The online poker industry has really taken off since 2003 when a new player from Atlanta named Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event after qualifying for it through an $40 online tournament. He single-handedly revolutionized the game and people started to take it seriously. Today, you can play poker for the smallest stakes imaginable (literally pennies) or for satellite entries into some of the best live events around the world. You can also play for huge prize pools and even win real cash.

One of the most important aspects of playing poker online is making sure that you have a good bankroll to fund your games. The best way to do this is by depositing money into your account through a reputable online poker site or by using an e-wallet service that offers fast, safe deposits and withdrawals. Make sure that the poker site or e-wallet you use is licensed by a respected gaming authority and has a solid security record.

When you first join an online poker site you will usually need to submit some documents to verify your identity. This is a standard procedure and is necessary to protect the poker site from fraud. Generally, the poker site will ask you to scan your driver’s license and a utility bill in your name at the address they have on file for you.

Once you have verified your identity the next step is to fund your account with real money. Most online poker sites accept a variety of different banking methods including credit cards and e-wallet services. You should be able to find out what methods are available on a particular poker site by visiting the “Banking” or “Cashier” section of their website. Make sure that the poker site you choose accepts the payment method you prefer to use.

In addition to funding your account with real money you will need to learn the rules of online poker. Basically, you will need to understand how to read the table odds and the pot size. You should also be aware of how to fold your hand if it is weak. This will keep you from losing too much.

You can also increase your chances of winning by learning to play more than one poker table at a time. While multi-tabling may seem intimidating to some players it is actually a very effective strategy. For example, you can open two tables and set them up side-by-side while waiting for a strong hand. Eventually you’ll have enough chips to call and win.

The most important aspect of playing poker online is having a good bankroll. This is especially important if you’re planning to win large amounts of money. For this reason, we recommend that you start with small stakes and focus on improving your understanding of the game’s strategic nuances rather than trying to make a profit right away. Besides, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to win a large amount of money at a single table.