Using your computer or phone to play poker online is a popular way to enjoy the game. You will need to sign up for an account and download poker software to play the games. Some sites are free, while others require payment. You may be required to provide additional information to verify your identity.

Before you can start playing online poker, you need to make sure you are legal to do so. This means that you must be at least 18 years old. You will also need to verify your identity by providing your address and name. Your poker site may ask you to provide additional documentation, such as a utility bill, to prove that you are living at that address. The IRS also has a PIN for tax returns, which can be used to verify your identity online.

You will also need to download poker software, which will require a small amount of memory. Depending on the type of software you are using, you may need to wait a few minutes to download. You should also look for high quality graphics. The graphics on the screen make a big difference in the overall experience of playing poker. Poor graphics can hurt your eyes after a while.

During your first few weeks of playing poker online, it’s important to play as many hands as possible. This will give you a good idea of how much you’re winning and losing. It’s also a good idea to check your stats after playing. It’s also a good idea to set win and loss limits for yourself. You may also want to consider deciding to stop playing when you reach your limit.

Poker sites may also require you to sign up for a virtual bank account. This bank account will hold the money you have won or lost. You should also look for a virtual bank account that has many customers. This will help you earn more money per hour of play.

Some online poker sites offer signup bonuses. The bonuses are usually given to players when they first sign up, but most of them require you to play on the site. The bonuses are usually given based on how many frequent player points you have. You can also find bonus hunting sites that will let you earn money by collecting bonuses from different sites.

You may also want to look for websites that offer training. There are plenty of free sites online that will teach you how to play poker. There are also more expensive sites that offer professional training. It is also a good idea to network with other successful pros. You can also sign up for a site that offers video databases that feature famous poker pros. You can also purchase RunItOnce video databases.

There are hundreds of online poker sites that you can play at. You can find these sites by conducting an Internet search for the term “poker.” There are also poker books and strategy websites that will help you learn the game.