Online poker takes the classic game of cards and wagering that was once played in smoky bars and casinos and cranks it up to a whole new level. You can play for pennies or you can compete for satellite entries into world-class live tournaments and even win real cash prizes. And you can do it from the comfort of your own home or while on the go with a mobile phone or tablet computer.
Before you can play any poker games online you must create a secure account. This process will require you to provide some personal information and choose a username and password that you’ll use each time you log in. When you sign up for an online poker site, be sure to choose a trustworthy one that has been around for a long time. You’ll also need to provide a credit card number or virtual bank account so that any money you lose will be deducted from your account, and any winnings will be credited.
Once you’ve established a secure account you’ll want to choose an online poker site that offers the type of games you enjoy playing. Some poker sites specialize in high stakes competition, while others offer low stakes games and simple software for casual players. Some poker sites also offer a variety of other gambling games like roulette and blackjack as well as sports betting.
After you’ve chosen an online poker site, it’s time to start playing for real money. Most of the major poker sites have so-called play money tables where you can practice the game without risking any of your own money. These tables are usually categorized by cash games, tournaments, and Sit & Go’s. If you’re a new player it’s best to stick with the play-money tables until you feel comfortable with the pace of the game and the software.
Most of the major online poker sites have a “beginner” tab which will automatically seat you at a table with players who have classified themselves as beginners. This is a great way to level the playing field while you’re still learning the game.
Another benefit of playing poker online is that you can get rakeback, which is a percentage of the rake that each poker room collects. This is a great incentive to play at these sites because it helps you build your bankroll faster and gives you more rewards in return for your business. The more traffic a poker site has, the better it will be at offering rakeback. This is why you should always check a poker site’s rakeback percentage before joining. It will give you a good indication of the quality of their service.