Online Poker Legal Status by State
Only four states have fully regulated online poker with licensed operators: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. These states share player pools under the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), meaning you're playing against the same players whether you're in NJ, PA, MI, or NV.
Players in all other states can access offshore poker rooms in a legal gray area. Offshore rooms have operated for US players without prosecution for 15+ years. No US player has ever been charged for playing on an offshore site.
Poker Bankroll Guidelines
| Stake | Min Bankroll | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| $0.01/$0.02 | $40 | $100 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | $200 | $400 |
| $0.25/$0.50 | $500 | $1,000 |
| $1/$2 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| $2/$5 | $5,000 | $10,000 |