How to Get Started in Online Poker

Online poker is a booming industry with a wide variety of games and stakes. Players can play cash games, tournaments and even Sit & Go’s. Many poker sites offer a welcome bonus to new players and this can be an excellent way to get started.

Once you’ve decided to give online poker a try, it’s important to choose a reputable site. This is because you’ll be providing personal information like your name, address and date of birth to the site. You may also be asked to submit identification documents to prove your identity. These requirements vary from one poker site to the next but are generally fairly standard across the industry.

The most popular online poker sites use secure socket layer (SSL) technology to ensure your personal details remain confidential and that the transaction you make on the site is secure. Many poker sites also use a third-party software provider to verify player identity and prevent money laundering. These third-party providers have a wide range of security capabilities including anti-money laundering solutions, cyber security and fraud prevention.

Most online poker sites require players to download the software that they use to run their games. This software is lightweight and shouldn’t demand too much memory from your computer so you won’t be impacted if you have a slow connection. Once you’ve downloaded the software, you can then sign up for a player account. You will need to provide proof of age and ID and some sites may request that you scan a utility bill to further confirm your identity.