Online poker is fast becoming one of the most popular online games in the world. It’s easy to get into, there are tons of informative tutorials on how to play and, best of all, it’s super convenient.
Add to that the fact that there are millions of players online at any given time, and you can see why online platforms are replacing live casinos as the place to find a regular cash game.Â
All this is well and good, but how exactly do you go about choosing a platform? Are sign-up bonuses important, and how on earth do we know that our chosen platform or website is actually legit?
Well, it’s not all that difficult. All you need to do is follow these simple steps.
Look for the names you know
With online poker taking a much more prominent role in society, you probably have heard of a few poker platforms. In fact, you may have even seen their ads on TV.
These are the brands that you want to start with. The chances are that if they have become a major player in the industry, then they’re doing something right.
These big players also sponsor various competitions, so it´s quite easy to identify reputable platforms once you find poker tournaments on social media platforms like Youtube or Twitch.
But just because you know the name, doesn’t necessarily mean that the platform is the right choice for you. You’ll need to do a little more homework before making that final choice.
Read the reviewsÂ
Read the reviews that you’ll see on third-party forums and review websites. You want impartial reviews that you know are genuine. Look for any common issues throughout the reviews, but you can ignore minor issues that may be more related to the user’s internet speed or lack of understanding of the game.
You’re looking for deal-breakers such as poor customer support, delays in withdrawals, or major technical issues with the platform. Remember that every poker platform will have a few negative reviews. However, most of the reviews should be positive.
Check the on-site features
On-site features are where poker platforms can get really competitive. While accomplished players will look for features that speed up a game, or that allow them to play against opponents of a higher caliber for higher stakes, newer players will have different priorities.
Ideally, you’ll want to find a platform that has plenty of free content, including in-depth tutorials that outline everything from hand rankings to basic strategies. You want to be able to easily find the answer to any poker-related queries within the platform itself.
Verify the licensing
All online poker platforms must be licensed by a recognized gaming authority. A badge or license should be clearly visible somewhere on the homepage (usually at the bottom) and it should state which gaming authority issued the license.
These authorities are often based in foreign countries, so don’t worry too much if it’s not in your own area. They can be anywhere from Malta to the Isle of Man or even Curacao.
Do they offer bonuses?
Last, but by no means least, is the bonus. Most platforms will offer a deposit match for new players and in some cases you can even double your initial bankroll. This is a great way to get a good start on your poker for very little investment.
However, what you’re looking for is regular offers and bonuses. Check back on those reviews and see what customers are saying about the rakeback offers and promotions. You might find that a platform with a lower sign-up offer actually has better long-term offers for existing players.
Remember that many online poker platforms will require you to download and install software to your PC. Having said that, if you made sure to follow the steps above, it’s highly unlikely that there will be any issues. Now, go and enjoy your poker safe and sound!
