The Basics of Online Poker

Online poker is a growing trend in the United States. This game allows people to play in real time against other players, and it’s also available to those who can’t visit live casinos.

The first states to pass online poker legislation were Nevada and Delaware. These laws only applied to players in these states, while others joined the multi-state compact.

There are two major categories of poker gaming: cash games and tournaments. Cash games are usually played when the player wants, and are the most common type of online poker. Tournaments require a player to enter a series of games, and they may take an entire day or more to complete.

When you start playing, you have to create an account with your chosen poker operator. This process involves filling out a form and providing some personal information. You’ll also need to download and install the appropriate software.

Some operators will ask you to provide additional documents to verify your identity. They might ask you to show a utility bill or your social security number. Depending on the site, you may have to convert funds before making a deposit.

Some sites offer no-deposit bonuses. These can be in the form of free cash or buy-ins to tournaments.

If you’re new to the game, it can be a good idea to sign up for a few freerolls before committing to real money play. These are free to join, and you’ll get a chance to win real money prize pools.