What Is Online Poker?

Online poker is a card game played over the internet and available to players in states where it is legal. To play, players must first sign up with a site that offers real money games and create a username and password. Once registered, players can then deposit funds and begin playing. The best online poker sites offer a variety of different gaming formats including cash games, Sit ‘N Go events and tournaments. Players can also find promotions such as 24/7 freerolls, VIP programs and cryptocurrency bonuses.

The game of poker first became popular when a Tennessee accountant named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003. Poker was then featured in countless TV shows and millions of people wanted to try their hand at the game.

Once the internet was able to accommodate the demand, many companies began offering online poker. Despite the federal government’s attempts to limit online gambling, including UIGEA in 2006, the game continued to thrive.

Although the rules of the game remain the same whether playing at home or at a regulated online poker room, there are some differences between the two types of poker. For example, while physical tells are important in live poker, online poker does not allow players to read each other’s body language. Instead, players must use other methods to size up their opponents, such as paying attention to the betting patterns of previous hands.

Many online poker sites employ security personnel who can view player and pattern history and check the computer IP addresses of players in order to prevent collusion between players. Moreover, the security systems of online poker sites are constantly improving and becoming more sophisticated.