If you love playing poker and want to take your game to the next level, online poker is the way to go. The games are fast, fun and offer more variety than traditional casinos or smokey bars. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you play poker online, such as making sure the site is trustworthy and offers a variety of games.

First and foremost, make sure the poker site you choose is regulated in your jurisdiction and uses a random number generator to ensure each deal is fair. Look for a site that also has an excellent reputation in the gaming community, and read customer reviews to see what others have said about their experience at the poker site.

Once you’ve found a trustworthy poker site, you need to decide which games and stakes you’re comfortable with. While it’s tempting to jump right in and start playing big money hands, you’ll usually have more success by sticking to your comfort zone until you prove you can handle the pressure. For instance, if you’re new to the game, try playing small stakes games until you build up your bankroll and get used to the pace of the games.

When you’re ready to move up, it’s important to choose a poker site with a large player pool. This will ensure there are always active games to play in and that you’ll have a better chance of finding players at your skill level. A reputable poker site will also have a wide variety of games and tournaments to offer, as well as mobile apps.

Some poker sites even allow you to play multiple tables simultaneously, which can help you increase your winnings and improve your overall game. While it may seem intimidating at first, multi-tabling is easier than you might think, and it can be a great way to maximize your profits.

Lastly, make sure to check out a poker site’s bonus structure and rewards programs before depositing any real money. These are often based on the amount of frequent player points you earn, and can add up quickly. It’s also worth looking for a poker site that doesn’t charge payout fees, as these can significantly decrease your bankroll.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an uptick in traffic at many online poker rooms, with both recreational and professional players who normally prefer live action shifting to the virtual world. This surge in player numbers has made some operators report that traffic is up more than double the average. However, the increased volume isn’t expected to last long, and when the pandemic ends, players will return to their regular live gaming habits. Until then, take advantage of this opportunity to practice your skills at these top poker sites and prepare for when the game goes back to normal. The sites on our list are all trustworthy, have a huge selection of games and tournaments and enjoy a lot of traffic, ensuring that your only limit to your poker career is your own skill level.