Online poker is the game of poker played over the Internet, it has become increasingly popular and is now a worldwide phenomenon. It is not a casino game, but a skill-based card game that can be beaten by anyone willing to put in the time and effort to learn the basics and improve their overall game.
There are now many reputable poker sites offering real money games and tournaments to players around the world, however it is important for all players to check with their local gambling authorities before making any real money deposits or play. Most state gaming commissions will offer detailed information about regulated online poker operations and how to avoid unlicensed websites that operate outside of consumer protection laws.
Unlike live poker where the action is centred around one table, an online poker room has a lot of tables and games running at once. This means there is always something to suit your playing style, from low stakes no limit hold’em to high roller events that have guaranteed jackpot prizes in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of the larger poker rooms also have their own poker tournament series, which attract a wide range of high-stakes players.
Aside from the actual game of poker itself, online poker offers a wealth of other tools and resources to help you improve your game. For example, there are a number of different poker training programs available, such as PokerTracker, which will analyse your online poker history and pinpoint areas where you can make improvements. Another useful tool is Flopzilla, which lets you enter a pre-flop range and board to see how often that range hits given hands, helping you internalize the math behind hand decisions at the table.
It’s also worth noting that there are now a number of mobile-friendly poker apps available, making it even easier to play your favourite game when on the go. As long as you have a smartphone or tablet with a decent amount of processing power you can access most real money poker sites through an app and play on the go.
Depositing and withdrawing funds from an online poker site is a very simple process, depending on the region you’re in there will be a variety of options available including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, bank transfers, e-checks and third-party eWallets. Most major poker sites accept a wide variety of these methods and can usually handle multiple currencies. Getting started is easy and most modern desktops and laptops have more than enough processing power to run an online poker client. Having a reliable, fast Internet connection is also a must.