If you want to play real money online poker, you need to sign up with an online poker site. Most sites will require you to provide certain forms of identification in order to withdraw funds. Some will ask for a photo ID, utility bill, or other documents that show your identity. These documents will help the site verify your identity and your address.

If you’re a beginner, you should consider a site that is geared towards recreational players, like Bovada and Bet365. These sites have a variety of poker tables, including beginner-friendly tables and lower stakes. If you’re an advanced player, you can join sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt, but be careful not to join too many at once.

In addition to the benefits of online poker, it also has its downsides. Online poker sites are more vulnerable to fraud, as collusion between players is easier to arrange online. This has led to increased anti-fraud measures. For instance, many online poker websites now check players’ computer IP addresses to identify if they’re playing from multiple locations. This can prevent multiple players from using the same computer, and can cancel a player’s login once they discover the real identity of the player.

When playing online poker for real money, it’s important to choose a site that allows you to play anonymously. This can prevent your opponents from tracking you. Some online poker sites also allow you to play in an anonymous table. This is good for new players, as it keeps them out of the shark-infested waters.