Online poker exploded in popularity back in 2003, when a Tennessee accountant named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event. After winning the title, he took his game to the Internet and millions of Americans signed up for accounts.
There are many advantages to playing poker online. You can play at any time of the day or night, and you can practice your game to improve your skills. You can also play in tournaments with large prize pools, which can be very lucrative.
When choosing a site, make sure it’s licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming commission. Look for a website that promises to monitor gameplay and investigate any anomalies, such as player collusion or chip dumping. You should also check that a site has secure software to protect your personal information.
You can find several safe online poker sites that accept major credit cards and popular e-wallets. Some offer a branded Poker+ card, PayPal and Skrill, and others will let you use an ACH e-check, online banking or wire transfer. Most poker sites also don’t charge payout fees. However, withdrawals can take a little longer than deposits. Some poker sites even offer obscure games like 2-7 Lowball and Razz. These games aren’t as popular as Texas Hold’em, but you can still win big if you know how to play them well. A good strategy includes studying your opponents and learning the best ways to raise, call, or fold.