US Online Poker: Best Online Poker Sites for US Players (2024 Update)

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May 08, 2024 28 min read

Looking for the best US poker sites to play online poker games for free and real money? Check out these poker rooms!

Finding a great site to play online poker games in the US is not that difficult. But with all the different states allowing different operators, things can get a little messy for the uninitiated poker players in the US.

On this page, you'll learn:

• The best poker sites in regulated, legal US states
• How many states allow you to play online poker in the US
• How to get started and play online poker
• Why off-shore poker sites are always a bad idea
• and lots more

Our team of poker experts have tested and reviewed all the US poker rooms in this article. This way, you can find everything about the games, the level, and the bonuses available.

In other words, if you are looking for a list of the best online poker sites for US players in 2024, you'll love this one!

Best Legal Real Money US Poker Sites

Let's jump right in and give you a list of the best real money poker sites available to US players in 2024.

In a nutshell, the best poker rooms in the US are:

#1 - PokerStars - Available in PA, NJ & Michigan
#2 - BetMGM Poker - Available in PA, NJ & Michigan
#3 - Borgata Poker - Available in PA & NJ
#4 - WSOP.com - Available in PA, NJ & Nevada
#5 - Partypoker - Available in New Jersey
#6 - 888poker - Available in New Jersey

Keep reading as we go in-depth with each of them and break it down by state.

Where can I play poker online for real money in the US?

Despite the first legalized online poker site launching back in 2013, online poker in the United States is still a growing market. Ten years on, just seven states have legalized online poker in Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, although only five of those actually offer online poker, with operators yet to bring a product to market in West Virginia and Connecticut.

The right online site for you will largely depend on the state in which you live. For example, if you’re in Nevada, then WSOP.com is the only game in town. Conversely, if you’re in Michigan, you can choose between WSOP.com, BetMGM, and PokerStars US, which at the beginning of 2023, merged player pools with New Jersey.

Here at PokerNews we have been in the business of reviewing online poker sites and online casinos for over 15 years, and readers have continuously benefitted from the high-quality content we deliver.

This comprehensive guide will cover all this and more on the legal framework of real-money online poker gambling in specific US states.

Check out our interactive US Online Poker Map Here!

Best Pennsylvania Poker Sites

Licensed poker sites in Pennsylvania make It's very easy for new players to sign up and join the online poker action in Pennsylvania. Indeed, you can get started by following these five simple steps PokerStars PA is arguably the best of the online poker sites to offer real money games in Pennsylvania. PokerStars PA became the first online poker provider in the state on November 4, 2019. That day, industry leader PokerStars celebrated the first-ever "shuffle up and dealof their PA-focused poker site.

How to Play PokerStars Pennsylvania

The games on PokerStars PA are ring-fenced. Pennsylvania gambling laws do not allow the PA online poker sites to share liquidity (and player pool) with any of the poker sites in New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada and Michigan.

PokerStars' PA online poker site is operated in cooperation with the Mount Airy Casino Resort, the brands' partner in the State.

The PokerStars PA poker client features an extensive offer of both cash games and poker tournaments, so whatever your preference, it shouldn't be hard to find a game that suits you.

How to Play BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania

Another great option for online poker in Pennsylvania is BetMGM Poker PA, which
launched rather recently in April 2021. When it comes to PA online poker games, such as thrilling Texas No-Limit Hold'em tournaments and juicy Omaha cash games, BetMGM is one of the best online casinos to scratch your poker urge. BetMGM Poker, which the partypoker US Network powers, also operates in New Jersey and Michigan, though the three markets are all ring-fenced and therefore, players can only compete against players in the state where they are physically located.

How to Play Borgata Poker Pennsylvania

An additional regulated online poker option in Pennsylvania is Borgata Poker PA, which, like BetMGM Poker PA, is operated by the partypoker US Network and runs on the same software. Borgata Poker also functions in New Jersey, with player pools in both states being ring-fenced.

Though it is owned by the same company and uses the same software, Borgata Poker PA still offers players a great experience and is undoubtedly an online poker site worth checking out. Playing on Borgata Poker PA, players will find plenty of cash game action at various stakes, tournaments in a variety of formats, and bonuses to incentivize putting in volume.

How to Play WSOP.com Pennsylvania

WSOP PA launched in July 2021 and is the fourth option for online poker in Pennsylvania. WSOP PA operates using 888poker software and is made possible through a license of Harrah’s Philadelphia casino. The player pool in Pennsylvania is still ring-fenced. However, that could change as Michigan recently joined an interstate compact with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, which could encourage states like Pennsylvania to follow suit.

Other Pennsylvania Poker Sites

PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP are not the only companies that have decided to shape Pennsylvania's online poker market.

The list of companies that hold a license to launch poker sites in Pennsylvania includes:

• SugarHouse Poker
• Harrah's Poker
• Hollywood Casino Poker
• Mount Airy Poker
• Parx Poker
• Valley Forge Poker
• Wind Creek Poker

Best New Jersey Poker Sites

Find all the best New Jersey poker sites so you can play online poker in NJ today! Whether you want to play poker freeroll tournaments, are looking for the best poker bonuses, or want to know what the best poker apps in NJ are, PokerNews has got you covered.

How to Play PokerStars NJ

The leading online poker site in the world, PokerStars is also extremely popular in Garden State. Established in 2001, making it one of the oldest online poker sites ever, PokerStars cemented itself to be by far the world leader for real money online poker. After receiving approval from the New Jersey Department of Gaming Enforcement, PokerStars, which is licensed through its partner Resorts Digital Gaming LLC, launched its online poker room in the Garden State in March 2016, quickly growing into the largest regulated online poker room in the United States.

PokerStars software offers the widest variety of poker variants in both cash games and tournaments. They include Texas Hold'em (Limit and No-Limit), Omaha (Pot-Limit and Hi-Lo),Seven-Card Stud, Razz and a variety of mixed games including 8-Game, Draw games and Badugi. These are all easily accessible from within the PokerStars NJ client.

Each poker variant is different and requires an understanding of the poker rules that are particular to that game. While everyone may have played Texas Hold'em, they may not know how Stud games are dealt or played. The online software on PokerStars NJ makes it easy — players don't have to worry about anteing as it is done automatically — so it makes it a great place to learn new mixed game variants.

How to Play 888Poker NJ

Part of the American Poker Network, 888 Poker NJ has a shared player pool with Nevada. It is WSOP.com's sister site and a very popular choice among New Jersey players. Thanks to its large player pool, 888 is guaranteed to offer great competition and a nice challenge to all poker enthusiasts. One of the first online poker sites to go live in New Jersey, 888pokerNJ, part of 888 Holdings, launched on November 26, 2013, following a partnership with Caesars Interactive. It has since grown to become one of the most consistent gambling sites in the Garden State.

Since January 2015, 888poker shares its player pool for tournaments with 888 Holdings sister site WSOP.com NJ, offering bigger tournaments and prizes for New Jersey players.

How to Play on WSOP.com NJ

WSOP.com, home of the world-famous World Series of Poker brand, is booming in New Jersey giving the Garden State’s poker-playing population access to their favorite real money games. Whether you play on your desktop or use the WSOP NJ poker app, the action is non-stop and fast-paced. WSOP.com poker rooms are always buzzing with activity thanks to a shared liquidity deal with Nevada.

The market leader online poker site in New Jersey, WSOP.com, shares its player pool with Nevada while also enjoying the popularity of the WSOP, one of the world's top poker brands. It is part of the American Poker Network, which is owned by parent company 888 Holdings and is one of the biggest poker networks in the US.

The WSOP NJ online poker site was launched on November 21, 2013, and became one of the first internet gaming sites available in NJ. As you would expect from a WSOP product, competitors will have their hands full with tournament events. WSOP NJ has a wide variety of both weekly and daily poker tournaments with generous prize pools. Players can also participate in bracelet events and the WSOP Online Series of Championships. The champion will be awarded an exclusive WSOP ring. New Jersey poker players also have access to many exclusive promos on WSOP.com. The site offers a good variety of games, which includes
Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-card stud,five-card draw, lowball, draw badugi. Players must download the WSOP software on a PC or the WSOP.com NJ mobile app first.

How to Play on Borgata Poker NJ

Borgata Poker NJ is the official online poker site of the famous New Jersey land-based
casino Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. This popular destination has hosted numerous World Poker Tour events in the past. Borgata Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at Borgata’s land-based casino.

Thehuge sign-up bonus of a free $75 is excellent, and it's easy to deposit and withdraw money on and off the site. Borgata Poker NJ has partnered with BetMGM and PartyPoker to create a smooth and visually appealing platform. If you have an Android or iOS-powered device you can enjoy Borgata Poker’s products while on the move. Cash games, fast forward poker, and sit & go tournaments are all available, as are casino games.

As the name suggests, Borgata Poker NJ is the online branch of Atlantic City Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa which also played host to the World Poker Tour in 2019. It also relies on players liquidity sharing with PartyPoker and BetMGM, which are also part of the Borgata network.

The site users can take part in daily and weekly tournaments. Another possibility is to join the PartyPoker US Network Online Series. The poker variants on offer include Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em. The software used by Poker Borgata is the same as PartyPoker, with a different skin presentation. Users need to download the desktop client or the Borgata Poker app in order to play.

How to Play on PartyPoker NJ

Another large online poker site with a lot to offer players in New Jersey is the world-famous brand PartyPoker. With plenty of experience in the online poker business, this trusted and famous brand has been around since 2001, which makes it one of the oldest in the world, and one of the top places for playing online poker.

PartyPoker NJ has a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as some good promotions. They're part of the MGM-owned PartyPoker US network, which also includes Borgata poker and BetMGM poker. PartyPoker NJ shares an integrated platform with PartyCasino, allowing players to use the same account for both sites.

Another popular online poker site, PartyPoker NJ was acquired by Borgata. As previously mentioned, it provides the engine used by its sister sites. PartyPoker also shares its New Jersey players network with the other two sites. PartyPoker NJ also shares the same tournament's pool with Borgata, hosting daily and weekly tournaments as well as the US Network Mini Series. Variants include Pot Limit Omaha and Pot-Limit Hold'em.

In order to play real money online poker at PartyPoker, one of the top NJ poker sites, you need to either download the PC/Mac software or the mobile app.

How to Play at BetMGM Poker NJ

This online poker site is operated by MGM, one of the largest casino operators in the world, and an overall fantastic place to play real money online poker. BetMGM Poker NJ offers a good selection of cash games and tournaments, as well as a loyalty program that can earn players comps at MGM’s famous
land-based casinos.

BetMGM Poker runs on one of the best poker software available to players in New Jersey. The platform is the same that powers its sister site PartyPoker NJ and is considered to be one of the most advanced in the business. It is also worth noting that the platform integrates all the casino games available to BetMGM users in New Jersey. The fact that BetMGM is so popular amongst casino players means the field is softer than at PokerStars, with a lot more recreational players active at the MGM Poker tables.

The third and most recent addition to the Borgata family, BetMGM Poker also uses the PartyPoker engine and shares its player pool with the other two sister sites.

BetMGM offers different game variations, which include Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Limit Hold'em and 7-card stud. It also offers the same tournaments and prize pools as its other two sister sites, which includes daily and weekly events as well as the Party Poker US Network Online Series. You will be required to download the BetMGM software in order to play, which is available for PC. Another option is to play on the go by downloading the BetMGM mobile app.

Best Michigan Poker Sites

In 2019, Michigan became the fifth state to pass legislation offering online gaming and legal online poker. It took a couple of years for operators, who must be partnered with a land-based casino, to get things up and running, but right now it's full steam ahead for online operations in the Wolverine State.

As of early 2022, PokerStars, BetMGM and WSOP MI are the only three legal online poker operators in Michigan.

How to Play PokerStars MI

PokerStars Michigan, which shares an interstate compact and
combined player pools with PokerStars New Jersey players, offers real money poker, sports, and casino games as a gaming operator for Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. You need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN) to play
real money gaming on PokerStars in the state of Michigan.

PokerStars is arguably the most famous of the poker sites in the online gambling industry and its Michigan counterpart abides by all of the Michigan online poker laws and those for casino gaming.

How to Play BetMGM Poker MI

One of the most popular brands and poker sites on the East Coast, BetMGM operates in several markets including Michigan. In order to play BetMGM Poker powered by partypoker US (AKA RoarDigital), players need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN).

How to Play WSOP MI

WSOP MI, one of WSOP's many ventures into the world of online poker sites, operates using Poker 8 software by 888poker, which is a fresher update on the WSOP client used in Nevada and New Jersey.

The WSOP brand recognition carries over to trust in their online platforms, including WSOP Michigan, as players expect a high level of quality and integrity in games and operations. WSOP Michigan typically offers a wide range of poker games, including popular variants like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and others, catering to a variety of players of all preferences and skill levels.

The site has a strong tournament schedule, including daily and weekly tournaments with various buy-ins and prize pools, and also offers satellite tournaments where players can win seats to bigger events, including live WSOP events, with the chance to win a coveted bracelet.

Best Nevada Poker Sites

Despite being the first state in the U.S. to legalize and launch regulated online poker, with the first sites going live in 2013, options for real money online poker in Nevada are currently very limited, with WSOP.com Nevada the only legal option. WSOP Nevada benefits from the brand recognition of the World Series of Poker, which takes place in Las Vegas each summer, and is part of an interstate compact to share online poker player pools with New Jersey, enhancing the availability of games and the size of tournament prize pools.

Best Online Poker Sites in Delaware

As of the beginning of 2024, online poker in Delaware is offline after the Delaware Lottery switched its exclusive igaming partner from 888Poker to Rush Street Interactive (RSI). Phil Galfond's Run It Once (RIO), which is owned by RSI, is anticipated to launch in Delaware and other states in 2024.

Free Poker Sites Available to most US Players

Another great option if you live in a location where it's not possible to play online poker for real money, or you'd just like to practice your skills, is playing poker for free online. Many sites and mobile apps offer great online poker games where you can play for free with 'fake money'. You'll get a chance to engage in exciting Texas Holdem Poker and Omaha games and test your skills with other poker players from all over the world.

For our money, the best free online poker currently is being offered by Global Poker. Global Poker is an exciting social poker site that provides American poker players in many states, with an opportunity to play poker legally. Plus they offer a great selection of casino and slot games as well.

Global Poker

How Can You Play Global Poker in the US?

Looking for a place to play social poker with the opportunity to win prizes? Then Global Poker is one of the top sites for you to check out.

How to Sign Up to Global Poker in 5 Easy Steps

Signing up for Global Poker is as simple as visiting the Global Poker website and providing a few basic pieces of information, including your date of birth and full legal name.

This section will walk you through every step you need to take to set up an account and begin playing on Global Poker.

1. Go to Global Poker: Visit the Global Poker website and head to the sign-up page.
2. Set Up An Account: Create an account either using Facebook, Google or email and by creating a password.
3. Confirm Details: Confirm your email and login to your Global Poker account.
4. Find Gold Coins: Once you are logged in, click on the “Get Coins” tab.
5. Get Gold Coins: Purchase Gold Coins and you may often receive free Sweeps Coins for promotional play with certain offers.

Is Global Poker Free to Play?

Yes, Global Poker is always free to play on. There are also opportunities for players to purchase Gold Coins to continue their gameplay. There are promotions that allow players to be gifted free Sweeps Coins with Gold Coin purchases, which players can use to redeem for prizes.

Is Global Poker Legal to Play in the US?

Yes, Global Poker is legal and available to play in the US except for a few states, making it one of the premiere free poker options in the country. Additionally, Global Poker can be played in Canada.

Is Global Poker Legit?

As a completely legal and regulated site, Global Poker is as legit as they come. Global Poker is a great way for newer players to be introduced to the game and for players of all skill level to have an opportunity to win real prizes.

Can you Win Real Money Playing on Global Poker?

While it is always free to play on Global Poker, the social poker site also provides players with the opportunity to redeem winnings for prizes. This is done through the promotional Sweeps Coin tournaments that run daily on the site. Sweeps Coins cannot be purchased but are given away for free with select Gold Coins purchases.

PokerStars Play

Another good free alternative is PokerStars Play, which is a social poker and casino app from one of the biggest names in the business, PokerStars. Check out our full PokerStars Play review to find out more.

How To Play PokerStars Play in US in 5 Easy Steps?

With so many people looking for ways to play online poker with friends or set up PokerStars Home Games, it's time to take a stepback and look at how online poker works in the United States.

Signing up on PokerStars is a simple process that will have you playing at the online poker tables in no time. This guide section will walk through the steps to set up a PokerStars account.
Step 1: Download the Software - The first step for setting up a PokerStars account is to download the software for whatever state you are playing in, whether it's Michigan, Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

Step 2: Create Your PokerStars Account - The next step is to create an account by giving your basic personal information and choosing a password.
Step 3: Make Your First Deposit - Now that you have an account set up, make a deposit using Visa, Mastercard, or various other payment options.
Step 4: Start Playing Poker - You have an account and a bankroll; you are now ready to hop into the online games.

Offshore Poker Sites

Even though some sites might tell you that playing in offshore online casinos and poker rooms is possible, that doesn't mean it is legal or safe. Most of these offshore poker sites have not been licensed by reputable gambling jurisdictions nor protected by the latest security systems. What's more, there are no guarantees that your banking details are protected and secure from any third-party influences.

That said, you are better off playing only on legal and vetted poker sites presented here than roaming around the internet and falling prey to malicious offshore poker rooms.

Best Deposit Options for US Online Poker Players

Top US poker sites offer several popular deposit methods for their players. The most frequently used deposit method is credit/debit bank cards, such as Discover, Visa, and Mastercard, but there are plenty of other options as well. Almost all banks in regulated states will process such payments, so you won't have any problems making a fast and secure deposit. Here’s a look at some popular online poker deposit methods:

Is Online Poker Legal in the US?

The situation with the legality of online poker in the US is not as clear-cut as you might expect. To get to the bottom of this, we must look at the applicable gambling laws. First of all, gambling in the US is regulated on a state, federal, and, of course, local level. Looking at these levels of regulations, the only viable conjecture you can derive is that things are bound to get messy.

At the moment, the Constitution allows all states to make their own laws regarding online gambling.

• A handful of states have already legalized online poker, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. In these states, online operators are required to sign licensing agreements with land-based casinos to launch their online poker rooms, and plenty of big names have already done so.
• Other states are exploring the possibility of online gaming expansion, including online poker. By doing so, the states will benefit from taxes these operators will pay and will ensure their citizens have fair and safe gambling opportunities.
• Among the states to have considered online poker in recent years include New York, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Illinois, and North Dakota. Efforts often get bogged down in the political process, but there’s no denying that as online poker continues to grow in the United States, more and more states are taking notice.

How to Play Online Poker in the US in 5 Easy Steps

With the popularity of online gaming on the rise, finding an online poker room in the US should be a breeze. Even so, there are multiple factors you need to consider getting in on the action.

Here are four steps to follow to find the right poker site for you:

1. Check if Online Poker is Legal in Your State
The first step is to ensure the state you are playing in has legalized online poker. The states that offer full-blown poker sites are:

• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Michigan
• Delaware
• Pennsylvania

Some even share player pools, such as WSOP.com in Nevada and New Jersey, and PokerStars in Michigan and New Jersey. Players from these “merged” states can participate in poker tournaments, which, consequently, have larger prize pools and are more appealing.

Another vital thing to remember here is that you don't need to be a resident in any of these states to play online poker legally, you need to be located inside state borders to participate. Once you’ve identified some sites, then consider personal preferences, such as:

• Types of games you like to play
• Betting limits
• Payment methods
• Support options
• Mobile poker apps for US players

All the US poker sites listed here will have a thing or two to offer, but the more you understand your playing habits, the better.

2. Register an Account
Once you have chosen the poker site, you can proceed to the registration process. To do so, you will be required to provide personal details, such as name, DOB, address, email, etc. Poker sites will ask you to provide a proof of identity as a part of their KYC (Know Your Customer) policy imposed by the legislation.

The proof of identity is usually in the form of a copy of your ID or another personal document, the final four digits of your Social Security number (SSN), a copy of your bank statement, etc. These poker rooms make sure no underage gambling can take place and also prevent money laundering and fraud.

3. Deposit Funds to Your Account and Claim the Bonus Offer
The next step involves selecting the deposit method from the site's banking section and making the first deposit. The top US poker sites presented here offer exciting and generous deposit match bonus offers once the players make qualifying deposits. Check out the promotions tab and see which types of bonuses and freebies you can claim.

4. Get Familiar with the Site
You may have checked out the site prior to signing up, but now that you have it is time to really familiarize yourself with all its features and offerings. Check out if and when freerolls may be held, have a look and the tournament schedule, and pay attention to when traffic is at its peak and cash games are the best.

5. Get in on the Action
The final step you need to take is to choose between the different types of poker games offered by the site and take a virtual seat at the table. The most common formats of poker include cash games and tournament poker.

-In cash games, the value of your chips corresponds directly to the monetary value, while in tournaments, you will have to buy in for a stack of chips and continue playing until you run out of chips or another player claims them all.

-In poker tournaments, the size of bets increases over time to make sure the game is action-packed.

What Makes a Poker Site Good and How Do We Rate US Online Poker Sites?

Our long history of 15+ years in the business and hard-earned reputation ensures our entire review process of online poker sites is completed with the utmost care and diligence. Over the years, PokerNews has been declared the number one online poker guide several times, and we have been on the receiving end of several awards.

To fill you in on the process, we will try to break down the criteria we impose for our selection of key US poker sites into a couple of segments. Below you will learn about:

• Only licensed operators
• Scrutinized bonuses
• Choice and quality of games
• Testing of site software
• Deposit Methods
• Customer Support

We List Only the Licensed Operators
All poker sites listed here have been licensed and certified by the appointed jurisdictions and authorities, guaranteeing the safety, legality, and fairness of those sites and their poker games. What's more, we look into the reputation of these sites to make sure players are content with the services provided and treatment. Only after we make sure the site ticks all the right boxes do we present it here.

We Scrutinize the Bonuses
We never cease to look for the heftiest poker bonuses out there, so that our visitors can rest assured only the best possible bonus offers are listed. What's more, we don't get carried away just by the sheer size of the bonus.
No sir. There needs to be a balance between what is being offered as a bonus and what you need to do to turn that bonus into real cash.

We look into wagering requirements, the validity period of the bonus, and other requirements that appear as the small print in the terms and conditions that, sadly, only a few players consult. Luckily for you, we check that info as well.

Our Pro Players Look Into the Choice of Games and Quality
Did you know that one of our reviewers won an actual WSOP bracelet in Las Vegas? Our reviewers are experienced poker players who know every nook and cranny of the game and where to look for any hidden flaws in the choice of games and rules. The sites offered here host several different types of poker, with plenty of poker formats and competitions, and their player traffic is a clear sign of quality.

We Test the Site's Software
Another essential part of our testing process is the test of the site's software. We want to make sure that sites have both web apps that allow instant in-browser play and mobile apps that enable players to engage in poker games on the go. That said, we spend hours playing the actual games before reaching a verdict.

Also, if the poker room has a fully downloadable app for PCs, we will download it and make sure its functionality and gaming experience are top-notch. These sites need to be responsive, easy to use, simple to navigate, and user-friendly. Only
such poker rooms and mobile poker sites end up on our top list.

We Look Into Deposit Methods
Another important aspect of our review process is the examination of banking methods offered by the poker room. This list includes only sites that offer the greatest variety of online banking, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid vouchers, and other methods, all of which need to be fast, convenient, and protected by the latest SSL encryption and firewalls.

We put Customer Support to the Test
Having knowledgeable and reliable customer support on your side when a problem occurs is imperative for poker players. We put each site's customer support to a rigorous test to check their knowledge, response times, and amiableness. If all goes well, only then the site gets on our list.

Online Poker in US FAQ

Article last updated March 2024

PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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