How to Play Online Poker

Online poker is a game of real money that can be played on your computer, tablet or mobile phone. It’s easy to play and rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. Unlike offline casinos, online poker sites are regulated in the states where they operate. This ensures fairness and that your personal information is protected. It also means you won’t get scammed by an unscrupulous site that doesn’t abide by basic consumer safeguards.

The first step to playing real money poker is signing up for a player account. This is simple and involves creating a username and password. You can then deposit funds with your preferred method. Most poker sites accept a variety of banking credit cards and eWallets. Some also allow players to make deposits with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Once you’ve signed up for an account at a real money poker site, you can choose from a variety of games and stakes. Generally, the higher the stakes, the more money you can win. But before you make a decision, it’s important to consider the games you’re most comfortable with. Some players prefer to stick with their favorite table games while others enjoy the challenge of learning new ones.

Another great thing about online poker is that the game can be played at any time of the day or night. There are always thousands of players available to play at the tables. This creates a fast-paced game that can lead to more bad beats, or “variance,” than you would experience in a brick and mortar casino.