Online poker is a great way to compete against people from around the world. It is a lot of fun and can be a very lucrative venture for those who put in the time and effort to learn the game well. The best poker sites provide a vast selection of games, large player pools and generous guaranteed prize pools. The top platforms also offer a variety of promotions and bonuses. However, it is important to choose a site that is safe and regulated in the US to ensure your personal information and account funds are secure.

The first step in playing poker online is to register for an account with an approved online poker site. Once registered the player must verify their identity by providing a copy of their government issued ID and proof of address. Once verified the player can then deposit money to play poker. Most online poker sites allow for deposits through credit cards and some offer other transaction types such as check, MoneyGram, electronic banking apps like Zelle or Payz, and even player-to-player transfers.

Getting started is relatively easy if you are physically located in one of the states that allows legal poker. Once you have an account at a legal poker site you need to decide on a bankroll and select a game type. There are many different online poker games available but the most popular are Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Stud. There are also tournaments and Sit ‘N Go events for those who enjoy more competition. Depending on the poker game there may be specific rules that must be followed and it is important to familiarize yourself with these.