Before you can play real money online poker, you must register as a player. This is usually done by clicking the join now link on the poker room’s homepage. However, some poker rooms have join now links on various parts of the site, including the body and footer. Then, you will need to verify your identity by submitting additional documentation.

Poker has become one of the world’s most popular card games, and the online poker scene has become one of the leading destinations for players. In the past, players would go to local casinos or gather with their friends to play poker, but thanks to online poker platforms, these habits have changed. The game is much faster and more competitive than in live poker, and you can expect more hands per hour online.

Online poker sites are regulated, but it is important to be careful when choosing a site. Before these regulations were in place, some online poker sites had rogue employees who would attempt to cheat to win. During one such scandal, a huge amount of money was lost, although many players recovered at least some of their losses. Licensed sites have a much higher rate of compliance and security, so there is less room for cheating.

Online poker sites in Nevada are regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This regulator carries out regular checks on poker sites to ensure that they meet their high standards. This ensures that players’ money and personal information are safe. Unlike offshore operators, Nevada poker sites are regularly scrutinized and closely monitored. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a poker site, you can contact the regulators to file a complaint.