Online poker is a popular and fun game. It allows people to play for real money without leaving their home or office. You can play on computers, smartphones and tablets. To start playing, you need to register a player account with an online poker site. The site will ask you for your personal information, such as your full name, age and social security number.

You will also need to download the site’s poker software. It should be a small download that doesn’t take too long. Once you’ve downloaded the software, it should be easy to sign up. However, if you want to be safe, make sure you sign up with a reputable site that is licensed. These sites are monitored by a government body, which ensures the integrity of the game.

The main attraction of online poker is playing for real money. There are several options available for staking your money, and you can also enjoy tournaments that offer free entry. Usually, the site will alert you when it’s your turn to act. Generally, you’ll need to buy in at least 50 times in order to participate in tournaments. Most US poker sites will accept e-checks, bank transfers and third-party e-Wallets.

Most poker sites offer tracking. This feature will allow you to see how many hands you’ve played, how many flops you’ve seen, how much you’ve lost and more. This is a helpful tool for casual players, as it can provide insight into where your money is going.

Some sites, like Ignition Poker, allow you to play anonymously. This is a great option if you’re concerned about being tracked by a shark. But if you’re serious about poker, you’ll need to find a site that offers Heads Up Displays.

You’ll also need to make a deposit into your account. The most common method is to use an e-check. A few other options include credit card payments, wire transfers and check-in-the-mail. Most sites will process your withdrawals quickly. You should also make sure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for cash games, as you’ll need them if you plan on playing in tournaments.

The best way to learn how to play online poker is by signing up with a poker training site. This can provide you with free information about the game and give you a chance to meet other pros. There are also a few books out there that offer tips and tricks for a successful game. One of the more popular books is Harrington on Hold’em, a book that has become a classic.

Another useful feature is a Quick Seat, which takes you to a table when it’s ready. There are also freerolls, which are tournaments that are offered by specific clubs or groups. There are even apps for iOS, Android and smart phones. There are also real money options for these, as well as tablet versions.

While the best way to get started is by registering a poker player account, there are some things you’ll need to consider first. The biggest one is that you’ll need to be at least 18 years old. Some sites will require you to verify your age with a utility bill or other documentation.