When you play online poker you are wagering real money against other players using a web browser or download poker client. Unlike many casino games you will be required to create an account and deposit some funds in order to get started but this is usually very easy and most sites accept a number of payment options including credit cards, debit cards, pre-paid cards, wire transfers or third party eWallets. Once you have enough money on your account to bet with, it is time to check out the bonuses and rewards on offer.
The best online poker sites will have an excellent mobile platform with a user friendly interface. These are usually compatible with all major mobile devices and will run on any operating system. They will also have a desktop version of the software that you can use on your computer. Generally, these platforms are free to use but some do require you to register to play.
Poker rules are generally the same whether you are playing live or online. However, the game requires a different set of skills when playing online because you don’t have the benefit of reading physical “tells” from your opponents since there are no other players physically present. There are still a lot of ways to read tells though such as observing how much they call, fold and bluff.
A great advantage of online poker is that it can be played at anytime, day or night and for as long as you want from the comfort of your home. You can also find many different stakes to play at and there are even tournaments that can take place around the world that you can participate in. The game rewards actual skill, not chance and that is one of the reasons it has become so popular.
For those who are serious about online poker there is a wealth of coaching available to help improve your skills. You can learn about the strategies used by top professionals and how to play in a variety of different situations. There was a time when there was a large gap between “live” and “online” poker players but today most pros at all levels play both.
When choosing a poker site, it is important to find a legitimate and licensed operator that is regulated by a government authority. This will ensure that the money you put into your account is safe and that any winnings are paid out in a timely fashion. It is also recommended to choose a poker site that uses secure socket layer (SSL) technology to encrypt your personal information.
In the USA, it is legal to play poker online as long as you are over the age of 18 and have a state-issued identification card or passport. However, there are some exceptions and the regulations regarding online poker in the US are constantly changing. You can read more about them on our page about US poker.