Online poker takes the classic game of poker and cranks it up to a whole new level. It allows players to play anywhere on any device with an internet connection. It can be played for the smallest stakes you can imagine (literally pennies) all the way up to satellite entries into the biggest live tournaments around the world.

To start playing poker online you must first register on an online poker site. This requires a small amount of personal information and usually a valid credit card or bank account. Once you’re a registered member the next step is to deposit funds on the site. This can be done by visiting the cashier page while logged in to your account. Most poker sites will offer a variety of banking options including major credit cards, debit cards, e-checks and third party eWallets. Some of these methods can be used for both deposits and withdrawals while others can only be used for depositing money.

Before you make a real money deposit on an online poker site it’s important to check their reputation and security. Look for clear and accessible terms and conditions, privacy policies, security registrations and help pages. In addition, some of the best poker sites will have their games and random number generators audited by independent third parties. These certifications are a good sign that the site is serious about player safety and is following industry standards. You can also find a lot of information about a poker site’s reputation by reading reviews, forum discussions and checking the site’s social media pages.