Online poker has gotten a bad rap. Historically, poker played in a live setting required a considerable time commitment and the skill to maneuver through an ever-changing set of opponents. Fortunately, online poker now makes this a lot easier for the casual player. Some of the top poker players in the world play both on and offline. While it’s unlikely that any player would be able to consistently outsmart the pros, playing against experienced competitors in a low-stakes game can be a worthwhile learning experience.

No Limit Texas Hold’em is the game of choice for most high-prestige tournaments around the globe. It is also difficult to find a live game of this caliber. One of the best ways to hone your game is by playing on a website that specializes in this format. Likewise, seven-card stud is a specialized game that is a challenge in a live environment.

Another major advantage of playing online is the ability to multitabling. This is especially helpful for those who are running out of time. Players can play several different games at once, including Omaha hi-low and hold’em tournaments. Those who opt for the latter can play a few hands in a matter of minutes, if they are lucky. Of course, not all players have this option.

Interestingly, the number of hands per hour played in a live game is far lower than that of an online competitor. For example, the average live player can play between 25 and 30 hands per hour, while the same player can see 100 hands in the same timeframe on an online site. However, that doesn’t mean the difference is a big one. In fact, some professionals can play dozens of games at once.

An online site may not be able to pay you with a stack of gold coins, but they can invest your money. A good example is BetOnline, which offers a 100% match on deposits up to $1,000. Additionally, there are several sites that allow users to convert their bankrolls to currencies other than the US dollar. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to deposit and play in dollars, euros, pounds or yen.

Other online poker sites boast a slew of features, including a mobile app, satellites, turbos, and more. The best part is that many of these sites are regulated by a single agency, meaning you can rest assured that you’re dealing with a reputable company. Ignition Poker, meanwhile, allows players to play up to fifteen cash games at once. As for software, the site uses hand database programs to scan your hand for errors, and displays the variance of your hand to tell you exactly how much you’re losing or winning.

As the poker industry continues to grow, more states are considering legislation to legalize it. In the meantime, several offshore sites still offer play to US citizens. These operators have found a way around the UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which makes it illegal for US banks to process transactions for offshore online gambling sites.