Poker is a card game played by two or more people. It involves betting, raising, and folding. It is usually played from a standard pack of 52 cards with four suits (spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs). There are also wildcards which can take on any suit. The highest hand wins the pot.

The game has many variants but is most widely known as Texas Hold’em or Omaha. In legalized states, players are regulated and monitored by gaming commissions. This adds a level of security for players that can’t be found in offshore, unregulated poker sites. Licensed US poker sites also offer support for those who have questions or concerns.

In addition, legal poker sites have strict KYC policies for new players and regular verifications for existing players to prevent fraud. These measures are necessary to protect player funds and data from unauthorized access. They may require proof of identity, a copy of your driver’s license or other personal document, the last four digits of your social security number, etc. In addition, reputable poker sites use mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods. They are also backed by their casino partners, adding another layer of security for their customers. This is why the vast majority of regulated poker sites are trusted brands with a history of offering top-notch customer service. However, not all players are familiar with the requirements and nuances of playing at a legalized poker site. Those who don’t follow the rules could find themselves at risk of a violation or other penalty, including a ban from a particular online poker room.