Sweepstakes online poker sites are legal in almost all states, including Florida. However, they are a bit different from regular poker sites. For instance, these websites use virtual currencies instead of real money. Nevertheless, most of the features are largely the same. In fact, these virtual currencies can be purchased, which means players. Cash game poker sites aren’t all created equal. Each one is different in terms of their traffic, quality of play, games and stakes, and features. We say this to point out that you shouldn’t join the first real money poker site that looks good to you. You need to make sure the site you join is a good fit for cash. Poker sites want to entice players to join them and become effectively free poker sites by giving new players a cash bonus without them having to use their own money. The aim of this sweet deal is of course to get you through their virtual doors and having to make no deposit to get your free poker money is a great way to get you started.

Online poker cash games (occasionally referred to as 'ring games') are huge. It's the most popular way to play online poker for real money in 2021, with the no limit Texas Hold'em variant getting the most action.

So, where are the best places to play poker cash games online?

Top 5 poker rooms for cash games 2021.

Note: $2NL is just another way of writing 1c/2c no limit hold'em. The number in this '$2NL' format indicates the maximum 100bb buy in.

What makes for a good cash game poker room?

Every site offers cash games; the same format, and mostly the same stakes. So how can one online poker room be better than another for ring games? Here are the main factors that set sites apart in this field:

1. Player traffic. More players = more action. Volume and variety is always a good thing in online poker, especially if you plan on multi-tabling.
2. Level of competition. If you're playing poker, you want to play against the worst players possible – that's how you make money. Some poker sites are softer than others.
3. Wide range of stakes. Although every site has a decent range, some sites do not offer the super-micro stakes of $5NL or lower, or high stakes games of $400NL+.
4. Professional software. You want to play at a poker room that takes the game as seriously as you do. When you're playing for real money, the last thing you want to worry about is sluggish or buggy software. If you're a Mac user you'll want to check that your chosen poker room is Mac friendly as well.
5. Multi-tabling. One of the best aspects of playing online poker cash games is the ability to sit down at multiple tables. The maximum number of open windows (tables) varies from site to site, so you want to be sure that the room you're playing at can accommodate your needs.
6. Features. Not totally essential, but it's nice to have stuff like the 4 colour deck and general table customisation options.
7. Low rake. This isn't an issue these days as the rake taken from cash games is virtually equal across all the major online poker sites. Used to be a consideration a few years ago, but 5% rake from each pot is now the standard.

That's all the essential stuff to look at when looking for the best cash game poker site.

It's also worth noting that I ranked these factors based on importance. Therefore, I wouldn't play at a poker room for its cool features if the player traffic is abysmal.

Why cash games are cool.

I love cash games. I really do.

I highly doubt that I need to convince you that ring games are awesome, because you're already looking for information on where's best to play them. However, here are three reasons why cash games are immense:

1. Titanic Poker Scene – If Jack didn't win his Titanic ticket in a cash game, he never would have gotten on that boat, and this film would have been a lot less interesting.
2. Judge's Game Scene in Rounders – A bit over the top, but that doesn't stop it from being as cool as eskimo pie. Unfortunately though, another scene from this film made it in to my top 5 misconceptions about poker in film.
3. Cool Hand Luke Poker Scene – Proof that bluffing makes you awesome.

What do all these scenes have in common? Money. Real money. None of that tournament business with frilly pretend-money chips. Cash. Man cash.

See Full List On Pokerscout.com

Playing cash games will allow you to be that cool old man who tells stories to grandchildren about how you won crispy money in ruthless games of poker 'back in the day', whilst puffing away on your homemade tobacco pipe. That's why cash games are cool.

Full ring and 6max.

Full Ring and 6max are the two main variants of no limit Texas Hold'em cash games. So what's the difference?

• Full Ring – 9 players max (occasionally 10, but usually it's 9)
• 6max – 6 players max (bet you didn't see that coming)

Literally, the only difference between full ring and 6max is the number of players that can sit down at the table at a time.

The differences between full ring and 6max.

Even though 3 extra (or less) seats is the structural difference between these two cash games, it actually has a significant effect on the way these games play. Here's a summary.

• Game speed.
  • FR: 60 hands/hour
  • 6max: 85 hands/hour
• Starting hand selection.
  • FR: Tighter. You can afford to wait for more premium hands as the blinds come around less frequently.
  • 6max: Looser. You have to be prepared to use skill advantage than card advantage to win money.
• Difficulty.
  • FR: Lower. You can play the situation more than the player. It's less important to adjust to exploit specific players at the table.
  • 6max: Higher. Fewer players makes the action more personal, so you need to be able to understand your opponents more. This also means you have more opportunities to exploit bad players.
• Variance.
  • FR: Lower. FR is less 'swingy' than 6max, which some players will prefer.
  • 6max: Higher. Looser action means that more money gets put in to the pot more often with varying hand strengths.
• Profitability.
  • FR + 6max: The slight majority of players agree that 6max can be more profitable than FR. This is because bad players are more 'exposed' in 6max thanks to there being a fewer number of seats at the table. However, the tradeoff is that you need to have more skill to beat 6max and the variance is greater.

Which variant is best for me?

Loads of players ask this question. Do a Google search for full ring vs 6max and you'll be greeted with roughly one squillion forum thread results. It's a popular topic. Nonetheless, here's my basic recommendation:

Play full ring if you don't mind sitting back and being more selective with which hands you play. It's a slightly more relaxed game, and the variance is lower than on 6max tables.

Play 6max if you like to play more hands and your are comfortable with your postflop game. You have to be prepared to deal with a higher level of variance though.

I guess you can think of full ring as being slow and steady, and 6max as faster and more action-orientated. I definitely wouldn't say that one is better than the other though – both games are profitable if you know how to play them well. Just choose the format that you feel suits your playing style the best. Learn2Holdem.com has a nice comparison article on full ring and 6max.

Play money vs real money cash games.

The play money tables are hugely popular. They can also be a barrel of fun – if you're 12 years old or something.

There is a tremendous difference between playing for fun and playing in $2NL cash games. Sure, you might argue that playing $2NL is virtually playing for fun, but the reality is that the quality of play between these two games is unrecognizable.

If you've played in both micro stake cash games and on the play money tables you'll know exactly what I mean. If you haven't, you're missing out. Playing for real money is far more exciting, even if it is only for 1c/2c stakes.

If you truly want to experience online poker cash games, play them for real money.

High Stakes Poker (TV Show).

High Stakes Poker is a TV program on GSN. If you love ring games half as much as I do I'd give it a watch.

The show films professional poker players playing in a high stakes no limit Texas Hold'em cash game. It's immensely entertaining, and it's the best poker TV show out there by a long shot.

What I love about HSP is the fact that it's a real game of poker. It's not a fabricated tournament where players just put on a performance for the cameras – the players on HSP genuinely care about the money in front of them, which makes for a fantastic showcase of talent.

Famous cash players.

Here a few big-name poker players that are renowned for their ability (and winnings) in cash games. I'm sure you'll recognize a few of them:

• Tom Dwan (Durrrr) – The epitome of high stakes online poker. Plays the highest stakes HU cash games around and has gone through some of the biggest swings ever witnessed in online poker ($3 million+ each way over a matter of days). Still a huge winner overall though.
• Phil Ivey – One of the greatest all-round poker players ever. Has won over $15 million playing online poker alone.
• Patrik Antonius – Highly respected HU NLHE player. First player to participate in the Durrrr challenge.
• Viktor Blom (Isildur1) – Relatively new name in online poker, but won a ridiculous amount of money from top players like Durrrr and Phil Ivey throughout 2010, winning over $5 million in total at his peak.
• Doyle Brunson – Even though he's most famous for his WSOP bracelets, cash games have always been his bread and butter.

Although all of these guys are exceptional NLHE players, they also tend to play a lot of PLO online. Still, they're both cash games, so it's all good.

A few quick tips.

I can't give a well-rounded strategy on how to beat online poker cash games in a few short sentences, but I can throw some essential tips in your direction.

• Stick to good bankroll management. Always have at least 20 buy-ins for the stakes you want to play at. If you don't, you're setting yourself up for a fall.
• Try multi-tabling. If you're already good at poker, this is the easiest way to increase your winrate.
• Table select. Online poker gives you the fantastic opportunity to select which tables you play at, and the choice is plentiful to say the least. If you know that there are bad players at certain tables, sit at those and win more money.
• Use stats to help you with decisions. Download and start using Poker Tracker before you play another hand of online poker. Stats (e.g. VPIP and PFR) give you a tremendous edge over your opponents, so why aren't you using them?

After this it's all about playing your socks off and learning as much strategy as you can. My strategy articles and strategy videos are decent places to start. After that, look in to paid training – it's worth it.

Go back to the Texas Hold'em rooms.

Table Of Contents

Who said free poker games are boring? From freeroll tournaments to mobile poker apps, there are a lot of ways for you to play poker online for free and enjoy it!

Get a glimpse of the best free poker sites as we get into 2020 and be prepared: the cards will soon be in the air!

Finding a reliable place to play free online poker can be an overwhelming task, especially if you are looking for some fun and you don't want to spend anything.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How to find free online poker games
• What is the best free online poker site
• The key differences between free poker and freerolls
• And lots more.

In case you are new to the poker scene, several online poker rooms offer these types of free poker games with no registration.

That's where you find the best free online poker games with fake money to play with other poker players from all over the world and engage in exciting Texas Holdem Poker and Omaha ring games and tournaments.

Playing on these play money poker sites helps you understand how poker works and how to use the right strategy to beat your opponents.

Many players started playing online poker from free games. That's because playing free poker online you can develop your poker skills and learn the ins and outs of popular games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker before you decide to play for real money.

Think of Anette Obrestad.

Once poker wunderkind, Obrestad started playing online poker for free — and then, one freeroll tournament after the other, she built the insane bankroll that helped finance games and tournaments for real money.

Use the free poker games online to become a better player.

The best online, free poker sites are essential to get some free poker practice. How else could you try our proven poker tips without risking a single cent of your bankroll?

In this article, you find all your best option to play free online poker in 2020.

All these sites have options to play free online poker games with fake money and help hone your poker skills with some good poker practice.

All the site in the list offer mobile poker apps or platforms, so you can play with other poker players on desktop, Android, and iOS.

The mobile poker apps feature the same games and tournaments you find on the desktop versions. Some (like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) app, Zynga Poker, and the World Poker Tour (WPT) Poker app) do not offer options to play for real money.

Others (like PokerStars, PartyPoker, and 888Poker) combine free poker games and tournaments with real money ones - so you can have an authentic 'full poker experience' always playing on the same website.

So, are you ready to start playing some poker? Join tens of thousands of other poker players on these exciting websites, claim all the poker bonuses available right now, and get busy with your first poker hand.

Best Free Poker Sites

Need more information to choose where to play some good free Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and stud games online?

Check out the description of all the free poker sites and don't forget you can read even more about them on the reviews published on our list of the top online poker sites.

WSOP Poker (US - All)

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Social Poker site is the best free-to-play poker sites in the world. This poker site and mobile poker app comes from the kitchens of Playtika, the same social Casino giant that came up with uber-successful apps like Slotomania and House of Fun.

WSOP Poker is the only option to play no-limit hold'em and pot-limit Omaha cash games against friends, family, and opponents from all around the world.

US players can play online poker games on the WSOP free mobile poker app.

Compared to other free poker sites, WSOP Poker hosts some massive games and tournaments where you compete for awesome prizes, including virtual WSOP bracelets.

Link the WSOP free poker app to your Facebook account to challenge your friends and brag to them when you beat them in a big pot or major free poker tournament.

The WSOP poker app offers the best free poker games online. It is a superb place to practise poker for free and hone your skills without any financial risk to your bankroll.

Play free poker games on WSOP Poker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

PokerStars NJ (US - NJ)

PokerStars NJ is the most obvious choice.

The New Jersey 'division' of the world's largest online poker site has been the first one to get back to the United States in the post-UIGEA world.

Here you'll play on (probably) the best poker client in the world and get the luxury to choose between the best (and juiciest) poker games in New Jersey.

Like all the other PokerStars websites, PokerStars NJ features a wide choice of real money and free online poker games.

Since this article is all about how to find the best free poker games online, know that PokerStars NJ is where you get the largest selection of poker freerolls - the tournaments with no buy-in but with real prizes on tap.

Top Online Cash Poker Sites

Play / fake money poker games are also an option on this site.

Winamax.fr

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

PokerStars PA (US - PA)

As of today, PokerStars PA is the only legal online poker site in Pennsylvania. While we wait for the market to attract more operators, this world-famous poker site is your top (and only) choice to play some free online poker.

PokerStars is the most famous brand in the poker industry, with an unmatched offer in terms of free online poker games and real money options.

There are several ways to play poker online for free on PokerStars PA. These include:

• The virtual poker games with fake money
• The free home games to play with friends
• The freeroll tournaments with no buy-in

The main difference between the three, obviously, is that the freerolls come with real money prizes. These are your best shot at creating a bankroll from nothing and continue to play poker online for free.

The other games, however, are best suited for those who are looking for ways to learn how to play poker or practice Texas Hold'em online.

To play free poker games on the PokerStars PA website you need to be located in Pennsylvania.

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

Real Cash Poker Sites

WSOP.com NJ (US - NJ)

Not to be confused with the more generic free 'WSOP poker app', WSOP.com NJ is the other poker giant in the Garden State.

This site combines free online poker with real money action and is the only one allowed to run prestigious events like the World Series of Poker online.

While free games are always free - no matter what - there's an interesting opportunity for you if you are in New Jersey and want to play free online poke to win real money.

As a new player, you get 7x tickets to play $100 tournaments, meaning you get to play poker online for free and possibly take down some cash, too.

The competition is not the worse (these are new players-only events) so you actually have a decent shot at turning nothing into something.

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

Borgata Poker NJ (US - NJ)

Using the same engine as partypoker NJ, Borgata Poker NJ is another giant where you find free and real money poker games.

The wide choice of game formats and the active community of players that populate the site make it one of the most popular free online poker destinations in New Jersey.

Can you play online poker for free on Borgata NJ?

Yes! You can train with some free online poker games for fun or you can use their welcome to test the waters and join some of the 'more serious' games

There's a handy free $20 bonus on signup so you don't need to stick to the free games if you don't want to and you don't need to spend anything if you want to try something more than a few free poker tournaments.

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

888poker NJ (US - NJ)

PokerStars' arch-enemy landed in New Jersey to fight for the market and convince local poker players that the triple eight is better than the red spade.

To be honest with you, 888poker NJ is a great poker website with plenty of options to play online poker with fake money.

Frequent updates allow 888poker NJ to continue to meet their players' demands and expectations - and the way these guys care about their product is reflected in one of the most modern and appreciated poker clients out there.

888poker offers free and legal online poker games to all players in New Jersey.

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

partypoker NJ (US - NJ)

Could a poker market ever see PokerStars and 888poker fight for the leadership without a partypoker product to make things harder for them?

partypoker NJ is a spectacular site to play online Texas Hold'em for free and probably also the bets free poker app you can download on your mobile today.

While you can play free online poker with no download and no money, we recommend you do not miss the welcome bonus so you can play to win some real money, too.

There's a free $25 signup bonus on registration that you can use to play cash games or free poker tournaments online.

You need to be in the state of NJ to access the games on partypoker NJ and claim their free poker bonus.

Play free poker games on PokerStars NJ:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

PokerStars (Global)

If you already play poker, you know PokerStars.

PokerStars is like a mecca for poker. It is:

• The largest online poker site in the world.
• The host of the most successful online poker series.
• The only site everyone has an account on.

PokerStars is also known for providing great free poker games online — although this isn't a 100% free poker site like the one that operates under the World Series of Poker brand.

This online poker site is known for the breadth of poker games and tournament formats that you can get accustomed to if you're starting and learning to play online.

Playing free poker games on PokerStars is simple:

1. Register a gaming account (it's free)
2. Select the 'Play Money' option.

From there, you are good to go. Ready to take on the world.

Pro tip: when you run out of chips, you can top up by taking a seat at a ring game table. That way, you can continue with your free poker games.

PokerStars Team ProBarry Greenstein joins the action of free Texas hold'em games on PokerStars very often.

As an American player, Greenstein can't play real money poker in the US. So he often shows up at the play-money tables over at PokerStars.

To play free poker games with Barry Greenstein, you'll need to work yourself up to the highest play-money stakes and grow a bankroll able to survive those limits.

Play free poker games on PokerStars:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

888poker (Global)

888poker is another behemoth in the poker scene. They too offer both real-money and free poker games.

The free poker practice mode helps you familiarise yourself with the poker rules and learn how to avoid all the most common mistakes beginners make.

To play free poker games on 888poker:

• Register a gaming account (it's free)
• Head to the 888poker Practice Play Lobby

If you qualify for their welcome bonus, you can also play free online poker games to win real money.

Just for registering with 888poker, you get a free $8 instant bonus to play free poker games and an additional $80 free bonus as you collect status points.

888poker is where you get non-stop cash games, giving you the ultimate freedom to decide when and for how long you want to play poker online.

With the number of players who have signed up for 888, free games for play money are always on offer. You never have to wait long to play a play money cash game or free poker tournament.

And, when you're finally ready to stretch into real-money games, you can take your first deposit, get 888poker to double it, and gain entry into nine free tournaments.

Play free poker games on 888poker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

partypoker (Global)

Partypoker also allows you to play online poker free and for real money. These games allow you to explore your ability, strategy, and luck.

If you're serious about playing, you can jump right into a free game in the 'Play Money' tab or even go to the free poker school to learn about how to play online.

New players can receive a money bonus for when they decide to step up their game and try real-money poker.

On Partypoker, you can track your progress, take free poker missions for rewards, and grab free poker promotions for a wide variety of prizes and tournament offerings.

Like on 888poker and PokerStars, there are plenty of players on the free partypoker client, so you should never be bored. Free poker awaits!

Play free poker games on Partypoker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

GGPoker (Global)

GGPoker is one of the newest and most interesting poker sites out there - with plenty of free online poker options for you to discover and play.

The flagship site of the GGNetwork is a modern and truly 'mobile-first' poker product. After gaming traction in Asia at first, this poker site became a major global player and one of the fastest-growing poker sites in the game's history.

There's plenty to read about GGPoker here on PokerNews, so there's no point in describing the client, the free poker app, and the games available on the site.

Just know that GGPoker is where you find some of the best free online poker games to play Texas Hold'em and lots of other variants. All the action is available with real and play money.

To play free poker games online on GGpoker:

• Register a gaming account (it's free)
• Choose your free poker games and play

Play free poker games on GGPoker:iTunes, Google Play, and Desktop; free.

Free Poker vs Freeroll

Freeroll tournaments are online multiplayer events that cost nothing to enter.

The difference between these free games and the ones with play money is that these are the event where you can win real money.

No other free poker event let you win real money for free. That's why freeroll poker tournaments are hugely popular with beginners.

Play is often reckless on these free poker events, so you have to be patient and smart about it.

Free Online Poker FAQ

According to our latest survey and market data, the best all-free online poker site is the World Series of Poker mobile poker app. In terms of hybrid sites (those where you can choose to free and real money poker games), the world's best poker site in 2020 is still PokerStars.

You can play free poker games in various forms. You can use a no deposit bonus to play real money games and tournaments (e.g. the one at 888poker), open an account on a hybrid site to combine play money and real money games (e.g. PokerStars), enter a freeroll tournament, or download a free mobile poker (e.g. WSOP Poker).

A: In what states can you play online poker?

As of June 2020, the only states where you can play online poker in the United States for real money are Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

To know what operators offer legal online poker games in these states, check our pages dedicated to PA Poker Sites and NJ Poker Sites. Also, you can follow the legislative process and know when more states are likely to regulate online poker via our US Poker Map.

The WSOP Poker app is legal in all US states.

Additional Readings

• PokerStars freeroll events (PokerNews-exclusive): full list of online, free poker tournaments available only to the readers of PokerNews.com.
• The best poker app in 2020: a complete overview of the top free poker apps available today with tips to play the best games of Texas hold'em, Omaha, and more.
• Best online poker sites in 2020: all the top websites to play online poker in 2019, ranked from the most beginner-friendly to the hardest ones.

_{This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2017. Last update: June 19, 2020.}

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