The best online poker strategy is to collect as much information as you can before the hand. Many pro poker players make a point of writing down information about each player so that they won’t forget it. Knowing which players are weak and bluff-happy, for example, will help you win big pots. You should also understand the odds and rankings of the hands in order to maximize your chances of winning the game.

To play poker online, you first need to download the poker software. The download is usually virus-free, and takes only a few minutes. Once the software is installed on your computer, you’ll need to create an account. Be sure to use only one account, as multi-accounting is forbidden in online poker and can get you banned from the site.

California is one of the most popular poker states, but it currently does not offer legal online poker. However, some lawmakers have attempted to introduce legislation to legalize online poker. The only legal poker sites available to California players are social poker sites and sweepstakes sites. Several bills have been introduced to legalize online poker in California over the years, but no legislation has passed.

While most states don’t allow online poker, it is available in Nevada, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Michigan. More states are expected to add online poker to their gambling catalog in the coming years. The best place to play online poker is where the game is legal. If you’re in one of these states, you can find legal games and start winning cash prizes.

In the US, online poker is regulated by different laws than brick-and-mortar poker. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, was passed in 2006. Many online poker players are hoping the new administration will change this law. In some other countries, however, online poker is both legal and well regulated, including the United Kingdom and many Caribbean Sea countries.