Online poker is a fast, exciting game that rewards real skill unlike slots and the lottery. Its popularity has soared since its launch two decades ago and the internet and mobile devices have helped drive it further into the mainstream. However, it is important to understand the legality and risks of playing online poker before you start. It’s crucial that you play at a site that offers a safe and secure environment and adheres to strict state laws and regulations. The top sites also offer a wide range of tournaments and cash games for all stakes.

The first step to playing online poker is downloading the software from your chosen website. This will usually take only a few minutes and is not very demanding on memory. You will then have to create a user account and deposit funds. This is done using one of the many available deposit methods. There may be age checks in place so you must be at least 18 years old or the minimum legal age to participate in the poker game.

Once you have your account established you can choose between playing live or virtual tables. Many players prefer to play live games because they can communicate with the other players and can watch their opponents. However, if you’re a beginner or just want to practice for fun, virtual tables are the best choice. They are easier to navigate and have fewer players.

It’s important to look for a poker site that offers high rakeback rates as this can really help you make money. The most common method for earning rakeback is through VIP programs that give you loyalty points that you can redeem for cash. However, if a poker site does not offer rakeback at all, this should be a red flag as it likely means that the company is not operating legally and is subject to heavy penalties from the state.

Aside from rakeback, you should also consider whether or not the poker room you’re considering has good graphics and a user-friendly layout. The site’s table software should be easy to read and use, with large buttons for betting. Ideally, it should also have an uncluttered interface so you can focus on your hands and the game itself.

Another consideration is the number of tables you can play at once. You’ll find that many online poker sites let you play multiple tables at once, which is a huge advantage over live poker. Multi-tabling can improve your profits because you’ll be able to fold your trash hands until you get a good one. This is especially useful if you’re playing against weak opponents.

If you’re a serious player, you should also use tools like PokerSnowie and Poker Copilot to help you analyze your opponents. These GTO poker solvers will give you a good starting point for a balanced strategy and can help you beat tough opponents once you reach higher stakes. Having these tools in your arsenal can make the difference between being a world class poker player and just being a mediocre player.