Insider Tips For Finding A Great Online
Poker Room
Even though they look pretty much the same and they’re all selling
essentially the same few games, all Online Poker Rooms are NOT created
equal! The differences can go far beyond the look and feel of the
software. After you’ve played at several different rooms, you’ll start to
see the tell-tale signs of a quality room as opposed to the “back alley”
type.
Here’s a few things to consider before you plunk down your money.
The Number Of Players
It simply doesn’t matter how great the software is or how many game
variations Are Offered. If you’re sitting alone, staring at the virtual
walls ...What Good Is The Poker Room? The great pokerrooms always have
lots of real money players --- Playing!
Cash Outs
Don’t let a big bonus or huge game selection be the only criteria you
use when selecting a Pokerroom. Make sure you understand how to cash out,
where your money will go and how quickly you’ll get paid. Remember, what
good is your bankroll if you don’t have access to it?
Customer Service
Before you purchase, know the customer service options. Is there a toll
free phone number? Is there Online Chat (my personal favorite)? Or is
email your only option? Make sure you can contact a rep when you need one.
Here’s A Tip: Before You Purchase, Contact Support and Ask a few
questions, Just to see how responsive and knowledgeable the staff is.
Great Pokerrooms know how important Customer Service is and will make sure
their reps are well trained!
Bonus/Comps
Free Money at sign-up is always nice! But, it’s really not very
important. Remember, there are always play through requirements and the
more “Free Money” you get the more you’ll have to play before you can
actually cash it out.
More important then a sign-up bonus is the ongoing comps that are
offered. Poker can be a very exciting game, where you have a pretty good
chance of consistently winning. Once you find a poker room that you like,
chances are you’ll be playing there frequently. A good comp program can
directly add to your bottom line!
Ease of Use
I’m including the entire poker room “experience” in this category.
Starting with the first time you visit the site, through the download and
sign up process, making a deposit, choosing a table and of course, the
actual game-play. The easier it is to get all of this done the better. A
clean, simple homepage and intuitive, easily installed software are
important factors that shouldn’t be overlooked.
And Finally...
I’ve outlined what I think are the most important factors in any
Pokerroom. Of course, you’ll need to consider your own factors also...
For Example:
* Do You Like Frequent Tournaments?
* What Table Limits Are You Comfortable With?
* Are You Interested In Multi-Table Play?
An hour or so of research before you actually make your first deposit
can go a long way toward improving your online playing experience.
David Olsen has spent entirely too much time writing about Online
Gambling. His latest site gambling site Online Poker is
dedicated to finding and testing the webs poker rooms.
Mr. Olsen works from home and is married with one young son.
