Online poker has surged in popularity over the last decade, and players are taking advantage of the opportunity to play for real money from anywhere. But, as more states jump through the regulatory hoops to offer online poker, there is a lot for players to consider before they deposit.

First, players need to sign up for an account with the poker site of their choice. This will usually require providing a valid ID, address and email. Once an account is created, players can choose a username and password, and then log in to begin playing for real money.

Most top poker sites offer some form of bonus when players make a deposit. These bonuses can be used to play for real money at the table, and are often worth a large amount of cash. These are often given as a percentage of the player’s initial deposit, with some amount of play required to unlock the full bonus.

In addition to a range of online poker tournaments, many operators also provide a selection of video poker games. This type of game is based on the classic card game, but it offers higher payouts than other variations of the game.

Another popular feature is a heads-up display (HUD), which allows players to track and analyze their own and their opponent’s hands. This can help players identify mistakes and improve their play. This is one of the most effective tools for learning poker.