Online poker is the game of cards played over the internet or on a mobile device. It’s one of the fastest growing online gambling games, and is available to players in many countries. It’s a game of skill over the long haul, and top pros spend as much time studying their game as they do playing it. If you’re interested in learning how to play poker, there are a variety of online resources including free and low-stakes games, training sites, networking with successful pros, and video courses.

To start playing, choose a trusted poker site that accepts your preferred payment methods. Most poker websites also offer a mobile app for quick and easy access to your favorite game on the go. You’ll also need to be aware of any deposit and withdrawal limits, and any minimum wagering requirements.

Once you’ve chosen a poker site, it’s time to create an account. This can be done on the website or in the poker software itself. You’ll need to provide personal information like your name, address, phone number and email address, and will need to set a password and username. You’ll also need to agree to the poker site’s terms of service. It’s important to remember that you can only have one account, and creating multiple accounts is against the rules.

When choosing a poker site, look for a welcome bonus that will give you a jumpstart on your bankroll. This is usually in the form of a match bonus, but some poker sites will release bonuses based on how many hands you play, or through loyalty points. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions of each site to make sure that you’re clear on how the bonus is released, and when.

Another important consideration is whether the poker site offers a mobile version of its desktop software. This will allow you to play poker on the go, and is especially convenient if you have limited time to play. Many poker sites offer their mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, and some even have a desktop client that allows you to play on your laptop or computer.

Before you begin playing, it’s important to find a site that has plenty of traffic. This will ensure that you’re able to find a game quickly, and will make your overall experience more enjoyable. Look for a poker site with a large player pool, and plenty of different types of poker games.

It’s also a good idea to track your poker results, which can help you understand where your winning and losing money comes from. Most poker sites have built-in stats that can show you things like your win rate, number of flops seen and times you went to showdown. This can help you focus your poker strategy and improve your performance over time. In addition, you can find lots of independent poker tracking tools and apps that you can use to track your progress.