Choosing an online poker room

Choosing an Online Poker Room

There are a lot of things to consider when you're choosing an online poker room.  You want to be sure you get the product you're paying for - a fun, fair game on a secure site. So - here's the list of things to look for when choosing a poker site:

#1 Security and Privacy

Just like signing up for a new credit card - be sure you know what the policies are regarding your personal information. Will the site keep your name and e-mail address private, or will they sell you e-mail address?

You also want a fair game on the part of the poker room and the other players at your table. Each site should have safeguards against game-rigging, hackers and collusion. The site should also have good shuffle algorithms and random number generators so the hands you are dealt are as random as they would be in real life.

#2 Action, Stakes and Competition

Is the site full of fish or sharks? Are there enough players to get a game together? Are all the tables full leaving you waiting around to play? How are the table limits? Do they offer more than one game?

#3 Gameplay

Is the software easy to navigate and fun? Do you like the player interface - audio, visual, etc? Does the poker room allow conversations with other players - or allow you to ignore/block/mute them?

#4 Customer Service

If you have a problem, you want a speedy, fair response. Is customer service available 24/7? Do the have a phone number where you can speak to a real live person? Is the phone number toll-free?

#5 Connectivity

How stable are the poker room's servers? Are there frequent delays in games, disconnects or all-out crashes?

#6 Cashing Out

How easy is it to get the money from the web site to your pocket? How long does it take? Do you have choices of how to receive your money? Is there a charge associated with cashing out?

#7 Free Play

Can you test the site for free? How much personal information do you have to give to play for free?

#8 Tournaments

The more tournaments the better! Are satellite tourneys available?

#9 Promotions!

Are there incentives to new and loyal players? Sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, frequent player incentives like t-shirts or caps?

#10 Other features / conveniences

Can you track your own gameplay or track top players? Are character images or avatars available? Will you have a chance to beta-test new software? Are there celebrity columns or advice on the site? Are blogs and forums available? How about custom tables or avatars?