Online poker is played on a computer. It is a form of gambling, and it has helped to drive the number of poker players worldwide to an all-time high. It is legal in some countries, but it is not yet regulated in the United States. However, it may become legal within the next year.

To play poker online, you first need to register for an account. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, social security number, and address. Some sites will require you to submit a utility bill, too. The site will use the information to verify your identity.

You will also need to make a deposit into your account. Most sites will offer instant deposits. If you are unable to make a deposit, you can pay by credit card or wire transfer. You can typically withdraw money in one to three business days. Most sites will require that you use a credit card, but some accept Bitcoin or Intertops.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll want to learn some basic poker rules. You should also check out some common high-ranking hands. For example, if you’re playing No Limit Texas Hold’em, you should watch for a flush.

When you’re ready to start playing, you can choose between the free games offered on many sites or opt for real money. Unlike live poker, playing online is much faster. You can generally finish a hand in under an hour, and you can play multiple tables. This means you can get more hands per hour than you would at a brick-and-mortar casino. The downside to this is that you will have a higher variance, which can lead to bigger losses in the short-term.

If you’re looking for a little more variety in your games, you might want to consider the progressive bounty tournaments offered by BetOnline. These tournaments include single re-entry, hyper-progressive options, and turbo tournaments. The site also offers short-deck poker, so you don’t have to worry about having a whole deck to work with.

You can also play in freeroll tournaments, which are a great way to win some extra cash. These tournaments tend to be small-stakes, so it’s not easy to win large amounts of money. But if you’re a novice player, they can be a great way to learn the game and pick up some of the more advanced strategies. Depending on the type of tournament you play in, you might even be able to win a seat in a real-life poker tournament!

Finally, you should also remember to play at your own risk. There is always the possibility that you’ll get a bad beat, and the odds of this happening are significantly higher on the internet. In addition, some sites may be more likely to expose you to fraudsters, so be careful when choosing a site.

Ultimately, online poker is a fun and convenient way to enjoy a game of poker. If you’re looking for a new hobby, or a way to save some money on gas, then you should give it a try.