Poker is one of the most popular casino games available online, where players wager real money on a game of chance. The game can be played for cash, or players can compete in tournaments for the opportunity to win satellite entries into live events around the world. The games can be played on desktop computers, laptops or mobile devices.

The game’s history can be traced back to the late 1990s when online poker began. The first online poker site was Planet Poker and the first real money hand was dealt on January 1, 1998. Since then the popularity of the game has skyrocketed with millions of people worldwide playing on a regular basis.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to poker online with many sites offering a variety of games and tournaments. Some are designed to appeal to recreational players who simply want to have some fun. Others are built for high rollers who want to play big amounts of money and earn a living from the game.

Most sites require players to download a poker client to play. The software requires a relatively small amount of memory and should be compatible with most Internet connections. Some online poker sites also offer a no-download option, although they don’t provide the same level of functionality.

To make the most of your online poker experience you should play on a licensed and regulated site. This will ensure that your personal information and funds are safe from cheating and collusion. Licensed online poker sites regularly monitor gameplay with the use of software to uncover any issues that might arise.

It’s also a good idea to look for a site that offers a secure connection for the transfer of your funds. This will help to prevent unauthorized access to your account and ensure that your payments are processed properly.

In addition to making your online poker experience as safe as possible, you should also choose a site that features a wide range of games and tournaments. While Texas Hold’em is the most common form of the game, you’ll often find Omaha, 7 Card Stud and other variants available.

If you’re a new player it’s important to start out at a low stakes level and focus on improving your skills instead of trying to make a quick profit. It’s also a good idea to track your results so that you can see where your winning and losing streaks occur and learn from them. Luckily, most online poker sites feature tracking tools that are easy to use.