With the ever-increasing popularity of Texas Hold'em--and poker in general--there have been quite a few poker sites popping up in the last few years. Many of these sites are satisfactory, but there are a few that could be considered the top online poker sites. There are several things that separate the top sites from the standard ones. Let's take a brief look.

First and foremost, a top site will have excellent security. As poker is a money game, there are, of course, going to be attempts to "hack" a site. VIPpoker.com knows this and consequently spends no small sum of money ensuring that the site is extremely well-protected against attempted hacks and viruses.

Variety is also a determining factor as to whether or not a poker site is a top site. VIPpoker.com has several games to play and a full range of limits. This is important as players move up in table limits. Players do not want to have to switch sites and set up new accounts once they reach the $2/$4 tables, for instance.

Other top poker site factors include bonuses and easy payouts. Bonuses and "loyalty" programs are great ways to reward steady customers, and smart poker sites know that in order to stay on top, they need to make sure their customers know they are appreciated. VIPpoker.com, one of the top poker sites on the Internet, has an extensive customer loyalty program, VIPrewards, and gives out pretty serious bonuses to new customers. Sign up now at VIPpoker.com, your top online poker site.