Online poker is a card game played over the internet where players wager real money against each other. Players compete against a computer program that is designed to produce random numbers and determine who has the best chance of winning a hand. The random number generator is tested and certified as fair by third parties. This means that legitimate online poker sites do not rig the games in order to make a profit.

Online players can choose from a variety of different sites to play at. The largest sites have a huge selection of cash games and tournaments with buy-ins from a few cents to thousands of dollars. They also have a large selection of freerolls for those who are looking to play for fun rather than for real money.

Many online poker players use various software applications to help improve their gameplay. These tools include hand database programs that save, sort and recall all hand histories played online. They can also scan active tables for known players and display their previous statistics from hands with those players next to their name (known as a heads up display or HUD). Other programs may be used to analyze and track your current bankroll, or to check odds, equity or variance. Some even have quizzes and can scan previously played hands to flag likely mistakes.

Most of these programs can be used with any poker site that accepts players from the United States. Some are even available for free, although most have a premium version that allows more features and customization options.

If you’re new to playing poker it’s important to find a site with an easy-to-use lobby that is clearly categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments and Sit & Go’s. Most good poker sites will also offer “beginner” tables which are specifically reserved for players who have opted to mark themselves as beginners. This dramatically levels the field for new players and is a great way to learn the ropes.

Another important factor is payout speeds. The best poker sites will process withdrawal requests quickly and efficiently. They will usually send funds to the player’s preferred method the same day that they request them or at least within 24 hours. This is especially important for US players who live in a state that doesn’t regulate real money online poker.

The legality of online poker in the United States has been a hotly debated topic since the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. While progress has been made in recent years it is still a long way off from making the game completely legal in all 50 states. However, we will continue to keep you up to date on major developments in the world of online poker.