Online poker takes the popular card game and cranks it up a notch by making it easy for anyone to play, from anywhere, at any time, for a fraction of the cost of a live casino trip. It’s a fun, intellectual game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. It can even be lucrative. Online poker is available for real money in many countries, including the USA.

To get started, first find a site that accepts players from your jurisdiction. Then, review the banking methods available for adding and withdrawing funds. Many poker sites accept a variety of major credit and debit cards as well as e-checks and third-party eWallets. You should also look for minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts as well as any fees per transaction.

When logging into an online poker site, you will likely be asked to create a screen name and password. Make sure to choose a moniker that you won’t mind using since you won’t be allowed to change it later. You will also be required to verify your identity at some point which may involve sending in a government-issued ID and proof of address.

To maximize your chances of winning, practice good bankroll management. Never risk more than you can afford to lose in a single session and always keep track of your results. Fortunately, online poker sites offer their own built-in tracking to help you analyze your performance.