Online poker is a game that allows players to compete against others in real time for money. This form of the game has become very popular due to its accessibility and potential profitability. There are thousands of ring games available at any given moment as well as tournaments with buy-ins that range from free to thousands of dollars. Despite this the rules of online poker are very similar to those of land-based gambling.
Before a player can begin playing poker online they must register at an online poker site. This process can be done very quickly and is usually completely secure. The player will need to provide basic information such as their name, address and date of birth. The user will also need to set a username and password that is unique to the poker site. The site will then confirm that the account is valid and the player can then deposit funds to begin play.
The next step is to find a poker site that accepts the preferred method of payment. This is a great opportunity to look for promotional offers such as sign-up bonuses. These are often offered to new customers and can be quite large. These are designed to increase a new player’s initial bankroll and are generally tied to a specific number of raked hands played. Some poker sites will require additional documentation to verify a player’s identity before they can withdraw any money. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Another important consideration is whether a poker site will offer mobile play. A lot of online poker sites have dedicated apps for both iPhone and Android devices. The apps provide a much more seamless experience than simply using a browser on the device. The apps will allow a player to use their device’s touch screen to bet, check and fold just like they would on a desktop computer. In addition many poker apps have been improved recently to make multi-tabling easier.
In the United States, regulated online poker is becoming more common as more states pass legislation to permit it. Currently, the most popular online poker sites are licensed in Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Other states, such as Michigan and West Virginia have passed laws authorizing regulated poker but virtual hands have yet to be dealt there.
Once a player has found a poker site they are happy with it’s time to start playing. First they will need to download the poker client. The software is virus-free and should only take a few minutes to install on most modern computers and mobile devices. Once installed the player will need to create an account and select a screen name. This moniker can’t be changed afterward so choose carefully. The player will also need to review the banking methods available and determine which work for both deposits and withdrawals.
Withdrawals are usually processed very quickly and can be made using the same methods as deposits such as credit cards, debit cards, pre-paid cards and even third party eWallets. In some cases the poker site may need to request verification documents such as a driver’s license or utility bill in order to ensure that the player is who they say they are. This is an unfortunate necessity but should not be a reason to avoid the site entirely.
