Online poker has been around for decades, but after Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 victory at the World Series of Poker it really became popular. This led to a boom in the number of unregulated sites accepting players from the United States. Unfortunately, that was short-lived as the UIGEA forced a large number of these sites to pull out of the market. However, some of the big guns were able to hold on and found ways to work within the new rules.
The first thing to remember about online poker is that it’s a very different game than playing at your local card room. While the basic rules are the same, you won’t be able to read anyone’s physical tells as easily since you’ll usually be playing against strangers. The good news is that you can still size up your opponents by observing their betting patterns.
One of the most important things to look for in an online poker site is the quality of the software. It should be reliable and easy to use and have plenty of customization options. For example, Ignition Poker has a great customizing feature that lets you choose the color of your cards and table layout. You should also make sure the site offers secure deposit and withdrawal options that work with your bank account.
Another important factor to consider when choosing an online poker site is the variety of games available. A reputable site will have a range of games including traditional poker, video poker and lottery-like games such as scratchcards and bingo. Many of these sites will even offer live dealer tables where you can play poker with a real person sitting at the table.
It’s also a good idea to check out the tournament schedule at the poker site you’re considering. Many of the major poker sites host tournaments throughout the week and the prize pools can be quite generous. These tournaments are also a great way to get started in the game and meet some of the more experienced players.
Finally, it’s worth checking the site for customer support. The best poker sites will have a dedicated support team that is ready to help you with any questions or issues you may have. These staff members will be able to answer any questions you might have about the site’s bonuses, promotions and general rules.
While it’s possible to find a great poker site in any country, you should pay special attention to state and federal laws before signing up. While it is legal to play in some states, you’ll need to know what you’re doing if you want to avoid fines or other penalties. Also, be sure to play on a regulated site that accepts your preferred method of payment.