The game of poker is one of the most popular online gambling options. Players love it for many of the same reasons they like live poker – it’s fun, intellectual, and can be thrilling. And unlike slots or the lottery, it rewards actual skill over the long term. You can play for free or real money, at any stakes you’d like from your computer or phone.
Almost all major poker sites offer some kind of real-money gaming. Some of them specialize in offering a wide range of tournaments, others in high-volume cash games, or offer satellite entries into some of the biggest live tournaments in the world. Some offer their own software while others use a third-party client to offer the best possible experience.
Some of the best online poker sites also offer a variety of ways for players to get started. Some will allow players to sign up with a credit card or bank account, while others may ask them to give up their social security number to protect their identity and prevent IRS tax return fraud. Whatever method you choose to use, it’s essential to pick a poker site that’s reputable and trustworthy.
Some of the top poker sites will offer a variety of different poker variations, but no-limit Texas Hold’em is the king. This is the game that famed poker pro Doyle Brunson calls “the Cadillac of poker.” It’s simple to learn but extremely difficult to master, which makes it a great choice for beginners.