Online poker is an exciting game that allows players to take their love of the card game to a whole new level. It’s easy to play for pennies or win satellite entries into world-class live tournaments in the comfort of your own home, all at a time that suits you. The best part is that you can do it all from a variety of devices.

To get started, you’ll need to create a user account at the poker site of your choice. Most online poker sites require you to download their software to your computer or mobile device, but this is very quick and doesn’t demand much of the memory on even archaic computers. Once installed the software is ready to go and you can start playing.

Most poker sites are regulated and use state-of-the-art security measures to protect your money and personal details. They also operate under strict gambling laws and are subject to age verification checks and other regulatory measures. You should avoid unregulated poker sites, which don’t have the same consumer safeguards and may abruptly close down at any time.

In the United States, online poker was largely unregulated before Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 victory at the World Series of Poker and subsequent “poker boom.” After that, a number of sites closed and Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, forcing many of the largest U.S.-based operators to shut down.

Today, the major poker sites offer safe and secure gaming environments with state-of-the-art security features to keep your information private and your money safe. Despite this, there are still a few rogue operators who operate without any of these safeguards and should be avoided at all costs.

Online poker is popular because it’s a fun and intellectual game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. It’s also a relatively cheap, healthy, and comfortable way to pass the time with friends or on a date.

You’ll be able to find a wide range of games when you play poker online, from Texas Hold’em to Omaha, Seven Card Stud and Crazy Pineapple. However, most of the action is in No-Limit Texas Hold’em where players are dealt two cards and combine them with five community cards to make the best possible hand. Players can also find Sit & Go and Spin & Go tournaments that offer fast-paced gameplay at low stakes. The majority of these games can be played on desktops, laptops and tablets. However, you’ll need to have a fairly good broadband connection to enjoy the best online poker experience. Getting money on and off poker sites is now very easy compared to the past. You can deposit using a credit or debit card, pre-paid cards, third-party eWallets and more. Likewise, withdrawals are usually processed quickly as well. A small percentage of poker operators may request proof of identity before a payout can be made, but this is usually a pain-free process that can be handled by scanning your driver’s license or submitting a utility bill.