Online poker is a card game played over the Internet. It is an exciting, fast-paced, and socially interactive game that has become increasingly popular. Players compete against a virtual community of other players from around the world using the same software to see who can win the most money. The game can be played on a PC, laptop, or mobile device with an Internet connection. It is easy to join, and players can deposit as little or as much as they want. The game also allows players to use a variety of payment methods.

The game of poker gained wide popularity after a Tennessee accountant aptly named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003. He had entered the tournament through an online satellite, and his victory made the game more accessible to the general public than ever before. Online poker sites are also cheaper to operate than traditional casinos and other live gambling venues. This makes them an appealing option for both professional and recreational gamblers, as well as people who don’t have the time or inclination to travel to casino locations.

Many of the top online poker sites feature a variety of banking options. They accept Bitcoin and e-wallet services as well as credit cards. They also have fast payout times, with some sites offering withdrawals within an hour of requesting them. Regardless of which site you choose, you should make sure that it is regulated and uses random number generators to ensure the fairness of each deal. You should also look for a casino that promises to weed out bots, collusion, and other shady behavior.

Some online poker rooms offer rakeback, which is a percentage of the pots that players win returned to them. This is a great way to earn extra money and can help you improve your bottom line. To find the best rakeback deals, check out our list of top poker sites and read our reviews.

Besides offering high-quality games and bonuses, some of the top poker sites also provide helpful learning tools for new players. These include a hand history tracker and HUD (Heads-Up Display). A hand history tracker lets you see how you play over the long term, while a HUD displays information on your opponents during the game. This helps you analyze your competition and pick out their weaknesses. Some of the most advanced poker sites even have GTO solvers, which can give you an advantage over the competition at higher stakes.