Online Poker is a game of skill over the long run and it is a great way to win real money. Top pros spend as much time studying the game as they do playing it and it is one of the few gambling activities that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. There are many benefits to playing Online Poker including the ability to play anytime, anywhere, for any stakes you’d like from the comfort of your home.
To get started you need to register with an online poker site and choose a screen name. Once registered you will need to verify your identity (this typically includes sending in a photo ID or other documents). Once verified you can deposit funds into the poker room to begin playing. Depending on your jurisdiction there may be limitations on the amount of money you can deposit into an online poker room.
People started taking Online Poker seriously in 2003 when an amateur player named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event by qualifying through a $40 tournament online. He single-handedly revolutionized the game. However, it took several years for the first regulated multi-state online poker site to be launched. Once it did, the landscape began to look very promising.