Online poker is a game played on the Internet, rather than at your local card room. It is highly regulated in the states that offer it and offers players the ability to make real money. You can play in a variety of formats including cash games, Sit ‘N Go events and tournaments. The game of poker has gained huge popularity since it was first introduced to the Internet, partly due to the fact that it can be played from a home computer with a high speed internet connection.

The rules of online poker are largely the same as those that apply at your hometown casino, but there is a little bit more skill involved. Online poker requires a different set of skills, as you must learn how to read your opponents without their physical tells. This can be difficult for new players, but it is possible with practice.

The best way to get started playing poker online is to sign up for an account with a reputable site. Most sites will ask you to provide your name, address and email address. After this, you will need to create a username and password. Once you have completed this, you can deposit funds into your account. Most of the major online poker sites allow you to use your credit or debit card for deposits. Be sure to take note of the minimum and maximum deposit amounts as well as any fees associated with each transaction. Also look for a banking method that works both ways so that you can add and withdraw funds quickly and easily.