Whether you’re an avid poker player or simply a novice, you’ve probably heard of online poker. It’s a game that’s played on your computer, phone, or tablet. While the first online poker room didn’t open for business until a little over a year ago, there are now several options for players. In the US, a handful of states have made real money online poker legal. These include Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Michigan. If you want to play, you’ll have to be at least 21 years old, and you’ll need to provide your name, Social Security number, and SSN to confirm your age.
In addition to the big money games, there are also small stakes and free poker games to choose from. This allows beginners to get their feet wet and learn the basics. In fact, it’s a good idea to start with the simplest games, such as No-Limit Texas Hold’em. Once you’ve learned the ropes, you can move on to more complex games.
If you’re looking to test your poker mettle, the best way to go about it is to choose a poker room that offers the best value for your money. Most sites offer sign-up bonuses, but you should shop around to find the best deal. In addition to your deposit, you’ll likely receive an extra bonus based on how often you play.
There are also third-party sites that will give you a bigger bonus or special perks. You may also be able to join a network of poker rooms, so you’ll have more options. However, the biggest draw of playing poker online is that it’s available on virtually any device. In addition to your PC or Mac, you can even play on your iPhone or Android phone. If you’re interested in the game, you can take your poker skills on the road.
As for the poker software, you’ll need to download it. Most sites are quick to download, and it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes. You should also check to see if the site is available in your own country. You might not be able to play on certain networks, and it’s best to know ahead of time.
Most online poker sites offer at least one good sign-up bonus, and the bonus is usually a large one. Depending on the site, you’ll be able to choose from a range of deposit methods, including bank transfers, e-checks, and other third-party eWallets. You might also be able to get a cashback bonus.
The best bonus of all, and the most useful, is the one that offers the most benefits to you. Most sites will match your deposit up to a certain amount, and offer extra bonuses as well. For instance, BetOnline will give you a 100% match on your first deposit, up to a $1,000 maximum. They’ll also let you use a HUD (Heads Up Display), which can be particularly useful for live poker. Despite being the top choice for pros, the standard of gameplay at BetOnline is not quite as high as you’d expect from a reputable poker room.