Poker online is the game of poker played over the Internet. You can play for real money or for free, and you can choose to participate in tournaments, sit-and-gos or cash games.

The best sites offer big bonuses and rewards. Those who have never played poker before will want to sign up at a site with a great “starter” package. This is a good way to learn the rules of the game and get used to it.

Most sites have “beginner” tables, which are designed to give newcomers a chance to play at a low level while still learning the game. Players can also start at higher stakes after they’ve gotten the hang of the game.

Before signing up for a poker site, it’s a good idea to read the terms of service. Find out whether the site has an SSL encryption and other security features. Also, find out if it has a privacy policy, so you can be assured that your data won’t be mishandled.

Depending on the poker site, you’ll need to open a virtual bank account. Some sites accept third-party eWallets, while others accept bank transfers and cheques in the mail.

Poker online is available in the United States, but there are some states that do not allow it. It’s important to check the laws in your state before playing. Typically, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to play.

The most competitive online poker players are playing against a larger pool of opponents. That’s because more people are participating. Adding more players to the pool means more revenue for the sites.