Online poker is a popular and exciting game that can also help you earn handsomely over time if played well. However, it does require patience and dedication to learn the nitty-gritty of the game. Having a strategy in place is key. It also helps to track your progress over time so that you can see where you’re winning and losing.
A good online poker site should offer comprehensive game variety, a wide range of buy-in rates and competitive tournament fields. It should also offer multiple ways to withdraw funds and should have a friendly, easy-to-use UI that’s compatible with all major browsers and operating systems. The best sites are also highly regulated, meaning that your money is safe and secure.
Most legal US poker sites use “fenced-in” markets that allow players from specific states to compete against each other. Any site that allows players from other countries does not comply with federal law and should be avoided.
Licensed poker sites are also governed by strict gaming regulations and are regularly audited to ensure that player accounts, money and information are safe. They also employ teams of security experts to ward off threats. They use the most aggressive Transport Layer Security encryption software to protect your financial details at all times.
Players should also look for a site with multiple ways to fund their accounts, including credit card and PayPal deposits. Some sites also offer a cash payout option via a casino partner. The best online poker sites will also allow you to track your hands and results with a free poker stats program or similar app. These programs can save, sort and recall hand histories and scan active tables for players with whom you’ve previously played and display previous statistics next to their name (also known as a heads up display or HUD).