Online poker is one of the most popular gambling games available. Players can play a variety of poker variants, including Texas hold’em, Omaha, and seven-card stud. The game is easy to learn, but mastery requires consistent practice and a thorough understanding of the rules.

A top online poker site has a variety of ways to fund your account. You can use a credit or debit card, an e-wallet service, or a bank transfer. Before depositing any money, check if the poker site is licensed and has good security measures in place. This helps protect players from fraudulent activities.

Compared to live poker, the pace of play online is much faster. This can lead to bigger gains and losses in the short term. However, the faster pace of play can also exaggerate variance.

There was a time in the past when there was quite a contrast between “live pros” and “online pros.” You would hear about live professionals venturing online and doing poorly (with some complaining that it wasn’t “real” poker). Today, that distinction is blurred, with most top players at all levels playing both online and in person.

When you’re ready to start playing online poker, find a site with great software and a safe gaming environment. Then, start by signing up for a free account and practicing the fundamentals of the game. After that, branch out into different poker variants and see what you like best. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll feel.