Unlike live poker, which is usually played against other people, online poker is a virtual game. You can play it on your computer, phone, or tablet. You can play for free, or play with real money. However, before you can play for real money, you will need to create an account.

When you sign up for an online poker site, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and social security number. You may also be asked to verify your identity through a utility bill or other documentation. In addition to your information, you will be required to download poker software. The software will allow you to track your hands and show you odds. The software will also save the history of your hand play. If you’re a novice, you might want to start by playing free games.

You’ll need to decide what stakes you want to play at. Almost all online poker sites offer a “beginner” table for new players. This is a good choice because it will level the playing field for you. In addition, most sites allow you to start playing immediately without waiting for a seat at the game.

Most online poker sites offer tracking, so you can keep track of your results. You can also find out how long it’ll take to withdraw your money. Typically, withdrawals are processed quickly. You can choose to withdraw through a wire transfer or cheque, depending on your region. Some poker sites will convert your funds at a lower premium than banks do. You may also be able to receive a reload bonus. These bonuses usually require another deposit, but they usually have the same terms as a first-time bonus.

You can play online poker for free, or for real money. Depending on your bankroll, you can also choose to play with low stakes first. This can be a great way to get the hang of the game, and learn a little about bluffing. However, you should make sure to budget your money and set a bankroll that will cover potential losses. You don’t want to overdraft your bankroll, or exhaust it before you’re ready. It’s also important to remember that you can’t multi-account on online poker sites. This means you can’t withdraw from more than one account at the same time. This can be dangerous, because it could lead to a permanent ban from the poker site.

You will also need to set up a virtual bank account. Some online poker sites will allow you to use credit cards, debit cards, or checks, while others will require that you convert your funds before you can deposit them. This means you might not have as many options as you do at a live poker table. You will also need to choose a virtual bank account that has many customers.

You should also set a budget for yourself before you play poker online. It is important to understand that there are more bad beats online than at live poker tournaments. If you don’t want to lose your bankroll, it’s a good idea to learn a bit about the game before you start playing. You can also check out some free poker strategy sites.