Online Poker in Connecticut - Best CT Online Poker Sites 2025
Connecticut has some great land-based gambling options that may leave you questioning the utility of online poker in Connecticut. Yet, even if you add up all the live poker tables in the state, they amount to but a fraction of what you would find on Connecticut online poker sites. Unfortunately, despite internet poker licensure being available since the passage of the appropriate legislation in May 2021, no CT-regulated online poker sites have yet appeared.
However, offshore sites don’t feel like having just land-based gaming options is acceptable and are giving players a great opportunity to have the best of both worlds available to them. There are many solid choices for online poker in CT, but our top reccomendation is Ignition Poker.
Fortunately, there's nothing in federal law that criminalizes the act of playing online poker. Neither the Wire Act nor the UIGEA stipulate any penalties for private individuals instead restricting punishments to those who actually manage and own the gaming sites and payment processors. At the state law level, no Connecticut anti-gambling laws have ever been enforced with regard to online poker.
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2. Online Poker Legal? 3. Best CT Poker Sites 4. How to Play Online Poker
5.1. Game Selection 5.2. Cashier Methods 5.3. Bonuses & Promos 5.4. Rakeback
6.1. Ignition 6.2. SB Poker/BOL 6.3. ACR Poker 6.4. CoinPoker 6.5. Everygame 6.6. SwCPoker 6.7. Nitrobetting
7.1. B&M Poker 7.2. Regulation 7.3. Poker History 7.4. Famous Poker Players 7.5. Alternatives to CT Online Poker
Top Online Poker Sites in Connecticut
The Connecticut online poker firms can be roughly divided into those that will safeguard your money carefully and those that are unsavory and maybe even totally deceitful. The last thing we want is for you to fall prey to any hustlers in the latter category, which is why we've prepared this guide. All of the rooms we cover below have fair games, up-to-date software, and reliable cashouts. Read up on all of them at your leisure, and then choose the one that appears the finest to you.
Is Online Poker Legal in Connecticut?
The law in Connecticut is clear that poker is considered a form of gambling. The text on the books considers the game against the law. However, these laws were drafted well before the internet came about, and the way the anti-gambling statutes are actually enforced demonstrates that they don't encompass online poker.
The police occasionally go after live poker players especially when they're involved in activities related to organized crime. However, Connecticut has never prosecuted anyone for playing poker online. It's a perfectly safe pastime from a legal perspective.
Best Connecticut Online Poker Sites
Whenever you're thinking about playing online poker, it's crucial that you choose a reputable and trustworthy site. While it can be a bit difficult to differentiate between the honest and the disreputable, we're here to help. All of the poker rooms on our list are known for their track record of expeditious payments, quality gameplay, and adherence to high standards.
- Ignition Casino - Most games running at a time.
- SB Poker - Bad Beat Jackpots and other promos.
- BetOnline - Compelling mobile software.
- ACR Poker - Great tournament schedule.
- Coin Poker - Largest crypto poker site.
- Everygame - Profitable promos for all players.
- SwCPoker - Numerous poker variants offered.
- Nitrobetting - Bitcoin poker in your browser.
- BlackChip Poker - Partner of ACR, option for those who already have an ACR account.
- Juicy Stakes - Many reloads, race races, freerolls, and more.
- True Poker - Partner room of ACRPoker and BlackChip.
How to Play Online Poker in Connecticut
Getting started with online poker in CT is quite simple. We've included instructions below for registering with our #1 pick, Ignition Poker, but the process is similar for any Connecticut online poker site though there might be some small differences.
- Click on our link to go to Ignition Poker
- Complete the registration form in your browser window. Make sure to input your real personal information because any discrepancies in your details could lead to account termination down the line when you have to complete identity verification in order to cashout your winnings.
- Press the button on the bottom of the page that's labeled, “Register.”
- Ignition may have you confirm your mobile number by sending you a code via SMS. Enter this code into the space provided.
- Now that your new account is ready, you can head over to the Ignition cashier and make your first deposit through one of several payment processors (we recommend Bitcoin).
How We Evaluate Connecticut Online Poker Sites – Choosing the Best Internet Poker Room
None of the rooms for Connecticut online poker are identical; they each have areas in which they excel as well as others in which they may be lacking. We've evaluated them across a few different criteria to establish which ones deserve to be listed among our recommended providers.
Games and Stakes Spread
The formats of poker spread at each site vary from the vanilla NL Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha to more obscure variants, like Razz, 5 Card Draw, HORSE, and Open Face Chinese. Even at sites that offer the same types of games, the blind levels supported vary wildly from nano-stakes up to high blind level tables.
In the tournament and SNG lobbies too, you'll encounter great differences between sites. Lottery-style games, Step and satellite tourneys, freerolls, and other game types serve to differentiate one room from the next.
Deposits + Payouts
Most rooms for internet poker in Connecticut let you deposit and withdraw via credit cards, checks, money orders, and other traditional payment methods. However, they also support Bitcoin and other cryptos, which are our preferred channels for depositing and cashing out.
Bitcoin enables rapid transactions with low fees and relative freedom from control by the authorities. If you aren't yet sure how you can employ Bitcoin for your gaming needs, then check out this detailed walkthrough on creating Bitcoin wallets and exchange accounts.
Bonuses and Promotions
Many poker destinations on the internet welcome new players with a bonus on their first deposit. There are other kinds of bonuses too, like no deposit bonuses and reloads.
Beyond bonuses, most rooms also have a menu of promotions, like race races, free tournament tickets, loyalty programs, and leaderboards. Some of these promos run continuously while others are of limited duration and rotate frequently.
Online Poker Rakeback
Rakeback is one of the most beneficial types of online poker promotions available. This is because it’s a never-ending rebate on the rake you pay at the tables, and it can really add up over time. We appreciate the advantages of rakeback so much that we have incorporated it into the name of our site, ProfessionalRakeback.
Check out the list below of online poker sites that offer rakeback deals:
- ACR Poker – 27% rakeback (on demand)
- CoinPoker – 33% rakeback (weekly, for holders of CHP token)
- Everygame – 36% rakeback (daily)k
- SwCPoker – up to 50% rakeback (depends on play volume)
- BlackChip Poker – 27% rakeback (on demand)
- Juicy Stakes Poker – 36% rakeback (weekly)
- True Poker – 27% rakeback (on demand)
Reviews of Online Poker Sites in Connecticut
If you wish to make an informed decision, then you might want further details on the internet poker sites for Connecticut before you pick one to trust with your hard-earned money. Check out the reviews below so that you can gain a better familiarity with the options for online poker that are available to you.
Ignition Casino Poker
Deposit Methods
Credit Card, Voucher Code, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, MatchPay
Pros
- Highest level of player traffic
- Fast-clearing bonuses
- Soft opposition
Cons
- Cannot choose your own seat or table
Review
For the largest number of simultaneously running games, Ignition is the best option. Besides NL Hold'em, PL Omaha, PL Omaha/8, and LHE at stakes both low and high, there's also fast-fold Zone Poker and lottery-style SNGs available.
Standard-style sit-n-gos exist up to about the $200 level, and the weekly MTT schedule boasts $1.5 million in guarantees. Special tournament series that guarantee seven figures pop up every few months too.
All games here anonymize users' screennames to level the playing field. Moreover, seats at the tables are assigned by a Quick Seat function, which means you cannot choose the table or seat you want. This has led to a few complains, but most players are comfortable with this system because it leads to soft games filled with fish.
Ignition provides poker clients for Windows and Mac in the form of downloadable installers while mobile users can use a web client that works on Android, iOS, and other systems. The poker welcome bonus is a 150% match up to $1,500 with Bitcoin.
SB Poker/BetOnline
Deposit Methods
Credit Cards, Person to Person, Money Orders, Bank Wire, Cashiers Check, Bitcoin, Avalanche, Binance, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polygon, Ripple, Shiba Inu, Solana, Stellar, Tether, Tron, USD Coin
Pros
- Superb mobile software
- Bad beat jackpots, contests, and other promos
- Attached sportsbook, racebook, and casino
Cons
- High rake percentages and caps
SB Poker and its sister site BetOnline host a wide array of standard cash games, like Texas Hold'em, PLO, 5 Card PLO, and 6 Card PLO, and there are a few interesting wrinkles too in the form of Boost fast-fold tables and Windfall lottery-style sit-and-gos. Unfortunately, the rake here is a bit higher than at competing poker rooms.
This is one of the few remaining USA-friendly sites that boasts Bad Beat Jackpots, which are active in NLHE and PLO ring games. Look for leaderboards, missions, reloads, the RISE rewards program, and other ways to increase your bankroll here.
Sportsbetting.ag has released poker clients for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android, and there's a web-based interface too, so almost every device should work. You'll get a 100% up to $1,000 poker bonus upon making your first deposit.
ACR Poker
Deposit Methods
Credit Cards, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, Money Transfer
Pros
- Robust Lineup of Tournaments
- $10 free bankroll (bonus code PRB10FREE)
- Excellent Elite Benefits rewards program
Cons
- No play money games
Review
The tournaments at ACR Poker are numerous and sizable with the weekly Sunday Major, called the Sunday Moneymaker, clocking in at $300,000 guaranteed for a buy-in of $109. Tourney series, like the OSS Cub3d, provide additional means for you to compete for worthwhile prizes.
The excitement isn't just confined to MTTs though; for you will see busy sit n' go and cash game sections too, including the niche games like Limit Omaha/8 and 7 Card Stud. Place on the weekly ring game and SNG leaderboards for a nice payout while Elite Benefits provides rewards to grinders on a regular basis.
ACR fully supports Windows and Mac, and there's a mobile client too. Use our exclusive ACR Poker bonus code PRB10FREE to get a $10 no deposit bonus followed by a 100% up to $2,000 first deposit bonus.
Coin Poker
Deposit Methods
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, CHP, Polygon, BNB
Pros
- Crypto poker site with the most players
- 33% rakeback for holders of CHP token
Cons
- Few game formats
Review
CoinPoker is the largest crypto-centric poker site available online. All play at CoinPoker is denominated in Tether (USDT), but several other coins are available for deposits and withdrawals, like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
The only cash games are NL Hold'em, PLO, and 5 Card PLO, and only Cosmic Spins lottery-style sit n' goes are offered with standard sit & goes being absent. On the plus side, leaderboards exist to reward cash, Cosmic Spins, and tournament players.
The CoinPoker software is widely compatible with varying operating systems, including PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. The welcome bonus is 150% up to $2,000.
Everygame
Deposit Methods
Credit Card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Lightning Bitcoin, Litecoin
Pros
- Profitable promotions, including freerolls, reload bonuses, and loyalty tiers
- 36% rakeback
Cons
- Old software
Review
Everygame is nowhere near as large as other rooms described above, but it has other advantages that set it apart. For instance, you can get ongoing 36% rakeback, claim prizes in a weekly $4k rake race, boost your results with frequent tournament overlays, and benefit from many redeposit bonuses.
Everygame Poker can only be downloaded to Windows PCs, but there is also browser-based software that works on Macs, Linux machines, and mobile devices. Make your initial deposit to get a 200% up to $1,000 poker bonus.
SwCPoker
Deposit Methods
Bitcoin
Pros
- Many variants present
- Up to 50% rakeback through Krill rewards
Cons
- Limited action
Review
SwCPoker is a crypto-focused poker site that utilizes Bitcoin for its cashier and gameplay. Besides NL Hold'em and PLO, you'll also find Razz, Open Face Chinese, H.O.R.S.E., and more.
SwCPoker offers a downloadable poker client for Windows, Mac, and Android and HTML5 software that is compatible with nearly every modern device. SwC doesn't offer any welcome bonus, but you can receive rakeback returns via the Krill rewards program.
Nitrobetting
Deposit Methods
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, USD Coin, BNB
Pros
- Compatible with virtually every computing system
- Up to 35% rakeback paid monthly
Cons
- Traffic is light
- Only two types of poker offered
Review
You can play NL Hold'em and PL Omaha right in your browser at Nitrobetting Poker. Nitrobetting's poker software operates within any web browser, and thus, it is compatible with almost every modern device in existence. There are no poker bonuses, but it's possible to receive a rakeback percentage that grows the more you play monthly.
Facts About the Connecticut Poker Industry
This section aims to provide accurate information detailing land-based gambling options, current and future Connecticut state regulations regarding internet poker, the history of poker and gambling throughout the state, and other related subjects.
Live Poker
There are no commercial casinos, but the two tribal casinos that call Connecticut home are fairly large, and each contains a poker room. The poker room at Foxwoods in Mashantucket has more than 30 tables offering No Limit Hold'em, Limit Hold'em, Omaha, Stud, and pretty much any other game you could think of. There are several tournaments every week along with numerous special events throughout the year. Mohegan Sun's poker room in Uncasville is around the same size, and it should suffice for all but the most demanding poker fans.
State Regulation
Connecticut has long had many of the ingredients needed for online poker legalization. Being in the Northeast, with a healthy gambling repertoire and a fairly liberal voting block to draw from, many of the boxes were ticked about potential reasons to see regulated online gambling within the state. Moreover, Governor Dannel Malloy in 2012 called online gambling “inevitable.” All the components were in place, and in May 2021, the legislature passed a bill to license internet casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks, which the governor signed into law.
The state probably isn't quite large enough to support its own online poker sites, as evidenced by the fact that no such sites have yet launched, but compacts to share player pools with other existing states that offer internet poker, like New Jersey and Nevada, would solve this problem.
History of Gambling in Connecticut
Connecticut was founded by Puritans, and it shows in the fact that most forms of gambling have been prohibited throughout its history. Of course, there have always been those who disagreed, like Mafia-linked Richard Lee who was mayor of New Haven from 1953 to 1970 and turned a blind eye to mob-controlled gambling interests.
On the legal front, charitable gambling was permitted in 1939 followed by a state lottery in 1971 and parimutuel wagering in 1972. Two tribal casinos were constructed in 1992 and 1996. 2017 saw the legalization of Daily Fantasy Sports, and then in 2021, Connecticut passed a massive gambling bill that regulated online sports betting, casino gaming, and poker.
Famous Connecticut Poker Players
Connecticut has its fair share of proficient poker players. One such individual is Justin “Boosted J” Smith, born in Hartford in 1988, who suffered a motorcycle accident aged 17 and then turned to poker to help pay his medical bills. First dominating the online LHE and NLHE cash game scenes, he turned to online tournaments and then live events. In total, he has won more than $2.2 million in offline tourneys.
Alternatives to Registering Your Account in the State of Connecticut
Perhaps you may have another address in a nearby state, be it your office address, summer home, second apartment, family homestead, et cetera. If so, then you may have other online poker options available to you. Here is a list of the states that border Connecticut and Professional Rakeback's review of each of them: Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Delaware. Many Connecticut residents also have business in faraway states, and if you're one of them, then our guide to US online poker may be helpful to you.
Many people in the Nutmeg State have no idea when it comes to the possibility of playing poker online. If you know anyone, perhaps a brick-and-mortar player, whom you think could be persuaded to give the game a try over the internet, please share this page with them and thus increase their knowledge.
Summary of Online Poker in Connecticut
There's nothing too challenging about playing online poker in Connecticut. There are many decent, upstanding sites for you to choose from, and the state law will leave you alone as it has done in the past. Connecticut online poker is a perfect pastime to pursue especially during the cold CT winters when going outside to one of the Indian casinos is too much of a chore.
Responsible Gaming
At Professional Rakeback, we take responsible gambling seriously. If you find that your online gaming activities consume too much of your time, energy or money, then you might wish to consult the following resources for help:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- National Problem Gambling Helpline
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
- Connecticut Problem Gambling Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions abound regarding Connecticut online poker, and we've attempted to answer some of the most prevalent of them below. If there's something you don't know about online poker in Connecticut, perusing our Q&A section may be fruitful.
Yes, it’s effectively legal for you to fire up a few games of online poker from within the borders of Connecticut. The statutes on the books in the state that could apply to poker over the internet have never been used to bring charges against regular citizens who participate in this pastime. These laws are reserved for live gambling and especially those who run underground gambling enterprises from within the state.
Yes, you can technically log on and sample the games at PokerStars from Connecticut, but only in the play money lobby. There’s no possibility of your taking a seat in any PokerStars real money game.
The reason for this lies in the history of the catastrophic Black Friday indictments of 2011. PokerStars was one of the hardest-hit poker corporations involved, and in order to clear its name and end its legal troubles, it voluntarily agreed to stop serving U.S. residents.
18 is the minimum age established under CT law for most forms of real money gaming. However, to play at a physical casino location, one must be at least 21 years of age. Oddly, there's no minimum age established for taking part in charitable bingo, bazaars, and raffles, which implies that these activities are permitted to everyone regardless of age.
Online poker, casino, and sports betting sites use 18 as the line separating those who are able to wager from those who are too young. If you are under the age of 18, we counsel you to avoid gambling over the internet.
As a Connecticut resident who plays poker on the internet, you have multiple ways of funding your account and retrieving your winnings. Legacy payout methods, like bank wires and checks, are offered by most online poker sites. However, for the best results, we recommend the use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Cryptos bypass the banking system entirely, and so they're free from the onerous regulatory burdens that come with working through traditional financial institutions. This means that they permit speedy, inexpensive transactions with a relatively high degree of anonymity.
Besides Bitcoin, there are a few “altcoins” that are accepted at quite a few offshore poker destinations. You can read about them here: Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum.
Yes, you must meet the income tax obligations on your poker earnings just as you have to for any other type of income. This is true both at a Federal level, with the Internal Revenue Service, and also with the Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services.
Online poker sites don't track wins or losses or provide any tax paperwork. This means that the onus is on you both to compile the necessary information and to make whatever payments you owe. If you require assistance in this area, we advise you to retain the services of a qualified tax accountant or attorney.
Additional Resources
Real money gaming in Connecticut is an interesting topic, and so we've compiled a list of resources that you can read about it:
We strive to maintain this information and update it frequently with our research. However, we are not immune to making mistakes or omitting information that you, dear reader, may find of use. If you have any further questions not addressed in this guide or have noted any discrepancies or inaccuracies we urge you to contact us with your questions and concerns so that we may swiftly address them!