Poker online is a fun, intellectual game that rewards real skill unlike slot machines or the lottery. It is a game that can be played around the clock and for any stakes you wish at sites that are safe, secure and properly regulated.
A legitimate poker site will have clear and accessible terms and conditions. These include information about player deposits and withdrawals, bonus conditions, and what happens if you have a problem. The best poker sites also provide players with a variety of secure payment methods. These include traditional credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller, and cryptocurrencies.
The first step in playing poker online is creating a user account. This process can vary from site to site but is usually fairly straightforward and painless. The poker site will typically ask for your name, date of birth and address to ensure you are over the age of 18 or 21 (depending on your state’s gambling laws).
Once you have created an account you can begin playing for real money. Most poker sites offer a welcome bonus which will match or even double your initial deposit up to a certain limit. They may also offer reload bonuses and loyalty programs which can add up to a significant amount of extra chips to play with. You should always be sure to read the terms and conditions of each poker site before you deposit any real money. They may require proof of identity or a utility bill in your name and at your current address to verify your identity.