To play online poker, first of all, you need to download the poker software from the poker site you are interested in. It should take only a few minutes and is usually virus-free. Once downloaded, you’ll need to set up an account. It’s best to create only one account. Multiple accounts are against the rules and will result in you being banned from the poker site. Depending on the poker site, you can also play for real money.

Whether you choose a downloadable or instant-play poker site, make sure the software is stable and easy to use. A poor quality software will result in a frustrating session, particularly during a bad run of luck. In the early days of online poker, software instability was an issue, but today, this problem is rare. However, downloadable software is recommended, as the graphics will be higher quality.

Lastly, find a poker room that offers a good VIP program. These programs can include cash back, insurance, tourney seats, prizes, and expedited support. You’ll also want to make sure the site offers fair games. While it’s tempting to join lower tier poker rooms for the best bonuses, they are likely to rip you off. To avoid this, sign up with a top-tier poker room.

Although online poker is popular in the USA, it is still illegal in many states. Fortunately, many offshore online poker rooms accept US players, and are fully licensed and secure. As of January 2021, six states have legalized online poker. You can find many legal options for playing online poker in the USA by using a poker legality guide.

Before there was regulation, online poker wasn’t as popular as it is now. There were rogue employees who cheated on players and won huge sums of money. The scandal led to a significant loss of money for many players, but it was eventually recouped by players. With the help of licensing, cheating scandals were virtually eliminated. This has led to a great deal of growth in the online poker industry.