Poker is a game that rewards real skill, unlike slots or the lottery. It’s fun, intellectual and can be thrilling. Online poker takes this to the next level by making it possible to play for any stakes from anywhere in the world at any time of day or night. It’s even legal in some US states now.

The first thing to consider when choosing a poker site is whether or not it’s licensed and trustworthy. A licensed site means that it’s regulated by an authority and has agreed to certain standards. It also must have security measures in place to protect your personal information and transactions. It should also have easy-to-use software that allows you to make decisions quickly and easily.

After registering with a poker site you’ll need to deposit money. Most sites offer a variety of deposit options including credit cards, pre-paid cards and e-wallets. Some accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as well. In some cases players can even withdraw winnings with a wire transfer.

Before you start playing for real money it’s a good idea to try the games out for free. All major poker sites have so-called “play money tables” where you can practice the rules and learn how the software works without risking any money. It’s also a great way to find out what you like or don’t like about a particular poker site.

It’s also important to choose a poker site with a user-friendly table software interface. The best sites feature large, easily identifiable buttons for betting and a clean layout that makes it easy to navigate. They should also have a chat facility where you can talk to other players while you’re playing. This is particularly useful if you’re playing at night or in a noisy environment where you can’t hear your opponents clearly.

Most poker sites also feature statistics and tracking tools to help you improve your game. This will let you see how much you’re winning and losing per hand and which hands are giving you trouble. Using these stats can help you determine which strategy is working and which one isn’t. Some of these stats will be available on the table while others can be accessed in the player lobby.

Another thing to look for in a poker site is a variety of poker games. While many people still play the most popular ones, like Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, it’s a good idea to try your hand at some of the more obscure variations. For example, 2-7 Lowball, Razz and Badugi are all worth considering.

If you’re ready to give poker a try you can register for a free account with any of the top poker sites. Once you’ve done that, you can check out the promotions and bonuses on offer. While some of these may have specific requirements like a minimum wager amount or a certain number of hands played, most do not. However, you should always read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming a bonus or promotion.