Online poker is a game where players compete against other people from all over the world in real time and for real money. It’s a very exciting and fast paced game which can be played from any computer or mobile phone with an internet connection. This makes it a great way to earn some extra cash or just enjoy playing a few hands of poker with friends. It’s also an excellent option for new players who are just getting used to the pace and controls of the games.
Unlike some other casino games which can be addictive, online poker is not. It’s very easy to set limits on how much you can spend and when. This is especially true if you use one of the many online poker software tools which can help you stay within your budget. It’s also very convenient to play poker on the go as you can access your account from any computer or phone with an internet connection, at any time of day or night.
Another big advantage of online poker is the ease with which you can fund your account and withdraw winnings. There are many different methods available depending on your country, but most sites accept credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, third-party eWallets, bank wire transfers and even eChecks. It’s also very easy to play free games or enter tournaments which give you a chance to win real money before risking any of your own funds.
Before online poker became as popular and regulated as it is today there were some cheating scandals involving rogue employees and players. However, these days it’s pretty much impossible for a rogue employee to interfere with the outcome of an individual hand. Especially with the advent of random number generation which ensures that no hand can be rigged. This has led to a huge increase in trust amongst the vast majority of online poker players.
Aside from the fact that most online poker rooms are highly regulated, there is simply no reason for them to collude with certain players or make it easier for some people to win than others. The profits that online poker sites make are enormous and they would not want to risk their reputation, license or all-important cash flow for the sake of helping a few players to win more often than others.
When I first started to learn about poker in 2004 there was a very limited number of good poker forums and only a small number of books worth reading. But now there are an infinite number of poker forums to join, a seemingly endless list of poker programs you can try and hundreds of books about the game. It really is the golden age of poker learning and it’s never been so accessible for both casual players and serious professionals alike. Even the most experienced live players still take the time to learn new things about the game and improve their skills online.