When playing poker online, it is crucial to look for a site that is licensed and regulated in your state. This will ensure that you play in a legal environment and that you are not dealing with imposters. It is also important to avoid sites that feature foreign players because they are not legal and can pose a security threat.
If you are new to the game of poker, try to sign up with a poker site that offers no-deposit bonuses. These bonuses can come in the form of buy-ins to tournaments or cash games. These can later be converted to matched welcome bonuses, which can offer up to $1,000 in bonus money. These bonuses are typically released in increments as players log in. New players will also be given access to beginner and depositor freerolls with prize pools of real money. In addition, they may also receive additional entries based on loyalty programs and future deposits.
In addition to the free games, many sites offer real money tournaments. These tournaments have big prize pools and a variety of stakes. You can choose to play online or play poker in a live casino. You can also find tournaments hosted by big-name brands, including PokerStars.