When looking for an online poker room to join, make sure to check the traffic and game selection. There are a few different types of games and stakes at each site. Moreover, many sites offer free money play to new players, which is an excellent way to learn the ropes and gain experience. Online poker sites also offer bonuses and promotions to encourage new players. To get started, make sure to choose a poker network with a high amount of traffic.

While a few states, including California, Nevada, and Washington, have legalized online poker, many others are in the process of regulating it. However, the best way to start playing poker legally is to learn as much as you can about the requirements of each state. For example, Californians can enjoy the benefits of playing online poker with friends, while Nevadans can enjoy the convenience and safety of playing from home. In addition, if you don’t mind playing with strangers, you can always play for fun and win cash.

Once you’ve decided to join an online poker room, you need to make an account. Most sites do not accept credit cards, so you should create a virtual bank account instead. You’ll use this account to deposit money into online poker sites. Depending on how much money you’re willing to risk, you may want to start off small and practice with no-limit Texas Hold’em. Then, you can increase your bankroll by playing more games.