Official poker is a game that is played in casinos, cardrooms and online gambling sites. The games can be cash or tournaments, with the main variants being No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Some sites also offer slightly more exotic variants like 6+ Hold’em or Badugi. The games are based on the concept of winning by making the best hand. It is possible to win a lot of money by becoming a good player in this game, but it requires dedication and skill.

The World Series of Poker is one of the biggest poker tournaments in the world. It features a variety of events throughout the year that culminate in a handful of main events with legendary payouts. It was set up by Canadian entrepreneur Guy Laliberte with the twin goals of producing a major poker event and raising a lot of money for charity.

In addition to the WSOP, there are many smaller poker tournaments around the world. Some are hosted by major casino resorts, while others are run by private companies. Regardless of the location, all these tournaments feature high prize pools and are broadcast live on television or over the Internet.

Licensed poker sites must meet rigorous licensing and technology requirements to keep players safe and secure. They are also monitored regularly by gaming commissions in the jurisdictions that they operate in. Licensed sites will have seals or statements indicating their regulatory status on their homepage. They will also use mainstream deposit and withdrawal methods, such as PayPal and bank transfers.