Online poker is a game of skill that can be played for real money. Players compete against other real players and the game is regulated in states where it is legal to do so. While there are still some federal laws that prohibit online gambling, most states allow the game and have strict regulations in place to ensure that your account information and funds are safe.
In 2003, online poker really took off in the United States when a Tennessee accountant named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event and was profiled on ESPN. The story of a regular guy beating the pros inspired millions of people to try their hand at the game. Online satellite tournaments also became popular and made it possible for anyone to play in major poker events from the comfort of their own homes.
The largest online poker sites typically attract the most players, which has a number of advantages. First of all, a large player pool means that there are more opportunities to win money against softer opponents. It also allows more experienced players to test their skills against tougher competition. Finally, the biggest online poker sites often offer the best customer service and have a large selection of deposit methods.
The biggest online poker rooms have the widest range of games, including ring and tournament games such as full-ring, six- and eight-max, heads-up, bomb pot, and short stack. They also offer many different bonuses and promotions to keep existing customers happy and newcomers interested. In addition, the top online poker sites have licensed software that adds an extra level of safety and security to their services.