Online poker is a fun and exciting game. It can be played on your laptop, cell phone or tablet. You can choose from many different types of games, including low-limit cash games and satellite entries into live poker tournaments. You can also find sites offering free play.

The first major step in playing online poker is to set up an account with a site. You may be asked for some proof of age and/or identity. The next step is to download poker software. This is an easy process and shouldn’t take much time.

After you’ve registered, you can start playing your first hand. It’s a good idea to keep track of your session stats. This will give you an idea of how much money you’re winning and losing. This helps you decide where to focus your efforts.

When you’re ready to make a deposit, you can do so through credit card, bank transfer or third party eWallet. A few sites will even accept a wide range of currencies. Some will even convert funds at a cheaper rate than banks.

For newcomers, it’s a good idea to look for a site that offers a bonus. Typically, this is offered by completing specific missions. You can often earn up to $350 in rewards.

Some sites offer a free tournament entry in return for a small buy-in. This gives you a chance to experience the thrill of playing in a real-life event without the stress of going to a Vegas casino.