Poker players tend to find games anywhere they go. They can find them in the back rooms, in Vegas, or Atlantic City. Playing with the 'big boy's excites them, as is the winning!. In this Internet world, they only have to go as far as their computer to gain access to Internet online poker games. Just playing is not what turns on the gambler, its the winning that excites them. If you want to win, learn the game, learn it inside and out, before you bet the big bucks, and walk away broke.

[edit] Steps

Practice and play for free while you learn the various games of poker before ever attempting to play for actual cash.
Read as many books or magazines about the game as possible, to learn the ins and outs of the game. Learn the tricks, how to bluff, when to hold and when to throw!
Register for one of the free online poker sites. Check the Internet for the better ones. You can learn by playing with the bots, and then move on to play with other beginners. Remain with the beginners until you learn the basics. When you feel comfortable move on to the more advanced.
Make notes as you learn, writing down the basic hands, the higher paying hands, and the starting hands. Write down everything you learn while playing the bots, and then the real people. Ask them questions by chatting with them, as the game progresses. The Internet site has a chat space by your seat.
Keep practicing until you feel sure that you can play with money and win! Sign up for the online paying games, and the tournaments. Everything is there for you, without you ever leaving your house.

[edit] Tips

Make sure that your state allows online gambling for money.
Play sit-n-go poker tournaments to build your experience at final table play.
There are numerous books about poker written by some very well known poker players (eg. Phil Hellmuth or Doyle Brunson). The top poker magazine in the U.S. is Card Player. In Canada the best magazine about poker is Canadian Poker Player.
Beat the machine first. Practice with poker-training software.
Get your timing down.
Try some online poker rooms before you make a decision. Only after a few games in each room you'll be able to choose the best poker room for you.
always follow good bankroll management