Online poker is a card game where players wager money and compete against one another. It’s a fun and social game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. People enjoy playing this interesting card game in the comfort of their homes, and the best online poker sites allow players to play for real money at a time and stakes of their choosing.
Getting started with online poker is relatively easy. All you need is a computer or laptop with enough processing power and memory to run the poker software. Most online poker sites will also offer mobile apps for iPhones and Android devices. Depending on the site there may be minimum and maximum deposit amounts, but most accept credit or debit cards. You can even deposit cash through services like MoneyGram, Zelle or electronic banking apps such as Payz.
In the United States there are a number of state-licensed online poker sites. These operate under state jurisdiction and have a large player pool. The Multi-State Gaming Compact allows players from signatory states to compete against each other. The addition of New Jersey and the pending arrival of Pennsylvania will further increase this pool.
The best online poker sites will often offer bonus money to players for signing up and making a first deposit. This free play is a great way to start playing for real money and can help players build a bankroll quickly. These bonuses are usually released in increments over the course of a few weeks and will require that you play a certain amount of hands.