Finding the Best Online Poker Site
You can't be an online gambling fan without acknowledging the importance of online poker in the market. Over the past decade, its popularity has soared, seeing millions of poker fans hitting the tables daily. Whether it's the potential for big cash earnings, or simply the social aspect that appeals to players, there is no doubting that online poker is a sport that is here to stay.
But just because online poker is now a global phenomenon, that doesn't mean that everybody knows how to find the right place to play. With so many poker venues popping up all over the Internet, it can sometimes be difficult separating the wheat from the chaff.
This guide intends to explain what a good online poker site should offer, and how you can find a safe and secure - and ultimately rewarding - poker experience online, simply by looking in the right places.
Bonuses, Promotions, and Tournaments
Whether you're into online casino gaming, sportsbooks, or online poker, bonuses and promotions will undoubtedly play their part in your time online. While bonuses are great incentives to sign-up, Welcome Bonuses aren't the only things offered by the best online poker sites.
If you are the type of rounder who enjoys picking up bonuses on the fly and using them regularly, then finding an online poker site that offers a plethora of them is obviously a key ingredient to your success.
Places like Full Tilt Poker offer numerous bonuses and promotions throughout the year. In addition to your typical Sign-Up and Refer-A-Friend extras, Full Tilt also promotes a large number of their own tournaments, as well as satellites into the big events. With tourneys like the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour able to be accessed through the online poker site, it's no surprise that Full Tilt is such a popular venue for the sport.
These sorts of events are perfect for the poker player that - like the majority of us - can't afford the $10,000 direct entry fee into the WSOP. Instead, if you have the online poker skills and are determined to succeed, then places like Full Tilt Poker could very well be your ticket into the big time.
Online sportsbooks have recognised the need for diversity in banking methods, and the best now offer a wide selection for punters to take advantage of, including credit cards, pre-paid methods and eWallets.
Variety of Games
While Texas Hold'em is obviously the most popular form of poker played not only online, but also in live casinos and casually, there are far more versions of the game - as you can tell by the sheer number of unique World Series of Poker bracelets on offer every year.
Online poker venues like William Hill not only offer a wide variety of games, but detailed guides that will teach you how to play each of them. Omaha, Omaha Hi, 5-Card Stud, and 7-Card Stud are the most played online poker games behind Texas Hold'em, but H.O.R.S.E. and Deuce-to-Seven Draw are also popular choices.
Banking Methods
Not all online punters use the same banking method for deposits and withdrawals - just as not everyon uses the same credit card or bank account as each other. Online sportsbooks have recognised the need for diversity in banking methods, and the best now offer a wide selection for punters to take advantage of.
While credit and debit cards will always be a staple of the online banking methods, there are plenty more that have been just as, if not more, popular amongst punters.
Moneybookers has various forms that have all become regular banking options at online casinos. In addition to the standard Moneybookers program, POLi, iDEAL, and GiroPay are popular deposit and withdrawal methods that fall under the branch of Moneybookers.
NETeller is another form that has found success as an online gambling banking method. Poker, casino, and sportsbook fans alike all know how safe and secure NETeller is, which is why it is so highly thought of in the market.
Finally, PayPal is one particular payment method that has recently moved into the online poker scene. Finding its feet as the most popular payment method on eBay, most Internet users will have utilised PayPal's services at one time or another. If you aren't already familiar with PayPal, then you would have at least heard about its ease of use and high level of security, yet more reasons why it has become a popular feature with online gamblers.
Other Online Gambling Options
While online poker may be your initial reason for joining a poker site, there are several other betting opportunities available once you have signed up. Many online poker venues will only offer exclusive poker gaming, which is perfect for players that want to concentrate all their time on their favourite game. However, for online gambling fans that are interested in other betting activities, selecting a site that offers many different features could be the best option for you.
Online bookmakers and sportsbooks are typically the most popular betting sites for online gamblers. The great thing about bookies is that most now offer not just their sportsbook, but casinos, bingo halls, and most importantly poker rooms. If you are a big time rounder that also enjoys a bit of slots or football betting, then be sure to sign up to a website, such as William Hill or PartyPoker, that hosts their own online casinos, bookmakers, and more.
