Poker Online is a card game in which players place bets on the outcome of the hands they play. The goal is to win by having the highest-ranked hand at the end of the deal. While the rules vary slightly between different poker variants, all share a similar structure. Players start with two cards, called hole cards, and then receive community cards in three stages: a flop, the turn, and the river. A player who has the best five-card hand wins the pot.

While many people associate online poker with smoky bars and casinos, the game is now available in the comfort of your own home. It’s safe to play poker for real money as long as you choose a legitimate casino site that is licensed, regulated, and audited by a third party. Legitimate casinos also encrypt player transactions with SSL technology and offer secure banking options.

Once you’ve found a reliable poker site, the process of registering begins with an account. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, email address, cell phone number, and residential address as well as a password and username. You may be asked to verify your identity by uploading a few scanned documents as well. Most poker apps can check this information automatically, but if not, you’ll need to manually send in a copy of your government-issued ID.

The top poker sites also offer a variety of promotions and bonuses for new players. Welcome bonuses can match a percentage of a player’s initial deposit or even double it. The best online poker sites also offer reload bonuses, which are a way to reward loyal players. These rewards can include additional bankroll, tournament tickets, or loyalty points that can be redeemed for extra cash.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive increase in traffic on online poker sites, as recreational and professional players shift to the virtual tables. Some have estimated that traffic is up by as much as tenfold compared to usual levels. The reason is simple: With live poker venues closing and sports events on hiatus, more players are turning to their computers for their poker fix.