Online poker takes the idea of playing poker from a casino or card room and brings it right to your home. It can be played on any computer, tablet or mobile device and can be played for the smallest stakes imaginable up to the highest stakes you can find. It is a game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery and it is a game that people love to play for real money.
Online Poker is a hugely popular activity and has helped bring the game to a much wider audience than ever before. It is partly responsible for a massive increase in the number of players worldwide and is available to people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. The wide range of games on offer at different poker sites allows beginners to learn the basics while more experienced players can compete for big money.
Many people are interested in trying out the game for free before depositing any money and it is possible to do this on most sites. However, if you want to play for real cash then you will need to open an account and provide proof of identity such as your driver’s license or passport before being allowed to deposit any money. Some poker sites will also ask you to agree to a specific set of rules before you can play for real money.
Once you’ve opened an account you’ll need to sign in and create a user profile. This will usually be done through a simple form and the site will send you an email to confirm your details. Most sites will then allow you to deposit money via BTC, e-wallets or credit cards with payouts normally taking only a matter of hours.
Some poker sites will have a special “beginner” table where you can be seated with other players that have self-identified as newcomers to the game. This will dramatically level the playing field for a new player and can be a great way to gain some experience before joining higher stakes tables. In addition to this many poker sites offer online strategy books like Harrington on Hold’em, Theory of Poker or Super/System to help players improve their game.
Mobile poker is also becoming increasingly popular and most major online poker rooms have a dedicated smartphone and tablet app. These apps are generally very easy to use and they will often have a condensed version of the desktop lobby making it easier for you to find games and tournaments. Increasingly poker sites are also offering multi-tabling on their mobile apps.
Most states in the USA are now legal for gambling and poker is one of the most popular forms. However, regulations are constantly changing so it is always best to check with your local regulator before you begin playing. There are still some states where it is not yet legal to play online poker but this is likely to change soon.
