Online Poker is legal and highly regulated in the states that offer it. This means you can be confident that your money and personal information are safe. In addition, strict state regulations ensure that games are fair and that players must be at least 18 or 21 years old to play. Beware of offshore poker sites that operate without basic consumer safeguards or regulation.
The first thing you should understand about online poker is that variance is a huge part of the game. Even if you’re playing well, there are going to be days where you don’t win and you might feel like the game is rigged. You need to keep in mind that this is not a reason to accuse the site of rigging the game or quit playing altogether.
The best poker sites feature a variety of welcome bonuses that will help you get started with a small bankroll. These may match a percentage of your initial deposit, double it, or provide another monetary boost. Likewise, reload bonuses are available to existing customers as a way to thank them for their loyalty. Some online poker sites also offer a loyalty program that rewards you with awards and other incentives as you play.