Online poker has become a worldwide phenomenon with millions of players playing in tournaments and cash games every day. The game is regulated by most states and operates under strict rules to ensure that players are safe and their funds and personal information are protected. This has made it a popular activity for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.

While many of the same skills are required to play live poker, the main difference is that online players can take their time and log on and off as they please without interrupting the game in progress. This can make a huge difference to those who are trying to build their bankroll or simply want to be able to play a few hands when the mood strikes.

In addition, online poker allows for the playing of multiple tables at the same time. This is known as multitabling and while it is not something that a beginner should try, the ability to play dozens of hands simultaneously is an advantage for many serious players.

When it comes to real money games, it is important that you find a site that offers the type of game and stakes that you are interested in playing. In addition, the site should offer a variety of deposit options including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards and third-party eWallets.

It is also important that you choose a site that accepts your preferred currency. There are some sites that will convert your funds automatically when you deposit and others will only accept deposits in the currency in which the site is based.

Once you have found a reputable site you can begin playing for real money. Most online poker sites have different bonus offers that can provide a substantial boost to your bankroll, especially if you are playing on a regular basis. However, it is crucial that you read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any of these bonuses. In many cases the bonuses must be rolled over a certain number of times before they are released to your account.

The MSIGA stands for Multi-state Internet Gaming Agreement and is the first interstate gambling compact that allows regulated poker games to be shared between a group of states. Originally, the MSIGA was signed between Nevada and Delaware with New Jersey joining later on. In April 2022, Michigan became the fourth state to join the group.

While regulated online poker has been available in the US since 2013, it was a state-by-state affair until recently when New Jersey joined the MSIGA, opening up its player pool to all three regulated states. The move was welcomed by operators who could now access a larger group of potential customers and potentially grow their business exponentially. In the future it is expected that more states will join the MSIGA, opening up a even more lucrative market for online poker operators.