Poker has been a popular game for years in smoky bars and casinos but online poker has taken it to the next level. Players can now play poker from anywhere in the world and for any stakes from the comfort of their own homes. It’s a thrilling game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery and it can even be profitable in the long run.

The first thing you will need is an account with a good online poker site. There are plenty of sites to choose from and most of them have excellent security features. They use digital device fingerprinting to prevent unauthorized access and they make sure that new accounts are not being created in an attempt to circumvent existing account bans, restrictions or closures. In addition, they have excellent bonuses and promotions for their regular customers.

Once you’ve set up your account you’ll need a bankroll to start playing with. Remember that poker is a gambling game and it’s always possible to lose money. It’s also important to understand that a successful poker career requires dedication and many hours of play. So be sure to set aside a small amount of money for this purpose and only gamble with funds that you can afford to lose.

Once you’re comfortable with your bankroll you can then start looking at some of the more advanced online poker games. These include sit and go tournaments, cash games and the various special format games that most sites offer.