Online poker is a popular and increasingly legal form of gambling. Players can play for real money by registering at an online poker site, choosing the type of game they want to play and depositing funds. After this, they can start playing and winning real cash prizes. Online poker is also available on mobile devices, so players can enjoy the game from wherever they are.

Poker rules and strategies are the same for live and online games. However, online poker requires a different skill set than a traditional game as there are no physical ‘tells’ to read when sizing up opponents. Online poker players can still use this skill to make smart betting decisions and gain an advantage over their opponents.

The online poker market is growing at a steady pace, and it is expected to continue this trend in the years to come. There are several reasons for this, including surging internet penetration and the relaxation of regulations in certain U.S. states. Moreover, leading poker sites are constantly making innovations to stand out from the competition and attract new players.

One such innovation is the introduction of rakeback deals. These programs offer a percentage of the house’s rake, which can significantly boost break-even players’ profits. Players can find a variety of rakeback deals at top online poker sites, and some even offer a free trial period to try them out before committing any real money.

Another major development is the launch of multi-state regulated online poker. New Jersey passed legislation to legalize online poker in 2013, but it took a few years for the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA) with Nevada and Delaware, allowing players from all three states to compete against each other.

In addition to boosting revenues, the MSIGA also offers a competitive advantage for players by reducing competition. This is particularly important for players in smaller markets, such as those in the Northeast. The addition of Pennsylvania to the MSIGA will further enhance the size of the player pool and increase revenues.

As the online poker industry grows, more states are likely to pass legislation to legalize and regulate the game. This is good news for players as it will allow them to play at regulated sites without fear of federal prosecution. The recent reinterpretation of the Wire Act by the Trump administration has also opened up the possibility for interstate online poker in the US. However, this is still a long-term project and many hurdles remain.