Whether you’re a poker pro or new to the game, you can play online poker for real money. Online poker is a popular game that is available to play from laptops, desktops, tablets, and even phones. It’s fun, easy to learn, and allows you to use your own money to play. In addition, most online sites offer tracking software, which gives you an idea of how you’re doing and where you’re winning or losing.

When you first start playing poker, you’ll need to sign up for an account with an online poker site. This will require you to give them your name, address, and date of birth. You’ll also need to provide a credit card or other payment method. Then you’ll need to deposit some of your own money into the account. You can either choose to use a cheque or wire transfer. Some poker sites will convert your funds at a lower premium than a bank would.

You’ll then need to download a poker software program onto your computer. Usually, this doesn’t take too long to download, but it will require a small amount of memory. Depending on the poker site, you may be asked to fill out additional documentation in order to verify your identity. In addition, some sites only accept U.S. dollars, while others will accept a variety of currencies.

You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old. Once you’ve deposited your money into your account, you’ll be able to begin playing. The best way to find an appropriate poker site is to ask friends or other poker players. You should be able to find an online site that offers a wide variety of games, perks, and tournaments. You should also check to see if the site is in your country.

Most online poker sites will offer a “starter” table, which is a level playing field for new players. You can usually find these tables in the “Cash Games” or “Sit & Go’s” sections of the online poker lobby. This table will have a smaller number of players, which may make for a less exciting experience.

If you’re new to the game, you should focus on playing as many hands as possible in the first few weeks of your online poker experience. It’s important to keep an eye on your win-rate and flop percentage. You’ll also want to check the times you’ve gone to a showdown.

It’s a good idea to set a budget and loss limit for your sessions. If you become too emotional, you might want to consider stopping a session when you reach your limits. In addition, you’ll need to check your session stats once you’ve finished playing to determine where you are winning and where you’re losing.

In order to withdraw your money, you’ll need to sign up for a poker withdrawal account. Some sites will ask for your social security number or other documentation in order to confirm your identity. In other cases, you’ll need to provide a utility bill.