Online poker brings the traditional card game to a digital platform, and has quickly become one of the most popular forms of gambling. Players can access games through web browsers or dedicated apps on their computers and mobile devices. To play, users must have a legal betting age and must be physically in a state where it is legal to do so. Then they must create an account with the poker operator and provide some personal information. This will likely include their birth date, address and the last four digits of their social security number. Once registered, players can choose from a variety of different tournaments and cash games.
The best online poker sites have a wide range of options and offer a user-friendly interface. In addition, they must also be licensed by a gambling commission and utilize top-of-the-line encryption techniques to protect player data. They must also provide a high volume of traffic, which ensures that there are plenty of games to play and allows the site to profit from player investments without taking on additional risk.
In order to play online poker well, players must learn the rules and strategies of the game. Many books, websites and videos are available for free to help players get started. They should also practice and use a tracking software to analyze their games. By doing this, they will improve their understanding of game theory and develop a natural intuition for things like frequency counts and EV estimation. In addition, they should practice good sportsmanship and etiquette and manage their bankroll carefully.