Online poker is highly regulated in states that permit it and offers strict consumer safeguards, which means your information and funds are safe when you play at an authentic site. Beware of rogue sites that operate without basic protections and are subject to sudden shutdowns.
Some online poker rooms provide free games and freeroll tournaments to give players a chance to try out their software before depositing any money. This is especially important for newcomers who have never used the software before.
If you want to improve your game, consider investing in some poker strategy software tools. One of the most popular is a hand history tracker that lets you analyze your own play and compare it to other players’. Another is a HUD, which overlays your online poker table with information about your opponents like their pre-flop raise percentage and the number of times they fold to a raise. Using these tools can give you a huge edge over your competition.
While Texas Hold’em is the most common game at an online poker room, some offer other variations like Omaha and Seven Card Stud. Many also feature spin and go tournaments, which are fast-paced three-player tournaments with a twist: the winner is determined by where a wheel lands after the first round of betting.
Bovada’s mobile platform is well-designed and runs smoothly on all devices. The site has a nice variety of banking options, including Bitcoin and e-wallets for deposits and withdrawals, plus credit and debit cards and check by courier. Withdrawals are typically delivered in less than an hour.