Official poker is a form of online gambling in which players compete against one another for an amount of money or chips contributed by other players. It is a game of chance, but players are encouraged to play intelligently in order to maximize their chances of winning.

In order to be official, an online poker site must comply with certain standards. These include a gambling license and an independent regulatory body. It is also recommended that a poker website offers a variety of banking options for withdrawals and deposits.

The best poker sites have attractive design and intuitive software that is easy to navigate. In addition, they provide a wide range of cash-game variants and tournaments.

A good way to find out if an online poker site is legitimate is to check the licensing of the company and its banking options. In addition, make sure that the company has a secure SSL encryption to protect player information.

Some poker websites offer bonuses and promotions. These can be in the form of free money or real-money cash. These bonuses can be redeemed on poker games and are often a great way to increase your bankroll without risking any of your own money.

In poker, bluffing is a key strategy. In a bluff, the player will not show their hand until their opponent has already made a bet or raised. This allows the player to win the pot even if they have an inferior hand.