Best US Poker Sites Accepting PayPal

PayPal has earned a strong reputation as one of the safest and most secure online payment systems in the world. Millions of websites accept it as a method of payment, and that now includes legal, regulated online casino and poker sites across the US.

Thanks to PayPal reversing a “no-gambling transactions” policy it had for years, poker players in legalized US states can use PayPal to deposit and cash out from real money online poker sites and real money online casino sites.

Which US poker sites accept PayPal?

Regulated online poker is live in Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Michigan, and PayPal is offered by state-licensed poker rooms in those markets. Cashier options can change, so always confirm PayPal in the cashier of the licensed site in your state. Licensed poker rooms that have offered PayPal include:

• PokerStars (Available in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey)
• WSOPOnline.com (Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan)
• partypoker (New Jersey)
• BetMGM Poker (Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey)

West Virginia online poker has also been legalized, but no licensed poker room has launched there yet. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the biggest online poker sites that accept PayPal:

PokerStars (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan)

PokerStars.com holds the distinction of being the largest online poker site in the world. With hundreds of tournaments, sit & go’s, cash games, and tournament series guaranteeing $1m+, PokerStars has built a reputation for top-notch software and generous player promotions.

The international PokerStars sites has millions of players from all over the world but NJ and PA are both “fenced in” markets, which means there isn’t a shared player pool. In NJ and PA, PokerStars players only battle other players within each state.

PokerStars PA launched in Nov. 2019 and became the first and remains the only online poker platform in the state. The New Jersey and Pennsylvania sites provide players with many of the same industry leading tournament lineups along an online poker championship that has proven to be extremely popular.

Online poker for real money in Michigan went live at the end of January 2021, and PokerStars was one of the first licensed rooms in the state.

For those who want to play poker online with just their friends, for free or real money, PokerStars offers the poplar Home Games feature where you can run your own private poker club.

WSOPOnline.com (MI, NJ, NV and PA)

In the online poker world, WSOPOnline.com is one the most successful and trusted websites. Since 2013, WSOPOnline.com has gained valuable experience in the online gaming industry and is licensed in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. It is one of the most trusted brands in the US online poker market.

WSOPOnline.com shares a player pool between Nevada, New Jersey and Michigan under the multi-state poker compact. Players can access WSOPOnline.com via desktop/laptop or by downloading the WSOP poker app for a phone or tablet from the official app stores.

Promotions on WSOPOnline.com apply in the same way regardless of which platform (desktop/laptop/app) you choose, subject to the terms published in its state cashier.

In recent years, WSOPOnline.com has seen its software and poker app improve by making it more user-friendly and easier to navigate. 888 partners with WSOP and provides software for its online poker games.

A main attraction for WSOPOnline.com now is the chance to play in official WSOP bracelet events. The gold bracelet is the most prestigious trophy in poker and now players can win one online. WSOPOnline.com awards dozens of them across both WSOPOnline.com and GGpoker (internationally) every year.

BetMGM Poker (Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey)

Along with a great poker platform, BetMGM Poker is probably famous for its ties to the worldwide casino giant MGM Resorts International. But the site itself has improved itself over time and features a full slate of cash games and weekend tournaments with big guarantees.

Some other key features of BetMGM Poker include:

• Great promotions
• Greatly expanded tournament lineup and huge online events with impressive fields and guarantees
• Upgraded poker software and poker app
• Interconnectivity with the BetMGM sportsbook and casino app

BetMGM Poker shares players across New Jersey and Michigan under the multi-state compact, while Pennsylvania is ring-fenced. In New Jersey, BetMGM shares a player pool with two other brands that also have the same software: BorgataPoker.com and partypoker.

How to open a new PayPal account and play poker

Using a PayPal account makes for secure and faster transactions at online poker sites as well as other online retail outlets. How do you set up a PayPal account?

It’s a simple process at the Paypal website:

• Enter your email address, create a password, and provide personal information.
• Confirm your email from a mail in your inbox.
• Link a bank account or debit/credit card to fund the account, which will then enable you to fund a poker account.

Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve made your deposit you can then transfer money directly to your poker account and begin playing. A player may just have to provide his or her PayPal password to complete the transaction.

Once you’ve made a deposit with an online poker site via PayPal you can then make cash out requests and receive cash outs via PayPal.

How long do PayPal deposits & cash outs take on poker sites?

Most PayPal deposits and withdrawals to an online poker site are instantaneous. In most instances, a player should be able to make a deposit and be able to begin playing right away.

That goes for cash outs as well. Once your cash out has been approved, the money should arrive back in your PayPal account virtually instantaneously. Moving funds from your PayPal account back to your bank then may take 1-3 business days, however.

Those looking to see that cash quicker may want to make use of a debit card as their PayPal account. This gives the option of seeing that money in your account the same day as you make a transfer. There may be a small fee for this however.

Are PayPal Poker Sites Safe?

As an American licensed financial company, PayPal is subject to many of the laws and regulations governing the US banking industry. Players can expect a safe and secure funding option that PayPal only provides to licensed operators. Offshore, unregulated poker sites are illegal for US players and are not recommended.

On the whole, that means players can feel secure their money is safe with PayPal: just like a traditional bank.

PayPal uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology, which protects user personal and financial information. A player can feel sure their privacy is protected.

The company also makes use of its own Buyer Protection and Account Protection programs to help resolve any transaction disputes. These systems help prevent fraud and provide an additional layer of protection for PayPal users.

Poker players can trust PayPal as one of the safest and most secure ways to make a deposit or cash out at an online poker site. Learn more about safe poker sites here:

• Safest US Online Poker Sites

Can I make PayPal transfers on poker apps?

All the major US online poker sites also offer real money poker apps alongside the full desktop software. This is perfect if you’re looking to play poker on your cell phone or tablet.

The app version of the poker software has mobile users in mind as far as navigation and gameplay. Many apps are built so that a player can utilize the game with a single hand. You may find a more simplified version of the player lobby.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of cash games, tournaments, and sit & go’s. You will usually still find a large selection of game options. And just like the desktop version of the poker client, the poker app uses geolocation software to make sure a player is within the legalized jurisdiction.

Promotions on a licensed site generally apply on its app as well. PayPal can also be utilized for that first deposit. Download apps only from the official Apple App Store or Google Play listing of a site licensed in your state.

Sweepstakes Poker with Visa, Mastercard

In states that have yet to legalize online poker, players can play sweepstakes poker, which operates under US sweepstakes laws. Sweepstakes poker is not available everywhere: a growing number of states have banned or restricted sweepstakes gaming, including California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Montana, Indiana, Maine, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana, plus Washington. Check the operator terms for your state before signing up.

While sweepstakes poker sites may not accept PayPal, they usually offer card, bank and e-wallet payments. Check the cashier of the operator for the methods available in your state.

You can also choose among gift cards to outlets like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and numerous others.

Which US Online Casino Sites Accept PayPal?

Players looking to play real casino games online beyond poker also have some options. New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer several online casino options as well as poker. Real-money online casinos are legal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island only. Some licensed casinos run no deposit offers for new sign-ups, always with wagering requirements and state-specific terms. See our full list of US online casino no deposit bonus codes.

Nevada currently only offers online poker. Delaware runs its online casino and poker through the Delaware Lottery. Here’s a look at some of the most popular casinos in these states.

Sweeps cash/ social casinos, such as Chumba Casino, are only open in states that have not banned sweepstakes gaming. Payment methods vary by operator, so check the cashier before you buy coin packages. Free Sweeps Coins are also available through the alternative method of entry described in each operator’s sweepstakes rules.

Pennsylvania

BetRivers Casino – The popular Bet Rivers online casino is a great option in PA. Bet Rivers is part of the Rush Street Interactive platform, which also runs online sportsbooks and casinos in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. BetRivers holds a Pennsylvania licence through the Rivers Casino properties and is listed with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Getting an account started with PayPal is a simple process.

BetMGM Casino PA: BetMGM is licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and lists PayPal in its cashier alongside cards and online banking. Its casino, poker and sportsbook share one account and one wallet in the state.

More on Pennsylvania Online Casinos:

• Best Online Casinos in Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New Jersey offers several online casinos licensed by the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The following have offered PayPal for deposits and withdrawals; confirm current methods in each cashier.

Golden Nugget NJ: This is the market leader in the state and offers a huge variety of games than others. That includes a library of numerous slots, table games, sports betting, and even live dealer games.

Caesars Casino NJ : This site also launched in November 2013 and is one of the most trusted brands in gaming. The company not only offers a nice selection of slots, but also numerous table games and sports betting as well.

BetMGM: Another proven gaming brand, this platform is from BetMGM, a joint venture of MGM Resorts and Entain, and already offers online poker in the state. The operator also offers sports betting and a seamless experience among its gaming options..

Borgata Casino NJ: The Borgata is one of the best properties in Atlantic City. The MGM property launched its online gaming offerings in November 2013 with a wide game selection and also now offers sports wagering.

DraftKings Casino NJ: DraftKings operates in New Jersey under a Division of Gaming Enforcement permit through its partnership with Resorts Atlantic City. PayPal appears in its cashier next to cards and online banking, and players get a large selection of slots, table games and live dealer games under one account with the DraftKings sportsbook.

More on NJ Online Casinos:

• Best Online Casinos in New Jersey

Are online casino and poker sites that accept PayPal safe?

Government oversight ensures the legal and regulated online poker and casino sites in the US are safe and secure. In New Jersey, that oversight is provided by an arm of the State Attorney General’s Office called the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

In Pennsylvania it is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, in Michigan the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and in Nevada the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

These government bodies have put in place regulations guaranteeing the safety of all player funds. They are also responsible for testing the games and software for fairness.

PayPal poker sites: age limits and help

Only use PayPal, Neteller or any other method at operators licensed in the state you are physically in. Geolocation checks confirm your location on every session. The minimum age is 21 for online casino and poker in every regulated state.

• New Jersey: Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Michigan: Michigan Gaming Control Board
• Nevada: Nevada Gaming Control Board
• Delaware: Delaware Lottery
• West Virginia: West Virginia Lottery

If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available around the clock:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Gamblers Anonymous
• New Jersey self-exclusion program (other regulators above run their own self-exclusion lists)

Offshore poker and casino sites are not licensed in any US state and are not recommended. They offer no state oversight of player funds, game fairness or dispute handling.

History of PayPal and US poker sites

PayPal launched online payment processing services in 1998. At that time, online gambling and poker sites were some of its biggest business partners.

Online auction site eBay then bought PayPal in 2002 and its gambling business was curtailed. The US Attorney’s Office alleged PayPal was processing payments for illegal offshore gambling companies.

PayPal and eBay settled the case by paying a $10 million fine. As part of the settlement PayPal admitted to aiding illegal offshore gambling sites and was forced to institute a no-gambling transaction policy.

This policy stayed in effect for close to seven years and hampered efforts of poker players to fund transactions. In the late 2000s, more countries began legalizing online gambling companies.

This allowed PayPal to move back into the online gaming market in 2010. Those efforts started with processing payments for online sites in Europe, as long as they were licensed and regulated.

Online gaming was legalized in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware in 2013. This eventually allowed players to begin using PayPal again.

Caesars reached a deal to start accepting PayPal in 2015 for its NJ online gambling sites as well as WSOPOnline.com in Nevada.Two New Jersey sites operating under Golden Nugget Atlantic City followed those in 2017.

PayPal now works with US gaming sites as long as they are fully licensed and regulated. This offers players another level of security knowing the company takes regulation of its partners seriously.

PayPal online poker and casino FAQ

Is there a maximum for PayPal deposits and withdrawals?

Yes, but they vary depending on the individual players. For example, WSOPOnline.com notes that an allowable single deposit using PayPal can range from $10 to $5,000. Daily deposit totals can range $10 to $30,000.

Which poker sites cash out PayPal instantly?

All major regulated US online poker sites offer PayPal as a deposit and withdrawal method. Licensed rooms such as WSOPOnline.com, BetMGM Poker and PokerStars typically process PayPal withdrawals quickly once approved, but review times vary by operator.

Does PokerStars accept PayPal?

PokerStars has offered PayPal for deposits and cash outs in NJ, PA and MI. Check its cashier in your state for current options.

Does Global Poker accept PayPal?

Global Poker is a sweepstakes site, not a state-licensed poker room, and it is not available in states that ban sweepstakes gaming. Check its terms for your state and its cashier for current payment methods.

Does WSOPOnline.com accept PayPal?

Yes, players at both WSOP Nevada and WSOP New Jersey can deposit and cash out using PayPal. This allows you to play as part of WSOPOnline.com’s shared liquidity pool across Nevada, New Jersey and Michigan.

Are there fees for using PayPal?

Licensed US poker and casino sites generally do not charge a fee for PayPal deposits, but check the cashier terms of your site. There are also no fees for funding a PayPal account directly from a US bank account or by electronic funds transfer.

Can you use PayPal without an account?

Players must create a PayPal account to use it as a deposit method on sites that accept it. Plus, the email address has to be the same one on both accounts.

Can you use someone else’s PayPal account?

No. The PayPal account used to deposit at a US online poker or casino site must belong to the site account holder. It must also needs to use the same email address.

Why can’t I see PayPal as a cash out method?

PayPal only appears as a cash out option once it’s used as a deposit method.

How do I make a cash out from PayPal?

Users can almost always make a withdrawal from PayPal using the same methods used to fund the account. Users can also request electronic check and a check by mail. PayPal users also have the ability to obtain a PayPal debit card that can be used at ATMs and places where most major credit cards are accepted.

Why should I use PayPal?

PayPal offers instant deposits at the US online poker and casino sites that accept it. It is safe and secure and money on PayPal can also be used all over the internet. The only downside is withdrawal times can sometimes be slower than other online payment processors.