One of the best ways to learn how to play poker online is to play at low stakes. This way, you will be able to learn the tricks and strategies of the game, and it will also be free! There are many poker sites that have beginners only tables that you can join for free for the first 30 to 90 days after you create an account. As long as you can avoid playing against better players, you should have no trouble making progress.
In casinos, the average winning poker player makes around $4 an hour, barely breaking even before incidental expenses.