Poker online has taken the game that used to be reserved mainly for smoky bars and casinos and elevated it to primetime. You can play at any time of the day or night for free or for real money against people from all over the world. There are thousands of ring games at any level of skill and thousands of tournaments from tens of players up to massive events with buy-ins in the thousands of dollars.
To play poker you’ll need a computer or laptop with decent processing power. If you’re in the US and want to play legally it’s important to find a regulated site that is licensed to operate within your state. Using a reputable site will help you avoid scams and other security issues. Regulated sites will also often display certifications proving that their games are fair and the random number generators aren’t rigged in any way.
You can also check that the site is a legitimate one by looking at its lobby section. This will be categorized by cash games, tournaments, sit and go’s and any special format games the site runs. Many sites will also have beginner tables which allow you to be seated with other players who have classified themselves as beginners. This dramatically levels the playing field for new players and is a great way to build confidence and learn the game of poker.
Lastly, be sure to choose a site that offers safe deposit and withdrawal methods. A trusted poker site will never intermingle player funds with operator or casino funds and all funds should be available to you 24/7.