There are several ways to ensure that the online poker rooms you play at are fair. The first is to make sure that they are regulated and do not take on too much risk with the money you deposit with them. Using digital device fingerprinting can help the sites recognize banned players, and prevent new accounts from being created. Another method is to make sure that the games are random.

Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you have the right poker software before you play. A good site will have software that lets you practice with a virtual poker machine. It should be easy to download and install. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to start playing poker online. This is a great way to learn the game.

It’s also possible to play free poker online. Some sites allow you to play against real people. These sites are known as IRC poker and have been around since the late nineties. In 1998, Planet Poker was the first online card room to introduce real-money games. The first game was played on the site in January 1998. In October 1999, author Mike Caro became the “face” of the company.

IDNPoker is another site to check out. Launched in Cambodia in 2010, IDNPoker has become the third-largest poker network in the world. Despite its recent success, it remains relatively unknown in the rest of the world. The website is largely bilingual, and has many other features. Its lobby is minimalistic, and you can choose between cash games and tournaments. In addition to this, you won’t find a waiting list. Using the IDNPoker website will save you from having to create separate accounts.