Regulated states in 2026
Six US states currently regulate real-money online poker: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia. Each state issues its own licenses, but they can share player pools under the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
As of 2026, the MSIGA network covers PA, NJ, MI, and NV — meaning tournaments and cash games on PokerStars (FanDuel) and WSOP.com combine players across those states. BetRivers operates its own 4-state network covering PA, MI, WV, and DE.
Sweepstakes poker — the everywhere alternative
If you don't live in one of the six regulated states, sweepstakes sites like Global Poker, Stake.us, and Clubs Poker are the realistic option. They use a dual-currency model: Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash prizes.
Sweepstakes sites are legal in nearly every US state — with a handful of exclusions such as Washington. Always check the site's own state restrictions before playing.
What to expect next
Several states have active bills that would expand regulated online poker. New York, California, and Massachusetts remain the most-watched markets. Until those land, expect the regulated map to stay at six.
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