Online poker has become a huge industry in the States with New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware having legalized games since 2013. Pennsylvania is moving towards joining the fold as well.
There is also an increasing number of countries around the world that allow players to play real money online poker too. However, these sites are not regulated and operate without basic consumer safeguards and regulation. As such, many of them are more like an unlicensed casino than a safe poker room. This is why it’s important to find a reputable poker site that is licensed and regulated in the country in which you reside.
When it comes to real money online poker, you’ll generally want to find a site that offers a variety of different games and has plenty of traffic. A large player pool increases your chances of finding a game you enjoy and of winning money. In addition, higher-traffic poker sites tend to offer more promotions and bonuses for their players.
Once you’ve found a site that meets your criteria, it’s time to sign up. Most sites offer a quick and painless process that only takes a few minutes. You’ll have to provide some basic personal information such as your name, address and date of birth. Once you’ve completed this step you’ll be prompted to create a screen name. It’s essential that you choose a memorable moniker because you won’t be able to change it once you’ve created an account. It’s also a good idea to pick a password that is unique and not easily guessable.
If you’re a newbie, you should consider joining a poker site with a beginner table option. This will help you get a feel for the game and level the playing field with other players. Most poker sites will also have a Quick Seat option that lets you jump right into a game once one opens up. This is an invaluable tool for avoiding the long wait times that can be frustrating for beginners.
A good poker site will also have a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common questions. The FAQs will usually be organized into categories such as deposits, withdrawals, game rules, bonus programs and more. You should always refer to these before contacting customer support. The FAQs can help you save valuable time and avoid the frustration of a long call or email exchange.
Some online poker sites may require additional documentation to verify your identity. This is a standard procedure that helps protect your information and ensures the integrity of the gaming process. This will usually include a scan of your driver’s license or utility bill. Some sites even require a selfie of you holding your ID so they can verify that it’s really you.