Even though they look pretty much the same and they all sell essentially the same games, all online poker rooms are NOT the same! The differences can go far beyond the appearance of the software. After you’ve played in several different rooms, you will begin to see the telltale signs of a quality room as opposed to the “back alley” type.
Here are some things to consider before spending your money.
The number of players
It just doesn’t matter how good the software is or how many variations of the game are offered. If you are sitting alone, watching
on virtual walls … What good is the poker room? The big poker rooms always have a lot of real money players — Playing!
Cash withdrawals
Don’t let a large bonus or a large selection of games be the only criteria you use when selecting a poker room. Make sure
understand how to get paid, where your money will go, and how quickly you will be paid. Remember, what good is your bankroll if you don’t have access to it?
Customer service
Before you buy, learn about customer service options. Is there a toll free number? Is there online chat (my personal favorite)? Or is email your only option? Make sure you can reach a representative when you need one. Here’s a tip: before you
Shop around, reach out to support, and ask a few questions, just to see how responsive and knowledgeable the staff is. Great Pokerrooms knows how important customer service is and will make sure their representatives are well trained!
Bonuses / Comps
Free money when signing up is always good! But it really is not very important. Remember, there are always play requirements and the more “Free Money” you get, the more you have to play before you can cash out.
More important than a sign-up bonus are the ongoing comps on offer. Poker can be a very exciting game, where you have a high chance of consistently winning. Once you find a poker room that you like, chances are you are playing there.
frequently. A good compensation program can directly contribute to your bottom line!
Easy to use
I include the entire “experience” of the poker room in this category. Starting with the first time you visit the site, through the download and registration process, making a deposit, choosing a table, and of course the actual game. The easier it is to do all of this, the better.
A clean and simple home page and intuitive, easy-to-install software are important factors that should not be overlooked.
And finally …
I have summarized what I think are the most important factors in any Pokerroom. Of course, you will also need to consider your own factors …
For example:
* Do you like frequent tournaments?
* What table limits are you comfortable with?
* Are you interested in playing multiple tables?
An hour or so of research before making your first deposit can go a long way in enhancing your online gaming experience.
