Online poker is a great way to enjoy the game of poker without having to travel to a casino or card room. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before playing online poker for real money. First, make sure to choose a site that is licensed and regulated in your country. This will ensure that the site is operating properly, not using customer funds for their own purposes, and that they are fair to their customers. In addition, regulated sites are monitored by governing bodies that can assist you with any problems that may arise.

While online poker has become much more regulated in recent years, it is still possible to find unlicensed and unregulated poker rooms. These sites are often run by individuals or small companies that have little experience in running an online gambling business. They are also more likely to be rigged. Unfortunately, many of these players have lost significant amounts of money as a result of such operations. The good news is that these types of scandals are very rare when players stick to licensed and reputable poker sites.

One of the most important things to look for in an online poker site is whether or not it offers free games and tournaments. These are a great way to get a feel for the software and try out the different features of the site without risking any of your own money. They are especially useful for new players and can help you build up a bankroll before you play for real cash.

Another feature to look for in an online poker site is a bankroll chart that allows you to track your winnings over time. This can help you identify trends in your gameplay and see where you need to improve. For example, if you are not doing well from the button, you can use this information to change your strategy. This chart can be found on most poker sites and is an essential tool for any serious player.

A third feature to look for in an online poker site that is worth your time and money is a tracking program or poker HUD. These programs save your hand histories and provide you with a database of statistics on other players. This information can help you to understand how other players play and exploit their weaknesses. This is a huge advantage over those who do not use any type of tracking software.

Finally, you should choose an online poker site that offers rakeback to loyal players. Rakeback is a percentage of the rake that the poker site takes from each real-money pot. Most reputable sites will offer rakeback to their best and most loyal players. This is a great way to make more money and increase your chances of earning that elusive WSOP bracelet!