Online poker is a fun, easy-to-play game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. The best online poker sites feature a range of games, large tournaments and massive jackpots for players of all experience levels. It can also be played on desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices from the comfort of one’s home or office. And it can be played for the smallest stakes imaginable, all the way up to satellite entries into world-class live tournaments around the globe.

There are many reasons to play poker online, but the most important factor is finding a safe and secure site. The best online poker sites are highly regulated and have strict consumer protections in place to ensure that your account information and funds are safe. Additionally, they have a wide variety of games and tournaments and offer great customer service.

To determine the best poker sites, Poker Junkie reviews dozens of factors including sign-up bonuses, easiest games to win and software and graphics. Our expert reviewers also look at the available banking methods and whether they allow deposits and withdrawals. We also examine the number of different games available, minimum and maximum deposit amounts and how long it takes for a player to receive their money.

Before you start playing poker for real money, you’ll need to create a user account on the poker site. Some sites will do this automatically when you download their software, while others require players to register a username and password. In addition, some poker sites require additional verification of identity such as scanning a driver’s license and providing proof of address. These extra measures protect poker players from fraud, as well as from people who try to use stolen credit card numbers or identities to access the site.

If you’re new to online poker, it’s a good idea to play low stakes to get familiar with the rules and gameplay. This will help you learn the game more quickly and improve your skills without risking too much money. You can also take advantage of freerolls and other special promotions to build up your bankroll before you make a real money deposit.

Once you’re ready to play for real money, it’s important to choose a poker site that accepts your preferred payment method. This will save you time and hassle and prevent any unnecessary delays in your poker experience. Additionally, it’s best to find a poker site that offers both deposit and withdrawal options so you can manage your cash flow efficiently.

Legal, regulated online poker is currently available in New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware. Pennsylvania is moving towards regulating the game, but virtual hands haven’t yet been dealt in the Keystone State. West Virginia has passed legislation authorizing iGaming, but no operators have launched. As more states pass legislation and regulate the industry, the list of iGaming options will continue to grow.