As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the live gaming industry, online poker has grown exponentially. Most live gaming venues have been closed indefinitely, with many unlicensed establishments going out of business. Casual poker players have been left without live entertainment options, so many have turned to online poker. Some operators even reported double or triple the number of players during this period. But do you really want to take the risk? Read on to learn how to choose the right online poker room for you.

Before playing online poker, you should download the appropriate poker software for your computer. This is a small download and requires only minimal memory. Even with archaic internet connections, the process shouldn’t take long. You can also find no-download poker games on any poker site, but don’t expect to enjoy all the features of the full download version. You’ll want to make sure that you’re at least 18 years of age before you begin playing, so check the age requirements of the site.

Some poker sites cater to all levels, including recreational players. You can find a site that fits your playing style and budget by looking at different game variations. For example, Full Tilt and PokerStars have different games for experienced and novice players, so you can find a table that matches your skill level and interest level. If you’re just starting out, you might want to consider Bovada and Bet365, which have a variety of stakes and game varieties.