The first step to playing online poker is to download the poker software. The software usually takes a few minutes to download and is usually virus-free. Once downloaded, players must sign up for an account with the poker site. It is important to create only one account, as multi-accounting is strictly prohibited. Multi-accounting can lead to permanent bans from poker sites.
Most legal poker sites also require the player to provide some additional documentation to prove their identity. They may require a photo ID, a utility bill or other type of identification. The reason for this is to ensure that the player is of legal age, and to prevent underage gambling. Also, these sites include the option to self-exclude from the site if a user is underage.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the number of players playing online poker has increased significantly. This has forced many gaming venues to close their doors. Casual players have turned to the internet to enjoy the game. Several operators have reported double or more traffic than before the pandemic. These factors have made online poker even more appealing to the casual player.
Before playing online poker, learn about the various hands that are dealt. You should also learn the rankings of the hands. Once you have mastered this, you can start playing against other people or play at a casino. It is also a good idea to join a poker training website and network with successful pros. After every session, you should critically analyze your play.