Online poker is a skill-based game that allows players from all over the world to compete against one another. This competition has led to increased prize pools, competitive tournaments, and a global player base that is growing rapidly. Players can learn from and play with other skilled players by participating in online poker, and they can also track their progress over time and compete in rankings and leaderboards.

A good poker site will have a user interface that is easy for new players to use. Look for large, easily identifiable buttons for betting and an uncluttered design. The software should not have flashy animations or 3D graphics, as these can distract from the game itself.

It is important to check the legality of an online poker site before playing for real money. Not all states allow gambling online, and those that do require strict regulation to ensure the games are fair. It is also a good idea to play on a site that uses SSL encryption to protect your financial information and account funds.

In the past, there was a big contrast between live and online poker players, with many top players only playing live and complaining that online poker wasn’t “real” poker. However, nowadays the line is blurring, with many top players at all levels playing both live and online. Some people even play both at the same time! This makes the game more accessible for beginners, as there is usually plenty of traffic on a poker site and the games are generally softer than those played live.