Online poker has grown in popularity since the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event win by a Tennessee accountant named Chris Moneymaker. After his story went national, millions of Americans wanted to try the game themselves. It was something they could do anytime, anywhere and for any stakes from the comfort of their homes. Plus it rewarded real skill unlike slot machines or the lottery.
When choosing a poker site online, there are many considerations to keep in mind. Besides making sure the site has your preferred deposit and withdrawal methods, it’s important to find a reputable licensing authority that offers security and peace of mind. Ideally, you’ll want to find a site with both international and local licenses.
Another important factor is the poker room’s user interface. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but different poker sites have different interfaces and it can make a big difference in how you play the game. It’s important to spend a few hands familiarizing yourself with the software before you start playing. You’ll learn things like where the raise buttons are and how to use them, as well as how the table looks and chat options.
One of the biggest challenges with poker online is the sheer number of hands that are dealt per hour. This can be hard to process and leads to rushing bad decisions. It’s crucial to remember that poker is a game of patience and it’s better to wait on a marginal hand than play it and blow your entire bankroll.