Online poker is a fun, easy to play game that rewards actual skill unlike slots or the lottery. It is also a great way to win real money from the comfort of your own home or on the go using your smartphone or tablet. But it’s important to know whether playing poker online is legal in your country or state before you start making real money wagers.

The first step is finding a reputable poker site with a license. Licensed sites process thousands of secure transactions daily and are monitored by government and financial bodies, ensuring game integrity and safe transfers for players. Additionally, these sites are required to adhere to strict security and privacy policies.

Next, you want to find a poker site that offers rakeback. Rakeback is a way for poker rooms to pay back some of the money they lose on each hand played by players. It is usually paid in the form of loyalty points that can be exchanged for cash. However, some sites may offer a direct percentage of the rake instead. The higher the rakeback, the better.

When choosing a poker site, it is also important to consider the software. The best poker sites have well-designed, user-friendly software that is quick to download even on older Internet connections and easy to navigate on mobile devices. In addition, top-tier poker sites feature a wide variety of games and tournaments to keep their player bases interested.

The best online poker sites also have a solid track record of customer support. Most poker sites have email, phone and live chat options for player support. Some also offer a FAQ section for common questions. In addition, some poker sites have dedicated support agents that are available around the clock to answer any questions.

Another consideration when looking for a poker site is the amount of traffic. High traffic poker sites typically have the most action and offer players the best chances of winning. They also have the most seasoned staff to help new players learn the game and get off to a good start.

When it comes to multi-state online poker, the road has been bumpy. Regulated online poker returned to the US in 2013 but it was a state-by-state affair until April 15 of this year when the DOJ reinterpreted the Wire Act to prevent states from joining multi-state poker compacts. While this setback was temporary, it could have lasting effects on the industry if other states decide to follow suit. Despite the challenges, it appears that multi-state online poker will return at some point.