Having access to a good online poker site is important. You want to be sure to choose one that has a lot of traffic and is able to handle the number of players. The software and quality of the site are also factors that help determine whether or not the site is successful. The largest poker sites can afford to give their players big guarantees, which ensures that there is enough interest in the game to cover the prize pool.

The best way to play is to have a dedicated IP address. These are special addresses that conceal your IP from the poker sites, allowing you to play securely. You can use a VPN to play at a different server. However, be aware that there are a number of poker sites that will prohibit you from using a VPN. Some will even confiscate your money if you are caught using a VPN.

While it’s true that most of the top online poker sites are located in the USA, the amount of traffic these sites receive can vary widely. In fact, there are only a small number of sites that receive more than 90% of the overall player pool. This means that it is hard to find a poker site that has a good amount of traffic around the clock. Fortunately, there are a few options available for American players.

One of the best options for American players is Bovada Poker, which has been one of the top USA traffic leaders for several years. In addition to their own brand, Bovada Poker also hosts several other sites on their PaiWangLuo network. They also offer a huge amount of promotions. They have a great customer support team and a referral program that gives 5% of your turnover to you if you refer a friend to the site.

Another option is IDNPoker. This network isn’t legal to play, but some American players have found success. IDNPoker also caters to Asian players, making it an excellent option for those who don’t have access to mainstream poker sites. If IDNPoker expands to other regions, the poker network could see a surge in player traffic.

When choosing an online poker site, look for a variety of games. This includes non-mainstream poker variants such as 5-Card Draw, 7-Card Stud, and Omaha-Hi Lo. While these games do not attract a lot of traffic, they are popular with players who enjoy the convenience and excitement of real money games. Also, be sure to find a site that offers a decent prize pool and instant action.

The number of players is also important. A poker site with a high player base is in a good position to attract the most casual players. However, a low traffic site needs a strong reason to attract players. Players will prefer sites with more constant games, rather than sites that only have a few tables on the lowest stakes. Having a good pool of players means that there will always be a game.