Online poker is a card game that is played over the internet. It can be played for real money or play-money. There are various popular variations of the game, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Players compete against other players in tournaments and cash games. Online poker is an excellent way to practice and improve your skills without risking your own money. It is important to choose a reputable online poker site and follow the registration process.

Online poker sites offer a variety of deposit options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and virtual banking apps. Most of these services are secure and use SSL encryption to protect players’ private information. Some online poker sites also accept checks and MoneyGram transactions. However, these methods take longer to process than using a credit card.

Once you have a poker account, you can log into the ring game lobby and find the tables that suit your skill level and budget. Most sites categorize the games by cash game, sit and go tournaments, and whatever other special format tournaments they run. Beginners should start with cash games and then move on to small-stakes tournaments. Most sites also have “beginner” tables that limit the number of skilled players seated with new players.

Another key consideration is the amount of rake charged by the poker site. This is the cost that the operators or house collects on each pot and it adds up quickly when you play a lot of hands. A good online poker site will display this in the lobby along with other relevant details, including payout structure.