Poker online is a fun and fast-paced card game that can be played from the comfort of your home or on the go. Unlike in the past when poker was mainly played on tables in casinos and smoky bars, today’s technology allows players to play poker from any internet-enabled device including desktop computers, tablets and smartphones. The best online poker sites offer the same exciting gameplay and lucrative rewards as their land-based counterparts. However, there are a few things to consider before you sign up for an account with a new site.
Choose a Reputable Site
When choosing an online poker site, make sure that the site is regulated by a recognized gambling jurisdiction. This will ensure that your personal details and account funds are secure at all times. It will also mean that the poker site adheres to a strict code of conduct and is unlikely to shut down in an unregulated fashion.
You should also look for a site that offers the type of poker you are most interested in playing. Many of the best online poker sites feature a wide variety of games and stake levels to cater to all players. If you are a newcomer to the game, it is recommended that you stick to low-stakes games and work your way up to higher limits as you gain experience.
To get started, you will need to download the poker software for your preferred online poker site. This is a quick and easy process that shouldn’t take up much space on your computer. The software is available for all major operating systems and should run on even the most archaic Internet connections. If you don’t want to download the software, most poker sites now provide no-download versions of their game which allow you to play without a full client.
Poker rooms make money from the players through rakes and entry fees so they are highly competitive businesses. To attract players they offer various bonuses and promotions. First time deposit bonuses are very common and range from 20 percent up to 100 percent of the player’s initial investment. These are usually tied to a specific number of raked hands. Some sites also regularly offer reload bonuses to current players. Many players continuously move from site to site collecting these bonuses, a practice known as bonus hunting.
The best online poker sites have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to new players. Some sites have unique features that help protect beginners from the predatory behavior of other players in cash games and sit n go lobbies. For example, Ignition Poker has anonymous tables that eliminate bum-hunting and other predatory behavior.
Another important consideration is whether or not the poker site supports your state’s legalized games. Only a few states currently operate legal online poker, and it’s important to check that the site you are considering offers the games that you are most interested in. It’s also a good idea to check that the site is regulated in your state so that you can be sure that you are not dealing with an unlicensed operator.