Online poker is a game of cards played over the Internet and in which players compete for real money. Whether you’re a professional or a casual player, there are plenty of sites to choose from. Some offer free games but the best are those that let you play with real money.

Many of the same games you can find in live casinos and bars are available on the Internet, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Stud. There are also tournaments and cash games with different stakes. To play real money poker you need to be located in a state that regulates the industry and register at an online poker site.

You can use your credit card, debit card or e-wallet to deposit funds into your account at an online poker site and withdraw them when you want. Some even allow you to use cryptocurrency. The most popular way to play is at a regulated poker site that offers the same software used in major casino establishments. These sites process thousands of secure transactions every day and are monitored by government and financial bodies to ensure game integrity and safe transfers for players.

In the United States a resurgence of regulated online poker began in 2013 with New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware launching regulated rooms. The resurgence was short-lived though and the DOJ’s reinterpretation of the Wire Act effectively cut off the US market from the rest of the world. This was known as Black Friday and it took several years for the game to recover.

One of the biggest advantages of online poker is that you can play on any device, from your smartphone or tablet to your laptop or PC. The game is relatively light on your computer’s memory so most modern devices can run it with ease. In addition, there are online poker apps for iOS and Android phones that you can download for a convenient way to play on the go.

Another great advantage of online poker is that you can track your results. You can check your session stats, win rate and number of flops seen to get a full picture of how you are doing. This is particularly useful for tournament players who can see how well they are doing against other players. Most online poker sites provide their own tracking but you can also use third-party tools to get more detailed data.

The online poker world is constantly changing so it is important to stay up to date on the latest news and developments. You can do this by following a few key poker blogs or following the sites themselves on social media. There are also lots of forums where you can discuss the game with other players. The online poker community is very helpful and can provide you with tips and advice on how to improve your game. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, you can always learn something from the experienced players in the game.