Online poker is a popular card game that you can play against other players from all over the world. It’s played on computers, tablets and mobile devices using an internet connection. You’ll need to sign up for a real-money account with the poker site before you can start playing. Once you’ve done that, you can choose to play for free or with real money. You can also find a number of different types of games, including tournaments and cash games.
The rules of online poker are fairly simple, but there are a few important differences between the game and its in-person counterpart. For example, players must place bets before they see their cards, and they must act in turn after each round of betting. In addition, the computer deals the cards and keeps track of them, which makes it harder to cheat and allows for more accurate statistics.
While there are plenty of resources for learning the game, the best way to get started is by signing up for a real-money account with an online poker room. This will give you access to the latest information about preflop and postflop strategy, and it’s often the most effective way to improve your game.
You should also look for a site that accepts your preferred payment methods. Many regulated sites offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including bitcoin. However, it’s important to understand that regulated sites are required to do KYC verification and follow anti-money laundering procedures. This means that you’ll likely have to provide identification information before you can make a deposit or withdraw funds.
Another thing to consider is whether you’re comfortable with the idea of playing for real money. If you’re not, there are alternatives like social poker and sweepstakes sites that allow you to win prizes that can be redeemed for cash. These sites have different rules and regulations, so it’s important to research them before making a decision.
Online poker has grown in popularity over the last decade. It’s been helped by legal changes that remove ambiguity and loopholes that have previously made it difficult for regulators to police the game. In some cases, these changes have even resulted in the shutdown of unlicensed black markets.
As a result, most people now play their favourite card game for money on a variety of reputable websites. The largest operators are based in regulated markets and operate in several countries at once, such as PokerStars and GGPoker. They’re also subject to a variety of other requirements, from player data protection to software auditing. This ensures that they’re following best practices and offering a fair and safe environment to play in.