Online Poker – What to Look For When Choosing a Site

For years poker was played only in smoky bars and casinos, but an accountant from Tennessee elevated online poker to prime time. Today, online poker sites host millions of players from all over the world who wager real money against one another. There are several things to look for when choosing a site.

First, look for a license from a reputable gambling regulator. Many countries have their own state-controlled gambling regulators like the UK Gambling Commission, ARJEL in France, and others. These licenses act as the ultimate guarantee that a site is fair to its players.

Second, check to see how easy it is to deposit and withdraw money. The best poker sites offer a variety of ways to do so including credit cards, pre-paid cards, bank transfers, third party eWallets and even old fashioned wire transfers. In addition, the best poker sites will have plenty of promotions and bonuses that can increase your winnings.

Finally, look at how easy the poker software is to use. Most poker sites offer download versions that don’t put a big strain on memory, and there are also no-download options that work on most modern computers and smartphones. The top poker sites will have user-friendly tables with large, easily identifiable betting buttons and an uncluttered interface.

Lastly, check out the poker site’s security measures. Legit poker sites will have traditional banking options available and will encrypt your personal information with SSL technology to keep it secure.