It’s hard to put an exact figure on the number of online poker players in the world. The World Poker Tour estimates a figure of 120 million, which is enough to ensure there is always someone to play against. All you have to do is choose the right online poker platform.
Fortunately, we’re here to help! Consider the following factors before setting up your online poker account, it will help to ensure you get a positive gaming experience.
Reputation
The first thing you should check is how reputable the online poker platform is. It’s surprisingly easy to set up a poker platform, you want to make sure you have a fair chance of winning. To do this, start by checking to see if the platform is licensed and registered. This shows that it takes itself seriously and is prepared to comply with all the necessary laws.
You should also see if the site uses a certified random number generator (RNG). This ensures the games are fair and you have a reasonable chance of winning.
Of course, the longer a platform has been in existence and the better known it is, the more reputable it is likely to be.
Range of games
Even if you just want to play poker, there are many different variants. It’s worth trying all of them to find out which one you excel at. To make sure this is possible you need to choose a platform which offers several types of online poker, such as Texas Hold’em, Hi-Lo, and Omaha.
Playing variants is a good way of improving your skills and increasing your chances of winning.
Bonuses
Winning is great but can be difficult if you’re a beginner or up against good players. That’s when bonuses become increasingly important. You should look at what welcome bonuses are being offered and how regularly extras are offered. The better the bonuses the more attractive the platform.
For example, Zynga games offer new players $2M of free poker chips and, after two hours of play, you can spin to get a free bonus. That means there is always a reward coming your way. Of course, as with all platforms, there are rules which apply. Comply with them and a bonus can help sweeten a losing streak, ready for that big win!
The software
Before you commit to any online poker platform you should look at their site and download their software. Firstly, you’ll want to see how easy it is to navigate their site and explore the games on offer. Secondly, you’ll want to register for a free account, (if they offer one), and take a look at how you play.
You want a platform that is easy to use, allowing you to intuitively place bets, change tables, and handle all your online poker needs. A smooth platform shows the operators are keen to keep you happy. That’s a good thing. It also means you can focus on gameplay, which is where you’ll win the money.
Number of visitors
Most online poker platforms will list player numbers. It’s a good idea to look at this. The higher the number of active players on a site, the greater the number of games in operation. That makes it easier to choose the right table, or even switch tables.
Customer support
While you hope that your online poker experience will be fantastic and you’ll win, there are times when things go wrong. It’s important to know how easy it is to contact customer support. Check if they have a detailed FAQ section and how you can contact the support team. Most of the best online platforms offer support through social media.
Hopefully, you’ll never need it but it’s good to know the support is there.
This is a good time to look at online reviews. Simply type the platform name into a search on social media and see what responses come up. The best platforms will have lots of reviews, they will be predominantly good. However, some negative reviews should be expected. They can be a great way to gauge how the platform has handled issues. Knowing this will help you decide if the online poker platform is the right one for you or not.