Online poker is a fast-growing part of the gambling industry, offering players from all over the world the opportunity to play for real money in the privacy of their own homes. The game is regulated by state laws and provides a safe environment for players to wager. Most reputable sites offer a range of betting options, including cash games and tournaments.

The software used by an online poker site should be speedy and user-friendly. Look for a clean interface that doesn’t distract from the game itself, with large buttons and an easy to navigate lobby. A good user experience will allow you to quickly find and join games that suit your skill level. Some sites also offer rakeback programs, which can make the difference between break-even and making money.

A trustworthy online poker site will protect your money and your personal information from hackers or other security breaches. They will use a variety of secure payment methods to deposit and withdraw funds. Some also offer a paper check option for payouts, which can be deposited at casino partners’ cashier cages. They will never intermingle your player account funds with operator or casino accounts, and will always keep your money separate.

In the US, online poker has been a state-by-state affair since the infamous Black Friday in April 2011, when the Obama DOJ used the Wire Act to prosecute a handful of operators. The Trump administration has clarified that the law doesn’t apply to online gambling, which is a positive step for the future of multi-state poker.