Online poker is a fun, easy-to-play game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. It is also a great way to win real money from the comfort of your own home, in whatever stakes you choose. However, there are a few things you should know before you start playing.
First, make sure that you’re on a safe, secure site. Checking this will help you avoid scams and other issues that could put your account at risk. Additionally, look for a website with banking options you can use, including both deposits and withdrawals. The best sites will have a variety of these options, so you can find one that fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Another important feature to look for is rakeback. This is a way for poker sites to redistribute some of the money that they take from each real-money pot to their loyal players. It’s a great way to boost your bankroll and can make the difference between winning and losing.
It’s also a good idea to find a poker site that offers anonymous tables. This will protect your identity and make it easier for you to play the game you want. It’s also a great option for beginners, as it will prevent them from getting crushed by sharks while they’re still learning the game.
Lastly, you should look for a site with quality table software that’s easy to use. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many poker sites fall short on this front. You want software that is visually appealing, but also has a clean interface that’s easy to navigate. You don’t want flashy animations or 3D graphics that are distracting and can cause you to miss critical information in the game.
There was a time not so long ago when the contrast between live and online poker players was stark. You’d hear stories of “live pros” venturing into the world of online poker and failing miserably, complaining that it wasn’t “real” poker. Today, though, there is much more overlap, with most top players at least dabbling in both.
Regulated online poker returned to the United States in 2013 after a legal battle on multiple fronts. This included a court decision that the Wire Act does not apply to online gambling, which would allow states to join interstate poker compacts. However, the DOJ’s attempt to appeal and overturn this decision put multi-state poker back on hold for a while. Eventually, however, the DOJ decided not to pursue this option, and in 2022 Michigan became the first state to join the compact. This was a huge step in the right direction for regulated online poker in the US.