Online poker became a global phenomenon after Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2002 for just $86. Since then, the game has exploded with a plethora of websites offering a variety of tournaments and cash games. Choosing the right one is important because the only thing holding you back in this game is your skill level, so it’s best to play as many hands as possible. To help, we have compiled a list of the top poker sites with a high volume of traffic and a diverse range of games.
When choosing a poker site it’s important to consider your location and the laws in your area. Most sites use an IP address check and/or triangulation via cell phone towers to determine if you’re in a legal state. If you’re not, the website will block you from entering.
Once you’ve found a site, sign up for an account and deposit funds into it. Any money you win is added to your balance while any losses will be deducted from it. The best poker sites have an easy to navigate lobby with the games categorized by cash games, tournaments, Sit & Go’s, and whatever special format games the site runs. Some of them also feature beginner tables where you’ll be seated with players who classify themselves as beginners.
Managing your poker bankroll is important to avoid financial stress and burnout. It’s recommended to set a budget, understand poker as entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity, and monitor your wins and losses to ensure that you don’t lose more than you can afford to lose.