Party poker review

Summary

Party Poker is an exceptionally large online poker room, attracting one of the largest player bases in the industry today. Over time they have remained extremely popular among both novice and veteran online poker players.

The massive popularity of the poker room can be attributed to several factors. The software is not only fast and highly functional; supplies a downloadable version for Windows computers, and a separate in browser version for Mac and Linux users.

Software and Extra Features

Party Poker’s software has recently been updated, giving a nice facelift to the lobby area but unfortunately neglecting the actual playing table which is still a bit drab. The software itself however is fast and reliable, and supports up to four tables being played simultaneously.

They have also launched a no download version of their software, which means that Mac (aka Macintosh) and Linux players can also play at Party Poker now.

One special feature that sets Party Poker apart from other poker sites is the Deal Making facility. This comes into play whenever a tournament is down to the final table and is entirely optional. All players must agree to do a deal, which means that they can decide between them to stop the tournament and split the chips in an agreed way.

All players must agree to discuss a deal before it can go ahead, but by discussing the deal it does not commit any player to actually following through and accepting the terms of the deal. Any player can refuse the deal and the tournament carries on as before.

Player Traffic and Competition

Party Poker has been hit more than most sites by the new law banning US players from playing poker online. The position it once held as undisputed market leader in terms of player numbers has come under severe threat from the likes of Poker Stars and Ultimate Bet who both still accept US based players.

The new focus for Party Poker is towards Western Europe and Scandinavia as well as emerging poker markets like South America and the Far East. All of these have seen a big leap in the numbers of active players since the law was introduced and Party Poker increased their advertising in these areas. Right now they average about 7,000 ring game and 40,000 real money tournament players during peak hours.

Since the new law, Party Poker has become far easier to play at than before. Where previously there was fierce competition to register for a place at Sit and Go tournaments, it is now easy to just go along and sign up to any tournament that takes your fancy. There’s none of the old scrabbling for places, but this has led to an inevitable loss in excitement on the site.

The Welcome Bonus

Once the player has made a real money deposit he may immediately begin earning the bonus money simply by playing. As the player navigates any of the cash money games Party Points are earned based on the rake or the entry fee of the game. Party Points are integral to Party Poker's bonus system and their VIP ranking. When the player accumulates a set amount of Party Points the bonus money is released into the players bankroll in $5 increments.

The number of Party Points required for each increment is displayed on your account page. It takes six to nine times the deposit amount in Party Points to release the entire bonus depending on the currency used. Players have 60 days to release their Welcome Bonus through play. In addition there are frequent reload bonuses for established members matching 15 to 25% of up to $200 of there deposit. The reload bonuses follow the same rules and format for releasing the bonus money as the Welcome Bonus.

Game Variety and Promotions

There is a good variety of game play on Party Poker, with Omaha and & card stud being available as well as limit, pot limit and no limit Texas Holdem.

All tournament types are also well served with a wide range of buy-in options and single table tournament Sit & Gos available from only $3. Ring game tables where you can just go along and sit at an empty space are available at blinds of $0.02/$0.04 and upwards to $25/$50.

Party Poker’s main event is the Party Poker Million. They have also replaced the $1 million tournament with $300,000 guaranteed every Sunday. Player's club free-rolls are another attraction at party poker. Players accumulate party points while playing real money games and can redeem them to enter free-rolls or various other tournaments.

Party Points

Players earn two Party Points for every dollar they contribute to the rake. The points do not roll over and at the end of a thirty day period they are lost. These points determine the players VIP status and may be used for entry fees, access to invitational events or exchanged for cash or merchandise at the site's new online store. Some levels of VIP status allow you to earn Party Points at a better rate than the standard two to one ratio.

VIP Rewards & Reward Bonuses

The VIP system for Party Poker is exceptional. As players rise in the ranks of VIP they enjoy invitations to exclusive VIP games, better bonuses for many promotions, and earning Party Points at better rates. Once a player reaches the Elite VIP status they enjoy a number of exceptional benefits. Elite VIP's have access to concierge services and free entry into numerous contests for prizes such as travel, World Poker Tour seats or major sporting events.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods

UK members may deposit cash using MasterCard, Visa, Paysafe, WebMoney, Bancontact Mister Cash, iDeal, Laser card, Click & Buy, Click2Pay, Giro pay, ukash, Przleway24, DirectPay24, my citadel wallet, Poli, eWire, ELV Germany/Austria), UsemyBank (Canada/U.K.), Switch/Solo/Maestro, Moneybookers, EntroPay, Neteller, wire transfer, and bank transfer. Party Poker has a minimum deposit of $25 and some deposit methods may require a higher minimum deposit or additional fees.

Players may opt to withdraw money from their account at any time, but there is a $50 minimum and a $3000 maximum on individual withdrawals. Party Poker has an excellent selection of withdrawal methods for players to choose from. However, in many cases the player may only withdraw funds if they have used that method previously to deposit cash.

The speed of the transaction varies from just six hours via WebMoney to 20 days for regular checks. Some methods may charge a fee such as Express Check or Western Union. Funds can be withdrawn using MasterCard, VISA WebMoney, Switch/Solo/Maestro, Neteller, Click2Pay, Moneybookers, wire transfer, my citadel wallet, bank transfer, checks by mail, and checks by courier.

Customer Service

Party Poker’s customer service is excellent, with 24 hour free phone support to US, Canada and Western Europe including UK. There is also email support available too for less urgent problems.