Poker was once a game played in smoky bars and casinos but now it can be played from the comfort of your own home. It can be played for the smallest stakes imaginable (literally pennies) or you can play for satellite entries into the biggest live poker tournaments in the world. All of this can be done from your laptop, tablet or desktop computer and all you need to get started is a internet connection.
Online poker is a highly competitive business. Poker sites generate millions of dollars each year through the rakes that they take from each pot and entry fees that players pay to join games. As a result nearly every site offers some type of bonus offer to attract new players. These bonuses typically range from 20 percent to 100 percent of your initial deposit.
Some states have laws in place that require a poker site to verify the identity of its players. While this process is rarely a problem it can occasionally slow down the time it takes to open an account. In some cases, the poker site may even ask for documentation such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Poker is a skill-based game that requires consistent work to beat. The best players study the game extensively, network with top pros and brutally analyze their own play after each session. But even the most talented poker player will lose money some days. It is important to keep your losses in perspective and view them as part of the learning process rather than something that can ruin your bankroll.