Top 10 poker networks (Part II)

As both internet poker sites and the players themselves presently work together to hark the possibilities of winning millions at online poker sites, JackpotFinder began a countdown of the top 10 online poker networks.

As abundant online poker rooms of various qualities are open, it can be difficult to decide where to play the game.   Though some people enjoy the game itself and others wish to win cash, nobody desires to be devoured in a pool of professional card sharks.

Hence JackpotFinder is help to aid readers by pointing out the best online poker sites. Though this is surely a subjective matter (strongly hinged upon a players motivation and preferences), we consider network size a strong (though not complete) indicator of quality.  Bigger networks most often stake larger jackpots and categorically offer greater diversity in terms of table stakes, skill levels, and available games. Moreover, successfully attracting and retaining an enormous pool itself suggests quality, generous, or frequently both.

Let’s return to the showdown.

#5. Cereus Network

The Cereus Nework, owned by Blast Off Limited and licensed out of Kahnawake, Canada, presents a flush. At any given moment, about 11,000 players on Cereus enjoy the game while between 1,300 and 2,800 wager on their poker hands. 

While 50% come for the No Limit Texas Hold’em, Cereus also supports other common poker games such as Omaha Hi/Lo and 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, as well as so less common charms such as Razz, Horse/Heros, and Hose. While some players bemoan the additional rake costs, one of the biggest draws for many players is the opportunity to win a huge $140K Bad Beat progressive jackpot.

The Cereus Nework can be accessed through Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet.

#4. Ongame Network

Ongame Network, owned by bwin Interactive Entertainment AG (which may soon merge with Party Gaming) and also served out of Kahnawake, Canada, outranks them with a royal flush. Though, some players find their software to be ugly and unstable, they remain a very popular poker network.

While only slightly more (12,000 players) come to Ongame for free poker games than come to Cereus, significantly more (typically from 2700 to 4800 players) are betting real money at Ongame’s online poker games. Online poker sharks feel that many of these are bad players, which can be good for those who aren’t confident about their game or are looking to swallow some fish themselves. Moreover, their cashout process may not be the fastest, but it is reasonable.

While it may seem 99% of the players come to Ongame for No Limit Texas Hold’em, some also come for the Omaha Hi/Lo, the 7 Card Stud, and the 5 Card Draw. Those who like short-handed tables so they can pick their position will find ample opportunity to do that here. 

Ongame Network is available through Tower Poker and Betsson Poker.

#3. iPoker Network

Presenting four of a kind is the iPoker Network, built by Playtech software. Between 3900 and 7000 players are typically engaged in poker, almost all of them for real money No Limit Texas Hold’em, on iPoker. Several also come for Omaha, 7 Card Stud or 5 Card Stud.  An enforced win cap to deter sharks makes the iPoker Network a particularly good for novice poker players. 

While it seems many players seem disgruntled about policy decisions by the iPoker Network, which also include rounding down when players switch currency, the iPoker Network is available through Bet365 Poker.  Bet365 Poker is part of the 2010 JackpotFinder Award winner for Best Gambling Site - Bet365, as they offer not only online poker, but also an internet casino, internet bingo hall, and internet sportsbook (for which they are most famous). Their software is classy and easy

#2. Full Tilt Poker

Full Tilt Poker, with a straight flush, brings online poker into the next league. Owned by TiltWare LLC / Kolyma Corp and served out of Alderney, this part of isn’t a poker between multiple poker sites, but even standing alone they form one of the largest networks of poker players, many of whom are quite skilled for those who enjoy a challenge.

Over 75,000 poker enthusiasts come just to play while between 17,000 to 26,000 compete for real money. While about 60% come for the No Limit Texas Hold’em, about 30% more come for their unique Rush Poker Hold’em game which allows player to jump from table to table instead of waiting for hands to finish even after they’ve folded. In addition, they have popular Omaha and 7 Card, as well as some unusual offers like 7-game, HA, Ho, and Razz. Players really appreciate Full Tilt Poker for their outstanding, top-notch software, steady bonuses, and up to 27% rakeback.

#1 Online Poker Network is Poker Stars

Finally, taking the hand with a royal flush is Poker Stars. This independent poker site hosts more people than many small countries. While most of around 200,000 simultaneous online players are just playing for fun, from 32,000 to 52,000 are currently wagering for real money, mostly at No Limit Texas Hold’em. Omaha is also very popular. They also offer many uncommon games such as 8-card, Badugi, and Triple Draw Lowball 2-7.

Poker Stars has toiled hard against both strong competition and tough critics to build and maintain their standing as the world’s greatest poker site. Many famous poker players such as Viktor Blom (a.k.a. Isildur1) are members and they stake not only money, but also their reputation, on Poker Stars being a fair, secure, and friendly playing environment. 

The software is excellent and customer service is truly supportive. Poker Stars is associated with many offline tournaments including the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and players have ample opportunity to engage in satellite competitions, winning seat tickets and travel packages to take them to these monumental events. Not least those who play enough will find great benefits in the Stars VIP program.

So concludes our top ten online poker network countdown. Please tell in the comments us how you feel at players. Have we indeed chosen the greatest networks? Do you feel that some smaller network deserves recognition because we overlooked something?