Poker is a game of skill over the long run and, for those who are willing to put in the work and invest the time to learn the game, it can be very profitable. It’s a difficult game to master, however and even the best pros have losing days along with their winning ones. Fortunately, with the development of technology and the internet, poker has moved beyond the back of smoky bars and casinos to the comfort of players’ homes and their computers.
The first thing to do when playing poker online is find a site that can be trusted. This means checking that it’s regulated by a gaming commission and uses top-of-the-line encryption to protect your financial information. You should also look for a variety of tournaments, different types of cash games and a generous bonus structure.
Once you’ve found a site to play at, you’ll need to create an account and deposit funds. Most sites will require you to submit some personal information, including your name, address, email and phone number. You’ll also be asked to set a user ID and password, which you’ll use every time you log in.
Most reputable poker websites will offer a free trial period before you decide to make a deposit. This is a great way to get used to the software and to see if you like it before committing any money. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and start playing poker with a friend.