Online poker is a thrilling, intellectual game that rewards real skill unlike slots or the lottery. It has become immensely popular in the USA, where it is available for play in a handful of states and at multiple licensed sites. The games can be played for free or with stakes that start at pennies and go up to multi-million dollar tournament winnings. All from the comfort of a PC, tablet or mobile phone.

In order to get started with poker online you will need to have a reliable internet connection, a computer or mobile device and an account with one of the best poker sites. Once you have created an account you will need to sign in and deposit some funds. Once you have deposited some money you will be ready to start playing!

There are a number of reasons why poker has grown so popular online. It’s easy to join a table at any time of day, and it’s possible to find players of any skill level, from beginners to high-rollers. In addition, online poker is a great way to practice responsible bankroll management, learn strategy and socialise with other players.

Most poker sites have a large player pool, and this is a huge advantage for newcomers to the game. A larger player pool means that more beginner players will be able to join ring games and tournament events, as well as play for satellite entries into live poker events around the world.

A large player pool also means that there are more opportunities to win cash, as the competition is softer. This is why so many people choose to play poker online – they want to be able to earn money for the simple act of playing a game they enjoy!

Another big difference between offline and online poker is that players can be bluffed much easier. When a player is sat down at a table they can hide all sorts of tells, from the slight twitch of their nose to the dart of their eyes, but when they are playing online they can’t. This makes it much easier to spot a player’s tells, and capitalise on them.

It is also easier to bluff when playing online because players can’t see their opponent’s expressions, which are so crucial to a good bluff! This is why it’s important for new players to learn about a variety of different strategies and to practise on freeroll tables before they make any money.

Most poker sites offer a range of banking options to allow players to deposit and withdraw funds easily and quickly. This includes major credit cards, e-checks, third party eWallets and wire transfers. Some of these methods have a low minimum deposit or withdrawal limit but may take longer to process than other methods, with checks and money orders typically taking up to two weeks to clear. In addition, some poker sites may have restrictions on the type of payment methods they accept in certain jurisdictions.