbed a croissant and started discussing the length of today's play and breaks relative to the size of the male and female bladder. Among her many commitments, Coren Mitchell is a presenter of highbrow quiz show 'Only Connect' and has been working hard to work her way through a large pile of scripts for upcoming shows. Yesterday's early exit from the EPT Grand Final should help on that front. Poker's loss is British TV's gain.

Hansen returned and was followed in by the news that Antonius was also on site. 'He's here? Beautiful,' said Hansen, somewhat uncomfortably echoing the thoughts of many poker fan boys.

Before anyone could rush off to the bathroom or buy anyone else into the Main Event, Hartigan stood up to address the room, 'We're thrilled you can all play. Suffice to say you're all here because you're all big names in poker and you've all accomplished so much. Ultimately what we want to get out of these shows is enjoyment, fun, conversation, banter - we really want you guys to enjoy yourselves at the table.'

Hartigan then rattled out the finer instructions of the event, such as how to play 'bluff' or 'value bet' cards when betting rivers heads-up. All the rules were also clearly and exhaustively printed on A4 sheets of paper. To summarise, if you correctly bluff a player on the river and they don't call then you send them to the cage and get extra chips should you make it to the final. Equally so if you call someone's bluff they get sent to the cage and you collect extra chips for the final.

Classic tournaments rules have been loosened for this TV tournament. You can call with the nuts on the river because you stand a chance to send your opponent to the cage; you can show one card during a hand to get a reaction; you can talk through a hand out loud and try to angle your opponent into slipping up. Basically any 'cash game nonsense is allowed'.

Want to play Shark Cage at home?
Do you want to play Shark Cage in your home game? You can! Okay, there won't be a big glitzy TV set or a large steel cage in the corner of the room, but there's nothing stopping you from playing a sit-and-go using your own makeshift bluff-or-value river buttons. Rather than put someone in a cage you can allocate any number of penalties to getting the call wrong. Maybe they can be made to get the next round of fizzy drinks from the fridge or have to wear something ridiculous until the next player gets penalised. Remember, it's a fun format. Keep things loose when you're playing Shark Cage. Show cards, talk fast and play faster, but, most of all, enjoy it.

- Shark cage uses a 30 second shot clock. Keep it quick like this or extend it for more leisurely play. Give each player two 'time bank' chips to extend their decision.

Shark Cage Poker Rules

- Give each player a 'bluff' and 'value bet' card or counter. Or you can get players to type 'bluff' or 'value bet', or even just 'B' or 'V', on their phone and place it face down on the table. This must be done before a bet is made. Keep it simple and clear.

- A 'bluff' will only carry a Shark Cage penalty if the player using the 'bluff' card forces a player with a stronger hand to fold. You both have to show on the river in heads-up.

- Shark Cage rules only run when play is four-handed or more and when the action on the river is heads-up.

Click through to live updates, features and interviews from the EPT Grand Final Main Event and the EPT Grand Final Super High Roller.

Rick Dacey is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.