Online poker has become a wildly popular pastime. While live poker has its place, online poker can be played at any time and from anywhere. The games can be played on desktops, tablets and phones, and some sites offer satellites to live poker tournaments. It’s a lot of fun and can be a great way to improve your game.
In order to play, you’ll first need to sign up with a site. Most will require a few pieces of personal information, including your social security number, date of birth and your address. Once you have a username and password, you’ll want to download the poker software and begin playing. After a few hands, you should be able to see your winnings.
For beginners, the best option is to try the free poker games offered by reputable sites. You can find games for any stake, from a few cents to hundreds. Some sites even offer free cash bonuses for new players. However, it’s a good idea to shop around before signing up. A third party site may offer better perks and higher bonuses.
Most sites will have a quick start option, which will allow you to play a few hands with a couple of clicks. This is a great way to get a feel for the game before committing to a full table. Another cool feature is the ability to multi-table, which doubles your chances of winning.
One of the tiniest features of online poker is the fact that you can make and take withdrawals. Many sites will have a large variety of deposit options, from bank transfers to e-checks and third party eWallets.
The best online poker websites will also have a plethora of special offers. You’ll also want to look out for any sign-up bonuses, which are awarded for completing certain tasks. Getting the highest sign-up bonus is probably your best bet.
Some of the more advanced and larger sites will have a video database, complete with video clips from famous pros. Ignition Poker is one such site. They feature a series of games designed to help you improve your game, from turbos to satellites to monthly million-dollar GTDs.
Although there are some differences between online and live poker, the most important thing is that you can play anywhere. That’s especially true in regulated states like New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware, which operate with a combined player pool in April. Additionally, there are a handful of licensed sites that exist in only a few states. Depending on where you live, you’re likely to get lucky and find a good poker site.
The best online poker site should also be fun and safe. To play for real money, you’ll have to open an account. If you’re in the US, you’ll find that most sites will accept both wire transfers and cheques in the mail, as well as e-checks and third party Wallets. As the regulated market grows, it’s expected that a few more licensed poker sites will soon open.