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If you’re looking to play at the best micro stakes poker sites, there are plenty of options for you to choose from for online poker fun. These sites enable you to place the lowest bets possible, with buy-ins starting from as little as $0.01.
In addition to offering low stakes online poker, micro sites feature a broad selection of games and formats. So, here’s our pick of the best poker sites with micro staking, and some insight into what sets them apart from their competitors.
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Popular
- Freerolls
- Satellites
- Rakeback
- Mobile app
- Anonymous tables
- High traffic
Popular
100% match deposit bonus of up to $1,000
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- 1. CoinPoker - The Best Low-Stakes Online Poker Site With Detailed Tutorials
- 2. BetOnline - Play NLH and PLO Cash Games for as Little as $0.05
- 3. Bovada Poker - Benefit From High Tournament Traffic and Increased Rakeback
- 4. BC Game - Access $0.01 Blinds and Buy-Ins as Low as $0.50
- 5. Ignition Poker - Low Stakes Poker Games Available On All Formats
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- 1. CoinPoker - The Best Low-Stakes Online Poker Site With Detailed Tutorials
- 2. BetOnline - Play NLH and PLO Cash Games for as Little as $0.05
- 3. Bovada Poker - Benefit From High Tournament Traffic and Increased Rakeback
- 4. BC Game - Access $0.01 Blinds and Buy-Ins as Low as $0.50
- 5. Ignition Poker - Low Stakes Poker Games Available On All Formats
- Show Full Guide
List of the 8 Best Low-Stakes Online Poker Rooms
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- CoinPoker – The best low-stakes online poker site with detailed tutorials
- BetOnline – Play NLH and PLO cash games for as little as $0.05
- Bovada Poker – Benefit from high tournament traffic and increased rakeback
- BC Game – Access $0.01 blinds for online penny poker and buy-ins as low as $2.50
- Ignition Poker – Fixed-limit, no-limit, and pot-limit games available from $0.50
- ACR – A huge selection of ‘soft’ games with micro stakes limits
- Black Chip Poker – Access NLH format games for as little as $0.10
- Everygame – Play micro stakes poker and access a rakeback of up to 36%
What are the Best Online Micro Stakes Poker Sites for Tournament Play?
Let’s now take a closer look at the top five micro-stakes poker sites and their key features. These are a part of our wider guide on the top 10 online poker sites
1. CoinPoker – The Best Low-Stakes Online Poker Site With Detailed Tutorials
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Minimum Buy-In: 0.01 USDT
- Poker Rakeback: 33%
- Biggest Guaranteed Tournament: $200,000 (Falcon and Nemesis)
CoinPoker is our pick as the best poker room online for micro stakes players. It offers a range of playing options for new players looking for a budget-friendly way to learn poker, including the Cooldown Hyper PKOs, which are available on Saturdays for as little as 0.10 USDT.
Outside of micro stakes games and tournaments, CoinPoker is also home to some highly accessible guaranteed minimums. For example, the site’s regular NHLE tournament guarantees a minimum prize of $2,500 but has a buy-in of just $20.
New players at CoinPoker can also claim a 150% welcome bonus worth up to $2,000. You must deposit a $10 minimum to qualify for this offer. The site also provides a bad beat jackpot to keep you in the game each week, unlike other online poker sites.
CoinPoker is also one of the lowest rake poker sites around, while players can claim an optimal rakeback of 33% when they hold at least half of their available balance in the site’s native crypto token.
Pros
- A generous 33% rakeback is available to players
- Your first deposit is matched by 150% up to $2,000
- Offers numerous small-stakes poker games starting from $0.10
- The site’s biggest tournament also guarantees a minimum prize of $200,000
- Poker micro stakes from $0.01
Cons
- Rakeback is available only when you have a positive CHP balance
- Withdrawal fees are applied when cashing out
2. BetOnline – Play NLH and PLO Cash Games for as Little as $0.05
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Minimum Buy-In: 1.00 USDT
- Poker Rakeback: 5.56%
- Biggest Guaranteed Tournament: $100,000 (Sunday Main Event)
Arguably the biggest online poker site, BetOnline has one of the largest minimum buy-ins on this list. Players have several tournament options, but you must pay a premium. The smallest tournament buy-in we found on this site was over $1.00.
However, it’s still one of the leading low stakes online poker sites around, as you can participate in NHLE and PLO cash games for as little as $0.05 per bet. Even some of the higher stakes Pot Limit Omaha games enable you to play for around $10 on average.
If you want something different from low-stakes poker online, BetOnline has a new player poker bonus worth up to $1,000. This 100% deposit match offer is unlocked in $5 increments for every $50 earned in rake.
Pros
- Penny poker online satellite tournaments are available
- Play NHLE and PLO cash games for $0.05 and up
- Earn Comp tickets to play for $100k GTD at the Sunday Main Event
- Access a 100% deposit welcome bonus up to $1,000
Cons
- Most tournament buy-ins over $1.00
- No regular rakeback as on other sites
3. Bovada Poker – Benefit From High Tournament Traffic and Increased Rakeback
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Minimum Buy-In: 0.50 USDT
- Poker Rakeback: 5% – 10%
- Biggest Guaranteed Tournament: $200,000 (Weekly Guaranteed Tournament Every Sunday)
You can access micro stakes tournaments for between $0.50 and $5 at Bovada, including a popular $1,000 guaranteed rebuy. This can be entered for just $2.20, while it offers fast-paced turbo gameplay and blinds that increase every two to six minutes. This is a great option for fans of cheap online poker gameplay.
At the other end of the spectrum is a weekly guaranteed tournament every Sunday, which boasts a prize pool of $200,000. There’s also a $100,000 short stack tournament with a buy-in of just $162.
As a new Bovada player, you’re eligible to receive a 100% poker welcome bonus up to $500. This will unlock rakeback of up to 70% when playing Jackpot Sit & Go tournaments using your first deposit funds, although the wagering requirement fulfillment time is just 30 days.
Pros
- Play micro stake tournaments for between $0.50 and $5
- The $1,000 Guaranteed Rebuy can be entered for just $2.20
- Access a $100,000 Short Stack tournament for just $162
- The site’s Weekly Guaranteed Tournament has a prize of $200,000
Cons
- Buy-ins of $0.50 are higher than some other micro poker sites
- The rakeback structure is complex
4. BC Game – Access $0.01 Blinds and Buy-Ins as Low as $0.50
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Minimum Buy-In: 0.50 USDT
- Poker Rakeback: Between 1% and 15%, depending on your VIP status
- Biggest Guaranteed Tournament: $400,000
BC.Game arguably offers access to the largest range of cash games and tournaments, both from a buy-in and guaranteed minimum perspective. For example, some short stack tournaments here feature $0.01 blinds, while there are also MTT NLHE contests with buy-ins as low as $0.50.
However, you can also participate in several high-stakes tournaments, including one with a guaranteed minimum of $400,000. This features a minimum blind of $100 and buy-ins starting at $1,000. It’s also one of the highest value tournaments available at the best micro stakes poker sites.
BC.Game also operates a unique deposit bonus offer, which rewards four consecutive deposits each month. This unlocks incrementally higher matches up to the total value of $220,000, while the bonus you received will be credited to your BCD rakeback.
Pros
- Some Short Stack tournaments come with $0.01 blinds
- MTT NHLE tournaments can be accessed for as little as $0.50
- There’s a weekly tournament with a guaranteed minimum payout of $400,000
- The site’s deposit match bonus features four deposits up to $220,000
- Currently one of the softest online poker sites
Cons
- Some micro poker sites have tournaments with lower buy-ins
- There isn’t a diverse range of game types available
5. Ignition Poker – Low Stakes Poker Games Available On All Formats
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Minimum Buy-In: $0.50
- Poker Rakeback: N/A
- Biggest Guaranteed Tournament: $200,000
Ignition Poker is another excellent choice for micro-stakes poker sites. The site runs the best online poker cash games, with buy-ins starting from $0.50. At these low buy-in levels, players can also find various playing formats, including fixed-limit, no-limit, and pot-limit options.
The minimum stake and blinds for cash games can be as low as $0.02, especially when playing Hold ‘em and PLO iterations. There are also a large number of freerolls available at Ignition, including the Weekly $2,500 Freeroll Tournament with a high guaranteed minimum.
To get started at Ignition, the site offers a welcome bonus of up to $3,000. This offer allows you to sit and play at most tournaments available on Ignition and even check out satellite events with $1 buy-ins. This is indicative of one of the best micro stakes poker sites around.
Pros
- Low buy-in online cash game poker from just $0.50
- NLHE and PLO games also unlock minimum blinds of just $0.02
- The site also offers daily freerolls with guaranteed minimums of up to $2,500
- The welcome bonus unlocks a reward of up to $3,000
Cons
- There’s no rakeback offer
- The site isn’t friendly towards professional players
Comparison of the Best Online Poker Low Stakes Sites
As you can see, the best micro stakes poker sites offer a broad selection of buy-ins and minimum blinds. Here’s an at-a-glance summary of the market-leading sites:
| Micro Stakes Poker Site | Welcome Bonus | Rake % | Rakeback % | Soft Traffic | HUD Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 150% Deposit Bonus up to $2,000 | 5% | 33% | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetOnline Poker | 100% up to $1,000 | 5.56% | N/A | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada Poker | 100% up to $500 | 5-10% | N/A | ✅ | ✅ |
| BC Game | Multiple deposit matches up to $220,000 | 1-15% depending on your VIP Level | N/A | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition Poker | $3,000 Poker & Casino | 5-10% | N/A | ✅ | ✅ |
Top 10 Key Things to Look for at Microstakes Poker Sites.
The best micro stakes poker sites provide a straightforward and more budget-friendly way to learn the game. But before you start playing poker on any site, there are several factors that you need to consider and factor into your selections.
Our expert research has shown that the following ten factors are the most important when determining whether a low-stakes online poker platform is worth your time.
- Poker Game Offering – Evaluate the game offering and ensure your favorite games are available. The best micro stakes poker sites will host a diverse selection of accessible cash games and tournaments.
- Welcome Bonuses – Find the best poker site offers with easy-to-understand terms and conditions that have achievable wagering requirements. You should focus on both the rollover requirement and the timeframe in which they have to be fulfilled.
- Rakeback Offer – Although some sites do not offer a standard rakeback, many do, as you have seen in the tables above. For those that do not offer a flat or conventional rakeback percentage, they’ll typically operate a more variable structure or provide bonuses on deposit reloads.
- Low Buy-In Satellite Tournaments – Low-stakes poker is not always about the pot size; sometimes, you can play for entry into bigger tournaments. You can enter into Bovada’s Grinders Path for just $1.00, for example, and potentially qualify for a $200K Guaranteed tourney.
- Onsite Poker Tutorials – You can use in-depth poker tutorials and guides to learn how to play poker quickly and effectively. CoinPoker arguably has the most comprehensive selection of guides among the best micro stakes poker sites.
- Mobile and Desktop Software – The best micro stakes poker sites offer access on multiple platforms, including desktop or Android and iOS downloads.
- In-House Poker Pros – Professional players add to a site’s credibility and provide unique learning opportunities for other players. Such players may also target micro stakes tournaments and games with high guaranteed minimums.
- Site Security – Select sites with the necessary infrastructure to secure your information when depositing funds. Ideally, the best micro stakes poker sites are fully licensed by a reputable regulator, while their sites should be secured with 128-bit SSL encryption.
- Payment Options – Ensure you settle on sites offering fast payment options like crypto, which enable anonymous poker play. BC Game offers access to a particularly large range of cryptocurrencies, including their own native token.
- Customer Support – Reliable customer service is paramount to the success of your micro-stakes poker experience. The leading operators all offer 24/7 support, usually through channels such as interactive live chat and email.
What is Micro Stakes Poker?
Micro stakes poker involves players taking advantage of minimal buy-ins. You can also find micro-stakes poker websites that accept bets from just $0.01.
| Brand | Minimum Buy In | Freeroll | MTT’s | Satellites | Sit & Go’s | Bounty Tournaments | Sunday Specials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | $0.01 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetOnline | $1.00 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bovada Poker | $0.50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BC Game | $0.50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ignition Poker | $0.50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACR | $0.11 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Black Chip Poker | $0.10 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Everygame | $0.20 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Djordje TodorovicCasino Expert
Micro Stakes Poker Sites – Terminology Explained
For an enjoyable experience at the best micro-stakes poker sites, you must become familiar with the key fundamentals and jargon. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the key terminology and its meaning:
30+
Poker Rooms Reviewed5
Key Criteria300+
Research Hours10+
In-House WritersHow to Sign Up at the Best Online Tournament Poker Sites
Getting started with your choice of micro poker stake sites is simple. What’s more, the registration process remains largely unchanged between different operators. Here is a step-by-step guide to the registration process using CoinPoker as an example.
Step 1 - Visit the CoinPoker Poker Homepage
On the CoinPoker homepage, locate the REGISTER button in the top right-hand corner. Click this button to initiate the sign-up process.Step 2 - Complete the Simple Registration Form
In the pop-up, provide your email address, and create a valid and verifiable password. Next, click through the red SIGN UP button.Step 3 - Download The Poker Software
You must download and install the poker software from the site by clicking the red DOWNLOAD button. Although not all of the best micro stakes poker sites require you to download software, this is not an uncommon practice.Step 4 - Verify and Confirm Your Email
Head to your inbox and use the link sent by the poker room to verify your email address. Once you’ve done so, deposit funds and start browsing the available cash games and tournaments.
Tournaments Played at Small Stakes Poker Sites
As we’ve touched on, the best micro-stakes poker sites offer a broad selection of tournament types and structures. Many of these combine incredibly low buy-ins and blinds, while also competing for sizable prizes in some instances. When entering Bovada’s Grinders Path, for example, you can pay just $1.00 and potentially qualify for a $200K GTD tournament.
| Small Stakes Poker Site | Tournament | Buy-in | Prize pool |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | ₮1.00 PKO – ₮25.00 GTD | ₮1.00 | ₮25.00 |
| CoinPoker | ₮0.01 Centroll to Phoenix Sat | ₮0.01 | ₮30.00 |
| Ignition Poker | Jackpot Sit and Go | $0.50 | $7,000 |
| Ignition Poker | Knockout Bounty | $2.50 | Up to $10,000 |
| ACR Poker | PKO Turbo – $10 GTD | $0.11 | $10 |
| ACR Poker | Super Bounty FT Pay – $750 GTD | $2.50 | $750 |
| Black Chip Poker | PKO Turbo – $20 GTD | $0.10 | $20 |
| Black Chip Poker | Survival Mode Hyper | $0.12 | $20 |
| BetOnline Poker | 2x Multi Entry | $1.10 | $100 |
| BetOnline Poker | Turbo | $1.00 | $50 |
| Bovada Poker | Grinders Path | $1.00 | Qualify for the $200K GTD tourney |
| Bovada Poker | Jackpot Sit And Go | $0.50 | $600 |
| Ya Poker | PKO Turbo | $0.10 | $20 |
| Ya Poker | Freezeout | $0.12 | $25 |
How to Play Online Poker for Beginners
Novice players are likely to be attracted to the low buy-ins and cash games available at the best micro-stakes poker sites. However, such players may need to educate themselves on how best to play the game.
Fortunately, most micro sites offer comprehensive guides covering the various types of poker, hand rankings and rules. They’ll also break down the hole and community cards that are prevalent in most poker variants, which is key when learning how to play poker for beginners.
Most poker variants commence with you being dealt two face-down hole or pocket cards. These are individual to you, so no other player will see them until the conclusion of the hand. An initial round of betting will then be held.
A total of five face-up community cards will subsequently be dealt at different junctures to help you create a ranking poker hand, and these can be described as follows:
In most Texas Hold ‘em variants, the first three community cards dealt are referred to as the flop. These are dealt at once, creating your first five-card poker hand in the process. This is followed by a further betting round, starting with the player to the dealer’s left and continuing in a clockwise direction.
A fourth community card will then be drawn, with this referred to as either the turn or fourth street. This is followed by a third betting round, while players now have a total pool of six cards from which they can formulate their hands.
At this stage, the remaining players will watch as a fifth community card (the river or fifth street) is dealt face-up. This completes the deal, and players must now determine their best five-card poker hand.
A further, final betting round follows, and if at least two players remain in contention once this is complete, they’ll progress to the showdown and reveal their hands.
Bonuses on Offer to Micro Stakes Poker Players
When playing low stakes, as you see below, you can also access the same welcome bonuses as everyone else. There aren’t any low buy-in-specific bonuses per se, but you will find offers you can take advantage of for relatively small deposits.
For example, the new players’ welcome offers at Bovada and Ignition Poker are worth up to $500 and $1,500, respectively. You can secure each offer by depositing a minimum of $5 USDT.
| Poker Room | Bonus | Minimum Qualifying Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | 150% match up to $2,000 | $10 |
| Ignition | 300% Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus | $20 |
| ACR | 100% match of up to $2000 | $10 |
| Black Chip | 100% match up to $2,000 | $10 |
| BetOnline | 100% match up to $1,000 | $25 |
| Bovada | 100% match up to $500 | $20 |
| Ya Poker | 100% up to $2,000 | $10 |
Poker Resources and Training
Below is a collection of guides and tutorials that can help you understand micro stakes and improve your game:
Conclusion
This guide has revealed the best micro-stakes poker sites where you can sign up and play with minimal financial commitment. These sites help beginners learn the ins and outs of poker without worrying about losing large sums of money.
If you’re looking to play low stakes online poker, CoinPoker is our pick as the best option for beginner players. The site has decent online poker traffic, alongside numerous soft games and a minimal number of sharks. CoinPoker also provides quality educational materials for beginners.
Sign up To Claim 150% Deposit Bonus Up To $2,000
- The main CSOP tournament series guarantees $1,000,000 in prize money
- Low and high-stakes tables are always available, 33% Rakeback
- No KYC process, decentralized blockchain poker
Responsible Gambling
Gambling online comes with potential risks, and it’s important to make sure you are aware of these risks and never wager money that you cannot afford to lose. While many players engage in this activity every day with no issues, others may fall into gambling addiction and associated behaviors. The resources below will help you to identify signs of problem gambling so you can play responsibly and protect yourself and those around you.
- Responsible Gambling Commission
- International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Gambling Addiction: Resources, Statistics, and Hotlines
References
Here are some resources for further research on micro-stakes poker.
