When it comes to poker, there are few games that offer as many benefits as the online version. For starters, playing poker online allows you to practice your game without having to wait for a table to open up at a live casino or poker room. In addition, you can play multiple tables at once, increasing the number of hands you get dealt per hour and allowing you to build up your skills faster.

Then there is the fact that you can access a wide range of online poker sites and games for free or at the smallest stakes possible, even satellite entries into major live tournaments around the world. And, with the advent of smartphone and tablet technology, you can take the game anywhere with you, assuming you have a laptop or phone with an internet connection. This means you never have to miss a hand because you had to step outside for a cigarette, or change the channel to catch the last over of the cricket match.

Of course, the best online poker sites are well-regulated and provide players with a safe gaming environment. But, most importantly, these sites give players the chance to earn a real income from the game – if they work hard at it and continue to improve their skills. The top poker pros make their living from the game and it is not uncommon for a good online poker player to have a bankroll of six or seven figures.

One of the great things about poker is that it is a game of skill over the long term, and if you spend as much time studying and improving your game as you do playing, then you will find that you can become very successful. That’s why the top pros make sure to attend regular training sessions and to network with other poker players to exchange ideas.

Another benefit of poker is that it teaches patience. It’s a rare thing to be taught in today’s fast-paced society, but poker can help you develop a more patient mindset and that can lead to a whole host of positive impacts on your life. For example, researchers have found that a patient mindset can help you with your mental health, and can also reduce your risk of heart disease. So, it seems that poker really does have a lot to offer, and why not check out some of the best US-based poker sites and see what you think? You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it!