If you enjoy playing poker for money, you may want to try playing online poker. Some websites are designed for recreational players, while others are geared more toward professionals. Online poker sites such as Bovada and Full Tilt provide a variety of games to suit any type of player. Many offer low-stakes games and beginner tables, so recreational players can learn the ropes and get their foot wet in the game.

To find a great online poker site, you need to be aware of some factors, which will help you make the right decision. The primary factor is the currency used. Most US poker players avoid converting currencies, which can lead to bad results. It is also important to keep the poker site’s policies and procedures in mind, as well as its reputation.

Another major benefit to playing online is its speed. Online poker games play much faster than live games, and some people prefer this because live poker can get tedious and slow. An average online poker game deals about sixty hands per hour, or more in short games. In addition, multi-table play enables players to play more hands per hour than they can in a live game.

Once you’ve chosen an online poker site, the next step is to download the necessary software. Most sites take a couple of minutes to download, and are virus-free. Once you’ve downloaded the software, you’ll need to create an account. However, you should note that you can only open one account per site. This is to avoid multi-accounting, which may lead to permanent ban from the poker site.

Online poker began in 1998. Before that, players in the United States were limited to playing the game at offshore sites. Often, they would register at a site that was located offshore, but wouldn’t be able to deposit money into their account. Eventually, a handful of offshore sites emerged that accepted players from the US.

Regulatory hurdles continue to hinder online poker. However, some states, like Michigan and West Virginia, have legalized the game. More states are preparing to pass legislation to regulate online poker. While there are still many uncertainties, there is no need to be depressed about the legality of online poker in the United States. With more states catching on to this trend, it should not take too long for legal poker to get underway.

If you want to play real money poker, one of the best sites to check out is Bovada Poker. Bovada is a great option for US residents looking for quality software and secure payouts. If you’re new to online poker, you should check out Bovada’s tutorials and FAQs to get familiar with the site.

Another great place to play poker online is Ignition Poker. This site offers real-money tournaments and the largest selection of online poker tournaments. Its client is packed with features and allows mobile access.