Tag Archives: online poker

Featured Poker Sites

PokerHost Loyalty Program

PokerHost ReviewPokerHhost is currently running an extremely lucrative loyalty promotion for its customers. The best thing about how this promotion is that no matter what level you play at, you will be able to clear and start earning some free money or cash back on your play.

The promotion is called the VIP Diamond Program and is split up into five sections each with its own VIP point's requirement, cash back rate and exchange rate. It's worth noting at this point that you can only exchange your VIP points for cash a maximum of three times per month, but this payment will be paid instantly into your account.

How the Program Works

When playing at any raked cash game you will become eligible to earn points at the table. You will earn 10 VIP points for every $1 in rake you pay. Obviously the higher stakes you play, the more rake you will create and hence the more points you will accumulate.

Depending on how many points you earn depends on the VIP level you are assigned, and in turn the rate of cash back you will earn. Once a VIP level is earned you will remian at that level for 60 days even if you do not play. To reatin your VIP level you must make the required number of points within the 60 day decay period. If no hands are played in those 60 days then you can go backwards in the VIP levels.

On top of the cash back scheme there are also two freerolls which players are eligible to enter on the final Saturday and Sunday of each month. These are both $10k Freerolls and require at least 100 VIP points to be acquired over the month. Any winnings from these freerolls will become available for withdrawal within 7 days of the winnings being issued.

VIP Tiers

The first tier is the 10 of Diamonds and this is the entry level to start earning your cash back reward. It requires you to hit 1,500 VIP points to start making a cash back rate of 10%. Your points can be exchanged for money at the Pokerhost store at a rate of $5 for every 500 points earned. The 60 day decay period applies to this level with a reduction of 500 points if the terms aren't met.

Second is the Jack of Diamonds which requires you to clear 5,000 VIP points. This entitles you to cash back rate of 15% giving you the ability to exchange 1000 points for $15 in the store. 3,000 points will be removed if no play is made on the account within the 60 day decay period.

Third is the Queen of Diamonds allowing you to claim a cash back reward of up to 20%. You will need to clear 20,000 VIP points and doing so means your cash exchange rate will be $200 for every 10,000 points. The decay drop off is 15,000 points within the 60 day period.

Fourth is the King of Diamonds level that means you can claim up to 25% in cash back from the tables and also allows you to get $375 for every 15,000 VIP points you exchange at their store. The criteria is to get to 100,000 VIP points or more but with that comes a decay of 50,000, again within the 60 period.

Finally comes the Ace of Diamonds level where you must amass 300,000 VIP points or more. However, this gives you a jump all the way up to 35% cash back and an exchange rate of $700 for just 20,000 VIP in store. This is easily the most lucrative deal out of the five, but admittedly, the hardest to attain.

PokerHost is one of the most generous USA online poker sites when it comes to free money and cash back. Not only claim their huge sign up bonus of up to $5000, but also receive a reload bonus on every deposit you make for the life of your account. Add this loyalty program on top of the deposit bonuses and you will always be earning a good bit of free cash when you play.

For more information see our complete PokerHost review and get started at our best USA poker site!

General

Looking Ahead at Online Poker for the USA

It probably goes without saying that the USA online poker market has been a bit of a grey area for many over the last couple of years. There are many myths floating around that online poker is illegal for US players, and while this is true to a certain extent, there are opportunities for USA based players to play legally online.

Where in the USA is it legal to play online poker?

At the time of writing there are currently 9 states of which you can play online poker in the US. These include Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington and Washington DC. These 9 have all fought for the right for people within those states to play online.

It is worth noting that there are other states all working hard to legalise gambling but this is often a lengthy and drawn out process. Stay tuned here to our website and news section for updates on how other states are faring in their bid.

Which sites accept USA Players?

After finding an accepting state, you then need to be able to find a card room which then allow USA based players. Unfortunately, not all card rooms that accept USA players will do so from each state. In fact, the only network available at the minute is that of Poker Pros Network who have licensing in all of the 9 above states.

Other networks include Bovada, Merge (Carbon Poker), Revolution Gaming (Lock Poker and Juicy Stakes), Seals With Clubs (Bitcoin only) and Winning Poker (America's Cardroom, Black Chip Poker and True Poker). To play now check out our USA poker site reviews to get started.

What does the future look like for online Poker in the US?

In all honesty, the future looks much brighter than it did twelve months ago. There are more states applying for licensing and there are more much positive outcomes to these applications each month. It's unfortunately a long drawn out process at the minute but it wouldn't surprise us to see a bit of a domino effect for online poker. As more start to gain licensing more will apply due to the revenue it can potentially bring in for each.

It is, however, unlikely that online poker will ever get back to the days of the 'Moneymaker effect' just with so many players being burnt in Black Friday. As we mentioned earlier, a lot of your Average Joe's will see it as being illegal, because they simply don't know any better and uderstand the laws surrounding online poker. Hopefully though, as time goes on, online poker rooms will be able to gain the trust of players and then an influx of what was the biggest market in the world, will return.

General

Features of the Merge Poker Network

The Merge Poker Network has been one of the largest networks within the online poker industry for a number of years now. In fact, it's probably safe to say that they have been one of the few success stories since the emergence of 'Black Friday'. A company that has seen many changes in its time, Merge has continued to listen to users in an attempt to provide one of the most innovative poker rooms in online poker.

USA Friendly

While many poker rooms continue to flee from the US market due to the stricken laws of licensing, Merge have been one of the few companies to continue to offer their services to that of US residents. While the ban still applies in states such as Washington, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky and Louisiana, the rest of the states still legally allow US residents to partake in online poker. The Merge Network then allows each of their skins to cast the final decision on whether to accept US residents or not. We have listed here several USA online poker sites which operate on the Merge Network.

A host of innovative in-game features

Design and innovation has clearly been at the forefront of the Merge action plan with regular software updates and re-designs being a focal point to the company's success. Few areas have been adapted more than features at the tale with the inclusion of rabbit cam, expose 1 card, emotions, deal it twice, HD graphics and, finally, the inclusion of a time-bank.

Huge array of games

Companies such as PokerStars have always been a frontrunner in terms of the variety of games that's on offer for any one poker room or network. Admittedly, over the years, they have been pretty much untouchable; until now. Merge have managed to combine a host of games to rival some of the bigger players in the industry and to accompany that, each provides a decent amount of traffic to go along with it.

The main hitters are there such as Texas Holdem and Omaha variants including Limit, Pot Limit, No Limit and Omaha Hi-Lo. But on top of that mixed games include HORSE, Caribbean Stud, Five Card Stud, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, Razz, Deuce to 7 Lowball, Badugi and Five Card Draw.

Affiliations with major live tours

Merge have managed to affiliate themselves with some of the biggest live poker tours from around the world in the APPT (Asia Pacific Poker Tour), WPT (World Poker Tour) and Aussie Millions. Tournaments for each tour can be satellite in directly from the network for just a fraction of the price with many tickets including a healthy package to accompany it such as flights, accommodation and even spending money when over there. Satellites for each tour start from just $2.

Our Recommended Merge Poker Sites

If you want to sign up at a poker site that runs on the Merge Poker Network we recommend a few different sites. Our best Merge Poker Network site is PokerHost. PokerHost is our all around best USA online poker site and runs on the Merge Poker Network. See our PokerHost review for more information. You can also see our Carbon Poker review and Aced Poker review. Both poker sites are also USA friendly and run on the Merge Network.

Featured Poker Sites

PokerHost Named Best USA Site

PokerHost ReviewPokerHost has always been one of our preferred online poker sites and we have now named them our best USA online poker site. The change comes after PokerHost has once again begun to have very good credit card success rates. While we have always liked PokerHost they did have some trouble getting USA credit cards approved but has now been resolved and you can once again deposit with your USA Visa credit card and get it approved!

PokerHost offers great software, an outstanding bonus, great customer service and once again great banking options. By using any of our links you can claim a huge 200% match bonus up to $5000 on your first deposit. Automatically double your initial poker bankroll by just signing up and making a deposit. You can also claim a reload bonus on every deposit you make for the life of your account.

PokerHost runs on the Merge Poker Network which has the best site traffic for USA players. Here you will find the largest guaranteed multi table tournaments and finding the blind level for real money cash games of your choice is never a problem. You can also find a great selection of sit n go's in a number of different blind levels. Play in 10 minutes blinds, 5 minute blinds and even 2 minute blind levels. You will find 10, 6 and 4 seated tables plus and heads up tournaments. Regardless which you choose you will not be waiting long for any of them get started.

As we said PokerHost accepts USA Visa deposits and does a good job getting them approved. In the event your credit card is declined you can always send cash as well which is sure way of funding your poker account. Send over $200 and many times PokerHost will also either pay the fees or offer a special bonus to help reimburse the fee amount.

When you are ready to make a withdraw, PokerHost doesn't disappoint there either. You can request a check, bank wire or cash. Checks and bank wires are generally in your hands within 5 business days but if you want your winnings fast request a cash transfer. PokerHost prides themselves in being one of the fastest paying USA online poker sites and you will have your cash pick up details in as little as 24 hours and always within 48 to 72 hours.

For more information see our PokerHost review and use any of our links to sign up and claim your bonus. We think once you play at PokerHost you will agree they are the best USA poker site and chances are you will not want to play anywhere else!

Promotions

BetOnline Raises Poker Bonus

BetOnline has always been one of our top rated USA online poker sites and the only place they ever fell short was their sign up bonus. Well BetOnline has finally decided to offer online poker players a great sign up bonus. You now will receive a 200% match first deposit bonus up to $2500. This is now one of the more generous poker bonuses offered by any USA online poker site.

To claim your bonus use any of our links and make a deposit of $50 or more. Once you make your deposit you must email freeplay@ag and the bonus will be credited to your account immediately.

To earn your BetOnline bonus simply play real money cash ring games or tournaments. Your bonus is then released in 5 stages. Earn 10% of your bonus after earning 25% of your deposit amount in POP points. If you received a $100 bonus you would have to earn 25 POP points and $10 of your bonus is released. This stage of the bonus is very easy to earn and you will have 10% of bonus in your real money account in no time.

Earn 20% of your bonus in Stage 2 after earning an additional 50% of your bonus in POP points. In stage 3 you earn another 50% of your bonus after earning another 100% of your bonus amount in POP points and stage 4 releases 50% again after earning 150% of your bonus amount in POP points. The final 70% of your bonus is released in Stage 5 after earning 250% of your bonus in POP points. You can track your progress in your player admin as you earn your bonus.

BetOnline is a great place to play online. They have good site traffic for both cash ring games and tournaments so will always find the game you are looking for. BetOnline also does a good job getting USA deposits approved. Deposit by Visa, MasterCard or American Express and get your credit card deposit approved. If for some reason your deposit is declined online call them. Because they also run an online sportsbook many times they can get your deposit approved over the phone.

Withdraws are offered by check or cash transfer for USA residents and withdraws are received fast. Cash transfers are available in as little as 48 hours and always received by 36 – 48 hours. Checks arrive by courier and received within 5 business days.

For more information and to claim your 200% match bonus see our BetOnline Poker review. Once signing up we think you will be very pleased with the experience offered by BetOnline.

Promotions

Spread the Word and Earn Money

PokerHost ReviewTell your friends about PokerHost and you can earn up to $200 for each friend you refer. Just spread the news about one one of our best USA online poker sites and the person you refer will receive a 200% match bonus up to $5000 on their first deposit and you will get some free cash yourself. For each friend you refer you can earn up to a $200 bonus based on what your friend deposits for the first time.

When your friend signs up at PokerHost they must tell customer service they were referred by you. They can call the 1.800 number, use LIVE Chat or email support. Once they make their first deposit you will receive twice the deposit amount in form of free cash and bonuses.

Initially you will receive 20% of their first deposit amount in cash deposited into your player account. If your friend makes a $100 first deposit you will receive $20 free cash. The remainder of the bonus will then be earned as your friend plays real money ring games and tournaments. For every 250 VIP Points your friend earns you will receive $5 of your bonus placed in your real money account. You will continue to receive your bonus in $5 increments until your bonus is exhausted. During the same time your friend will also be earning their first deposit bonus as well.

So spread the word about PokerHost to your friends and earn some free money. If you currently play at PokerHost you know how good of a poker site PokerHost is and why they are considered one of our best USA poker sites. No other poker site pays faster than PokerHost and the site traffic is exceptional.

So next time your talking about playing online poker be sure to tell your friends about PokerHost. You can refer players any way you want including posting on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. Just make sure the person you refer tells PokerHost you referred them so you can earn your free poker cash.

General

Take a Bad Beat

Americas Card RoomUsually no one wants to experience a bad beat – unless of course you are playing at bad beat jackpot table. If you want to play in a bad beat jackpot head over to Americas Card Room. Americas Card Room is the only USA online poker site available that offers a bad beat jackpot. At this time the bad beat jackpot is currently over $111,000 and ready to be hit.

To get a piece of the bad beat jackpot loose the hand holding quad 8′s or better. If you do so you will receive 30% of the bad beat jackpot which at these levels is over $30,000. If you give the bad beat (the winner of the hand) you receive 20% of the jackpot. The remaining portion of the jackpot is divided among the remaining players at the table (10%) and 30% is kept to reseed the next jackpot.

The bad beat jackpot is funded by taking $.50 out of every pot that is being played at a bad beat jackpot table. The $.50 is not missed but all those half dollars add up and if you get a piece of the jackpot you will be glad you missed out on $.50 here and there.

If you do not have an account at Americas Card Room you can sign up through our website and receive a 100% match bonus up to $1000 on your first deposit. Americas Card Room also offer redeposit bonuses on a regular basis. Receive anywhere from a 50% match bonus up to a 100% match usually being capped at $350. Americas Card is pretty generous with their bonuses so you will always be earning some free cash while you play. If you take full advantage of the bonuses you can add a few hundred dollars to your poker bankroll every month.

Americas Card Room runs on the Winning Poker Network and has very good site traffic. Some poker sites on the network allow USA players while others do not so you will find fellow Americans at the tables as well as players from all over the world.

Americas Card Room also offers a great selection of US deposit methods including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and cash transfers. Credit cards work pretty well but if your credit card is declined you can always send cash.

For more information see our complete Americas Card Room review and also see our Bad Beat Jackpots page for more information on how to win a couple thousand dollars.