To begin playing poker online, you need to create an account. To register for an account, you will need your social security number, date of birth, and full name. You may also be required to provide an email address. Once you’ve created your account, you can start playing real money poker. However, you should be aware of the risks associated with using a credit card while playing poker online. The following are some tips to ensure that you don’t fall victim to identity theft.

Register for a poker tournament. A poker tournament pays out to the top 10 to 20 percent of the field, and the prize money increases as you get closer to the final table. A poker tournament has a limited downside – you can only lose the entry fee – and a big upside – the prize money can reach millions. You can also register for freerolls by using a website like PokerListings. Once you have registered, you can receive exclusive invitations to free tournaments offered by various online poker websites.

Some sites cater to a range of skill levels. If you’re a beginner, you should join Bovada or Bet365, two online casinos that cater to a variety of players. Both of these sites have beginner tables and low-stakes games. Professionals should avoid Bovada if they’re new to the game. While there are pros who play at these poker websites, recreational players should join the latter. This way, they can practice their bluffing skills and find out which site is right for them.

Some states have legalized poker online. Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Nevada are just a few of the states where you can play poker online. Once these states get their act in order, poker will likely be legal in their state as well. Until then, the Keystone State has not made a formal decision about legalizing online poker. So, before you play poker online, take the time to read up on the latest laws affecting the game.

Learning how to play poker is a vital part of learning the game. You’ll need to learn how to read other players’ hands. It’s important to remember that different colored chips represent different cash values. Likewise, if you’re not confident with your hand, fold and wait for a better opportunity. Poker is a game of strategy and you’ll need to learn how to read the game before you can make decisions. Once you’ve mastered these rules, you’ll be able to dominate the game.

You can also find various types of deposit bonuses at poker websites. Some offer no-deposit buy-ins for tournaments and cash games. No-deposit bonuses must be played through a set number of times before withdrawal. Other sites offer matched welcome bonuses, which are generally 100% of your initial deposit. Some sites offer as much as $1,000 in bonus money. In addition to these, some sites offer freeroll tournaments to new players or loyalty schemes.