For years poker has been a game played in the back of smoky bars and casinos but since 2000 online gambling has elevated it to the forefront. It’s now an activity that you can play at any time of the day and for stakes that you choose from the comfort of your own home. It’s also a game of real skill over the long run and the top pros spend as much time studying the game as they do playing it.

There are a number of things that need to be considered before playing poker online. First of all it’s important to look at the security features of the poker site. Any reputable poker site will have state-of-the-art encryption to protect your financial information. In addition, there are also age checks in place to ensure that no one under the legal age is able to access the site.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the player pool at the poker site. A large player pool means there are always active games to play and more opportunities to win money. It also means that there are softer players to play against which is good news for those who are new to the game.

Finally, it’s important to consider the bonuses and promotions available at the poker site. Many of the top sites offer a range of promotions and bonuses to attract players and keep them coming back. These can range from freerolls to rakeback deals. Some of these offers can be quite lucrative but it’s worth reading the terms and conditions carefully as some of them come with a lot of strings attached.

When you’re ready to play poker online it’s best to start out with a small bankroll. Most of the major poker sites have so-called play money tables where you can practice the game and learn the software without risking any money. Many people make the mistake of trying to win big right away and this is a surefire way to lose their bankroll in no time.