Whether you’re looking to improve your poker skills or simply have fun, online poker is a great way to enjoy the game without having to travel to a live casino. However, there are some things you should consider before playing on the internet for real money.

Licensed Online Poker Sites

Licensed poker sites are regulated by government and financial bodies to ensure game integrity, safe transfers and data protection for players. They also employ dedicated teams of security experts to ward off threats from hackers and other scammers.

Poker Tracking Software

If you’re serious about improving your poker skills, tracking software is a must. It can help you to analyze your moves after each game and determine what you need to work on next. This can make a significant difference in your results.

Free Training Materials

A number of poker rooms have a wide variety of training material for their customers, including free lessons on Texas hold’em straight, Omaha and Short Deck Poker. For example, PartyPoker offers free training on its website on a range of subjects from bankroll management to cash game tips and satellite tournament strategies.

Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are a common way for online poker sites to attract new players. Many poker sites offer a percentage of your first deposit as a reward for signing up. This can be a big deal if you’re just starting out.

The higher the percentage, the better. You can find some online poker sites that give away up to 200% of your first deposit, although this is usually only for high stakes players.

Games & Stakes

Aside from offering great promotions, a top-quality poker site should also have a wide selection of games and stakes. This will make it easier to choose the game that suits you best and gives you a chance to win some money.

Traffic & Customer Service

Another crucial factor in choosing an online poker site is the amount of player traffic it has. This is important for both recreational and professional players, as it allows them to play more hands per hour and take home more cash.

Most poker websites allow you to play via your browser, but some provide a mobile app that is easier to use and offers more games and features than the web-based version. Some even have extra bonuses for using their mobile apps.

No Download Poker

Some of the best poker sites offer no download versions of their games that allow you to play them from a web browser on your desktop or laptop. These are usually not as good as the full download versions, but they can be a good alternative for those with slower connections.

Mechanics of Poker

Mechanics of Poker is a poker coaching program with proven results that helps people learn the basics of poker and become successful players. The coaches are well-experienced and will guide you through the process of becoming a high-stakes poker pro.