If you’re thinking about trying poker online for real money, you’ll want to look for a reputable site. The best poker sites are regulated by a gambling authority, and they protect your personal information with rigorous security measures. They also provide fair games and strict age requirements. In addition to offering a wide range of promotions and bonuses, many top poker sites offer free play as well. These games are a great way to learn the game and figure out how the software works, without risking any of your own money.

The first step in playing poker online is to sign up for a new account. This involves creating a username and password. You’ll also need to fill out some basic personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. This is so the poker site knows who you are and can prevent fraudulent activities such as IRS tax return fraud or identity theft.

There are a variety of ways to deposit funds into an online poker account, including a credit card or virtual bank account. Depending on the poker site, you may also be asked to provide additional documentation such as your driver’s license or passport. In some cases, the poker site will require you to supply a copy of your social security number. This is a common practice for large-scale online poker rooms and helps to ensure that you’re not a fraudulent player.

When you start playing poker online, it’s important to have a strong starting hand. Ideally, you’ll have a pair of jacks or better. This will give you the best chance of winning the hand. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to call with less than perfect hands if you think the odds are good. A lot of players will bluff, so you’ll need to pay attention to how other players bet to determine whether they’re bluffing or not.

While there isn’t any specific legislation banning online poker in the United States, some states have laws that prohibit it. These include Indiana and Michigan. Other states have laws that allow it but only on regulated sites. Until these laws change, residents of these states will need to travel to Michigan or another state to play poker online.

There are dozens of poker sites to choose from, each with its own unique features. Some are more established than others and have more traffic while other sites specialize in certain game variants or tournament types. For example, some sites focus on high-stakes games while others cater to newbies or casual players. Some poker sites also have different user interfaces that can make your experience more enjoyable.