The booming popularity of poker has taken the game from smoky bars and casinos to a world-wide network of secure sites where players can wager real money against other people. The game is played on desktops, laptops and mobile devices and it can be played for the smallest stakes you can imagine (literally pennies) or for satellite entries into the world’s most amazing live tournaments.
When playing poker online it’s important to use a site that has secure software and random number generators that make sure each hand is as fair as one you’d get in a brick-and-mortar casino. Look for a casino that also promises to weed out collusion and other shady activities. Some casinos may ask you to provide additional documentation to verify your identity – such as a scanned copy of your ID and utility bill in your name at the address they have on file for you. This is a common practice in the industry and is not uncommon for US players.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of poker. Learn about things like pot odds which can help you decide whether to call or raise in certain situations. You can also play a few hands for free and learn the game before you start spending any real money.
Another good thing to know is that depositing and withdrawing funds from poker sites is very easy compared to the old days. Most sites accept a wide variety of payment methods such as credit cards, prepaid cards, third-party eWallets or bank transfers.