Poker online is a game of skill where players place wagers with chips that represent real money. Bets are made with either physical or virtual chips. Once all bets have been placed, the dealer deals each player two cards for their eyes only (revealing them would undermine the game). A dealer can be a person or a computer (if playing on an internet site). The game is then played in rounds with the winner being declared at the end of the round.
Poker sites earn money from the game in the form of rakes (the amount of money that is taken out of each pot), along with entry fees and other promotional offers. As such, it is important for online poker operators to provide a high level of customer service and a user-friendly interface to attract and retain players.
The online poker industry is highly competitive, with virtually every site offering bonus offers in order to draw new customers. These offers can range from deposit match bonuses to freeroll tournament tickets and cash back offers. Many of these bonuses are tied to a specific number of raked hands, and can be quite lucrative for newcomers to the game.
The popularity of poker online continues to grow, as it appeals to a digitally savvy demographic that is seeking interactive and competitive experiences. Younger players aged 18-34 account for 43% of the market, which is much higher than the share they account for in other forms of online gambling.