Online poker takes the game of poker to a new level, allowing players of all levels to play from home on any computer with a reliable Internet connection. You can find games for the smallest stakes (literally pennies) all the way up to satellite entries into the biggest live tournaments in the world. And you can do it all from your computer, laptop or mobile device — including tablets and smartphones.

If you’re thinking about trying your luck at online poker for real money, be sure to play only at sites that have strict consumer protections and are regulated in the states where they operate. It is also wise to stick with established brands rather than offshoots that may not follow a strict code of conduct and could potentially be shut down at any time.

To get started playing poker online, you’ll need to visit the poker site of your choice and create a user account. You’ll normally be asked to provide your name, address and phone number and you’ll also have to agree to the terms of service of the site. You’ll then be given a user name and password to log in, which is used to confirm your identity when you’re playing for money.

Once you’re logged in, the process of adding funds is relatively simple. Almost all sites offer secure deposit options and most accept the major credit cards. You’ll then be able to choose from a wide variety of different poker games and play at tables that suit your budget and skill level.

The most important thing to remember when playing online poker is that there are no fixed outcomes to the games. The cards that you’re dealt are selected at random by the computer, so they’re no more or less likely to be good than any other cards would be. The fact that you’re playing for real money means there are risks involved, but these are the same as when you’re gambling at a brick-and-mortar casino or race track.

While many people believe that online poker is rigged, the reality is that the game is completely fair. The best poker sites use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to select each card and the outcome of a hand. This system is designed to be as fair as possible for all players, regardless of the amount they’re betting.

Another great feature of the top online poker sites is their high traffic. This means that you can fire up your client and find a table to play on pretty much any day or night. This is an advantage over live gaming, which often has a limited schedule and can be difficult to find a game to play at certain times of the day.

A large player pool makes for softer opponents, which is a good thing for all types of players. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the game or a hard-core poker pro seeking to improve your skills, you’ll be able to do so at a reputable poker site that offers a wide range of games and has good customer support.