The game of poker online has gained popularity over the last several years. The game is played the same way as in your local card room, but you can play against a larger player pool and you don’t have to worry about losing your money to an unscrupulous owner. The games are also regulated by most governments and are safe to play. All you need to do is find a trustworthy poker site, deposit some funds and start playing!

When choosing a poker site to join it’s important to look at the overall package that it offers. This includes the range of games, tournaments, bonuses and loyalty schemes. A good poker site will offer a wide variety of games and have plenty of traffic to keep you entertained.

It’s also worth checking to see whether a poker site is licensed and uses top-notch security measures to protect your personal details. If you’re from the US it’s essential to make sure that a site is legal for your state before you sign up. The best poker sites will be regulated by your state gaming commission and use the highest levels of encryption.

Almost all poker sites accept credit cards and debit cards for deposits. However, some may only accept one or the other, and others have a minimum deposit amount. You can check out the terms and conditions of a particular poker site by visiting their website. Some will have FAQ sections which answer commonly asked questions.

Once you’ve signed up for a real money account at an online poker site you can login to the lobby and choose from the different types of games available. These games include cash games, tournaments and Sit & Go’s. Most poker sites also have beginner tables which are specially designed for players who classify themselves as beginners. This will ensure that you’re only seated with players of similar skill level and can help you improve your game.

A good poker site will have a huge selection of games to choose from, including many popular variants such as Omaha Hold’em and Caribbean Stud. It should also have a generous bonus scheme for loyal customers, which will redistribute a portion of the rake taken by the poker site to its players.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in poker traffic, with recreational and professional players who normally prefer live events turning to online gaming venues. Some operators have reported a double- or even triple-digit rise in traffic in the wake of this shift. This is great news for players, as more hands played equals more opportunities to learn and improve.