When you play poker online, you’re playing against other players from all over the world. Some online poker sites are regulated and operate under strict government guidelines. Others operate outside the reach of the law and may not be safe to use. To avoid getting scammed, always make sure to play on a regulated site with strict age and identity checks. If you’re not yet of legal age to gamble, consider signing up for a free account with one of the many online poker sites that offer a trial period before you deposit any real money.
When choosing an online poker site, look for one that offers a large number of games and tournaments. This will ensure that there is always a game to play, and that you won’t have to wait long for a seat at the table. A large player base is also important, as it provides a variety of skill levels to choose from.
The software used by online poker sites should be simple and easy to use. It should have large, clearly labeled buttons to place bets, and a design that isn’t too crowded. It should also be mobile-friendly, so that you can play on your tablet or smartphone. Lastly, the poker site should be easy to navigate and have a secure connection.
Almost all online poker sites make their money by taking a percentage of each pot. This is called the rake, and some sites give back some of it to their players. This is known as rakeback, and it’s an important factor to consider when choosing a site. The best rakeback programs offer up to 40% of the rake collected, which is a huge amount of free cash!
Another consideration when choosing an online poker site is its bonus structure. Many sites offer sign-up bonuses that are worth up to $1,000. However, these bonuses are typically conditioned on a certain number of hands played or on the amount of frequent player points earned. Therefore, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of each site carefully.
If you’re a US citizen, check to see that the site is licensed by your state’s gaming regulator. You should also look for a lock icon on the homepage to ensure that your personal information is protected. Additionally, you should be wary of sites that feature players from other countries. This is considered fraud by the IRS and can result in a hefty fine. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use an online poker tool such as our Which Hand Wins Calculator to determine the outcome of each hand. This will help you avoid costly mistakes in the future.