If you want to win big in online poker, you need to know some basics about the game. For starters, you need to set a budget, or bankroll, that covers your possible losses. A bankroll of 30 buy-ins is considered a good starting point. You also need to learn how to play a specific poker game. It’s best to start out with no-limit Texas Hold’em, which is the easiest game to learn.

When you register to play online poker, you’ll be asked to enter some personal information, such as your date of birth, social security number, and full name. If you have any concerns about your identity, consider creating an IP PIN and using that as your password. In addition, remember to follow the rules about age when you play online poker. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid providing your social security number to online poker sites.

Online poker involves dealing a large number of hands quickly. You can play against opponents from all over the world. Online poker sites will automatically notify you when it’s your turn to act. This is one advantage over live poker, where players might yell at you or hold up the game. Having a virtual opponent will allow you to concentrate on winning the game.

There is also some controversy surrounding online poker in the United States. Although most states prohibit online gambling, offshore sites continue to innovate their ways to avoid UIGEA by accepting players from the US. Some offshore sites have been approved by three states, and four more have passed bills that will legalize online poker in their fenced markets. Global Poker is one such site. The site uses a virtual currency online poker model to avoid the UIGEA, so it is legal.