If you are new to online poker, you need to learn a few things to make the most of your first online poker session. You can purchase a poker training course or watch videos on Twitch. Many poker sites also have free content you can read or watch. Remember to take notes and understand what you are learning. If you are unsure whether you are old enough to play poker, you can always get some tips from others who have already played the game.

Most legal poker websites require you to provide proof of identity, an address, and a backup deposit method. A photo of your credit card is acceptable, as long as it is blacked out except for the last four digits. You can also opt to self-exclude from a poker site if you feel like gambling is not appropriate for you. Legal online poker has come a long way since the Department of Justice forced the industry to shut down the global giants, and four states now allow online gambling.

After Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 Main Event, online poker became a popular pastime in the United States. His win sparked a national obsession with online poker. After that, a host of new sites were launched, with new ones opening every week. In 2005, the World Series of Poker attracted three times as many players as in 2003. PokerStars, a major online poker site, remained open to U.S. players for several years.