Online poker is safe and highly regulated in all states where it’s legal. Strict regulation ensures that games are fair and your personal information is protected. It also prevents players from creating multiple accounts to circumvent account restrictions, bans and closures. This is one of the major advantages of playing poker online compared to live gaming.

One of the most important aspects of playing poker is understanding variance and how to manage your bankroll. This helps you keep your emotions in check and not get caught up with bad beats. It also helps you avoid going on monkey tilt which can lead to big losses and even bankruptcy if you’re not careful.

While the rules of poker are the same, it takes a different skill set to play online versus offline. In the former, you can read an opponent’s tells such as a twitch of the nose, dart of the eyes or subtle body movement that they don’t give in the latter. Instead, you can use a player’s betting tendencies and their overall game strategy to size them up.

The best online poker sites provide a robust gaming experience that is accessible to novices and seasoned pros alike. They boast high levels of traffic and a huge variety of tournaments, cash games, and generous bonuses. In addition to these features, top online poker sites feature state-of-the-art encryption methods that ensure security and privacy of personal information. These platforms also allow for easy deposits and withdrawals.