Unlike many games on the internet, poker is a regulated game in the United States. There are rules in place that prevent sites from taking a lot of risk with the money of their clients. This is good news for poker players in the United States, as it allows them to play for real money without the fear of losing their bankroll.

Before you can get started, you need to sign up with a poker site. Some of these sites are free, while others will require you to deposit some money first. The most common banking options are credit and debit cards, though some sites will let you deposit via email. You may also have to provide additional documentation to prove your identity.

Most poker sites will offer a welcome bonus. This is usually a match bonus, which means that the site matches a percentage of the amount you deposit. This can vary depending on the poker site and the country you live in. Typically, the most common type of welcome bonus is a small cash bonus. It’s a good idea to choose a site that offers a match bonus, as you’ll earn more in the long run.

Online poker is a lot faster than live poker, and you can log a lot more hands. But it’s not always the most effective use of your time. It’s important to remember that playing too many hands at once can be boring. It’s also best to avoid playing weak hands. This can be accomplished by understanding your rankings and using the right strategies.

Other things to consider when choosing a poker site include the licensing information. Some sites will require you to provide your social security number before you can play for real money. Other sites, like bovada, are entirely anonymous and you won’t need a hud. You can also look into the sites’ fish to reg ratio. Some of the sites that you should consider include wsop, 888, and bwin. Some sites will even give you free money credits. This is a great way to test the waters.

If you’re a US player, you might have to wait a few days for your cash to be processed. This can be frustrating, but it’s not something you have to worry about if you’re using an offshore site. Other poker sites have found ways around this issue. Some will automatically send you a verification email, which includes a link to verify your account.

The biggest thing to look for when choosing a poker site is whether they will allow you to cash out your winnings. Some sites will require you to wait weeks before you can get your money, while other sites will give you cash immediately. If you’re looking to cash out your money, the odds are that the site you chose will be one of the less expensive options.

When signing up with a new poker site, you may want to check out the software. Some of the better sites will have free poker software, which includes hand database programs and quizzes to help you learn the game. You can also check out Hold’em Manager 3, which overlays the poker table on your computer screen and provides a good overview of the basics of the game.