Learn how to play for real money

Making the leap from playing online poker for play money to playing online poker for real money can be a bit daunting; in fact, it’s a passage that often intimidates most players. That’s why in this article we will help you make the experience a pleasant and successful one.

For that we will provide you with all the information and tips you need to become a real money poker player. You will be glad to know that it is not that complicated either, and that the registration process to play at poker sites for real money is really simple and fast. Let’s take a look at what it takes to play poker for money!

How does it work?

If you are wondering how to play poker for money online, let us tell you that the first thing you need to do is look for the right site to play at. Then you will need to register and make a deposit to fund your account. Once you have your funds, you will be able to spend your money in a few ways; you can play real money games or you can play at poker tournaments.

Some games set a maximum limit on the amount of money that can be wagered, others allow the player to bet as much money as he wants as long as he has it available in his account. 

As for the online tournaments for real money, they are practically the same as the live tournaments; you must pay a specific amount to be able to enter. This amount gives you a certain amount of chips (the same for all players) and that will be the budget you have to play.

Is it legal to play poker for money?

Yes, it is legal. However, it is only legal in some states that have the proper laws to legislate the online gambling industry. However, more and more states are planning to join those that have already enabled online gambling.

What are the best sites to play?

Although there are many aspects that define which would be the best site to play online poker, in this section we will focus mainly on those aspects that refer to security, since the other factors depend on the needs and tastes of each user.

With this in mind, the first thing we will advise you to do is to look for sites that are reliable and safe. By this, we mean that you should only play on legal sites that have the corresponding licenses to operate and that are regularly audited by regulatory entities to certify that they operate in a proper, safe and fair manner.

These licenses and certifications should be displayed prominently on the operator’s website, along with all of the operator’s details.

It is also extremely important to ensure that the site has a customer service department that operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This will be the only place to turn to in case of any inconvenience or doubt. It should have several means of communication, such as live chat, telephone and mail. It is also ideal that it is available in several languages.

Registering and making a deposit at a poker site

When trying to find out how to play poker for money, players often have many doubts about the process of registering and making a deposit in a poker site. However, these are really easy steps, and there is nothing to be afraid of. 

Once you have selected the poker site you will play at, you must click the “create account” button and then it is just a matter of following the steps which are usually very user-friendly. When registering, the site will ask you to provide personal and financial information; but don´t worry, because legal poker sites are extremely safe and they guarantee their user´s security by applying the best cyber-security software.

Some sites usually require their users to submit additional documentation in order to prove they are who they say they are. If this happens to you, don´t panic, for it is completely normal. They may ask you to scan your ID or a utility bill in your name; things like that.

Once you have completed your registration you will have to make a deposit on your account so you can have some money to play your games. Mostly, deposits are instant, so you will have your funds available to gamble right at that moment. To make the deposit you must click the “Cashier” button, and then you just have to follow the steps again.

Take into account that each poker site offers different payment methods, make sure that the one you pick has the method you prefer.