Online poker is an activity where participants play poker via a computer or mobile device connected to the internet. The game is played by individuals from all over the world who use their home computers to connect to a poker room and compete for real money prizes. The game has grown in popularity over the past decade as more states legalize and allow players to gamble from the comfort of their own homes.

The first thing that sets online poker apart from the live version is its speed. The games are conducted at a much quicker pace, and players are given the chance to play more hands than they would in a live game. This allows the game to be played at all hours of the day and night, and also means that players can play against a wider variety of opponents.

Moreover, online poker has many more rules and variations than the live version of the game. For example, a player can play different types of poker variants such as heads-up, full ring, six- and eight-max, bomb pot, and short stack. In addition, there are several tournament options including freezeouts, re-entry, bounty knockout, super turbo, and satellite. Ultimately, this allows the game to cater to the needs of all types of poker players.

It was not long ago that the divide between “live” and “online” poker players was quite stark, with some top pros belonging to one group and ignoring the other (while complaining that online poker wasn’t “real poker”). Today, however, there is more and more overlap between the two groups, with many top players at all skill levels playing both online and live.

In order to be a legitimate online poker operator, a site must hold a number of different licenses. These include a UK Gambling Commission license, which is a key sign of quality. Other European licensing authorities include the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, eGaming Malta, and ARJEL in France. These licenses are important because they give players confidence that the poker site is trustworthy and offers fair games.

The first major setback for the industry came in 2011 when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed by Congress. This legislation targeted the flow of funds that fueled online gambling, and it effectively forced many companies to shut down by making it illegal for banks to process payments related to the activity. Some operators were able to continue operating in spite of this, but the industry suffered significantly.

While the legality of online poker is constantly changing, most US states currently permit it. The biggest markets include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Those states are all expected to generate substantial revenue from the activity. Additionally, the introduction of innovative technology has made online poker more accessible to players by allowing them to play through video platforms such as Twitch. Eventually, this will allow even more people to enjoy the game.