Poker is one of the oldest card games around, and online versions can be found across the globe. There are even satellite entries into live tournaments, which is a great way to earn cash without leaving your home. However, the rules are different than those in brick-and-mortar casinos.

Online poker is legal in several Caribbean Sea countries and is also available to US residents. However, there is much debate about its legality in the U.S. Some people claim it is illegal, while others say it is perfectly legal. Regardless of your beliefs, there are some important things to keep in mind when playing.

First, some sites will require you to verify your age before you can play. Second, you should check if the site is licensed in your country. If it is not, you will need to visit a legal casino in the states to play for real money.

Third, most of these websites offer some sort of sign-up bonus. This can be an instantaneous free $10, or you can opt for a bigger sign-up bonus that you can redeem after logging into your account.

Lastly, don’t expect the same level of service from your online poker site as you would find at a brick-and-mortar casino. Similarly, a website’s security measures will vary. It may require you to verify your identity and your computer’s IP address to log in.

Despite these limitations, online poker is a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family. Aside from its convenience, you can play for free, or you can participate in satellite entries into live tournaments.