Whether you’re looking to play online poker from your desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First, you should have a valid credit card. If you don’t, you won’t be able to make a deposit.
Next, you’ll need to find an online poker site to join. You can look for a newbie table, which will level the playing field for beginners. Most sites offer this option. It’s also a good idea to ask your friends or family for suggestions. In some cases, you might be able to find a regional poker site with a tighter community. You can even get a bonus for signing up.
The real fun comes when you start playing for real money. Most sites offer a sign-up bonus, which can range from an instant free $10 to a massive $1,000 bonus. You can get even more free cash by searching for special perks and bonuses. Some sites even have free poker schools to help you learn how to play better.
You’ll need to use your credit card to deposit money into your account. Some sites will let you transfer the money to your bank account, while others will charge you a fee for doing so. If you’re a US player, you may have to wait a few days to receive your payout. Fortunately, many poker sites will refund your fees in full or in part.
When you’re ready to actually play, you’ll need to download the correct poker software. You can find this online or by asking a friend for a recommendation. There are a few different programs you can choose from, including hand database programs and quizzes. The latter will be the most useful, because it will give you a quick rundown of your hand history and odds.
There’s also a quick start option, which can be handy if you’re a newbie. This feature allows you to select the game, the stakes and a specific number of players. You can also stop playing at any time by closing the browser window.
You should also check the regulations for your particular jurisdiction. Some states have passed laws to regulate online gambling. This can be a good thing, since it prevents unlicensed operators from taking advantage of their members. You might also want to check the licensing of the site you’re considering. There are a number of poker sites that don’t have licenses in all states, so you might want to avoid them.
While the internet is awash with poker information, it’s always a good idea to do a bit of reading up. You should be able to find a poker strategy website or book, which will tell you all about the most useful tricks of the trade. However, you should stick with the websites that cover the basics. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when faced with all the options. Fortunately, most sites do a decent job of explaining the ins and outs of the game.