Poker : Choosing an Online Poker Room

The first thing a new online poker player must do is select a poker room to use. Like any other situation where your hard-earned money is on the line, it pays to do some research before you begin. Luckily for you, there are many valuable references online to check. Start with a good web-site that features a variety of information about different casinos and poker rooms. (perhaps the site you are reading this can be a great start).

There are many parameters you must consider before selecting an online poker room. Below are the key things you must consider when joining a room, how important each factor is to you is a personal issue but all are of some importance:

Many poker rooms will let you make a free visit without signing up. Read the terms carefully and be sure you understand all of the rules.

History, Security and Credibility: Make sure the room you're going to is secure and safe, with a good reputation.

The Poker Room Software: Online Poker Rooms all run off special software to operate the games, deal the cards and pay out the money. Important things to consider include the quality of the graphics and sounds, the ease of use, special features and the speed. The most common and successful software platforms are supplied by Microgaming, IGlobalMedia and PokerClub.

The software is available in one of two ways: downloadable or online Java programs playable straight over the internet using your web-browser and each has pros and cons. Downloadable software takes time to download (typically 1-4Mb) and must be installed on your PC's hard drive (which means you can only use that PC to play), but graphics, quality and speed of play are typically superior.

Java software requires no download or installation and typically offers sound and animation at a poorer quality. The major benefit of non-download rooms are that play can commence immediately and you can play from any PC (at work, or home or a friend�s place you simply log in with your account details and play).

The different software platforms offer different subtleties and special functions some of which would never be available to you offline including live online chat sessions, hand-histories (sent to you by email), session statistics (how often you fold, call, raise etc), and player notes (where you can take notes on each player which are recorded for future use).

Depositing and Withdrawing Options: When you find an online poker room that you like you'll be required to sign in and deposit money into your account before you begin real-money play. Most rooms offer a range of depositing and withdrawal options including credit card, online cheques, and online e-wallets such as Firepay, NETeller. Some room charge fees and have minimums so watch out.

Games and Tournaments on Offer: All types of games are available online including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Hi-Low, 7/5 card stud and more. Some rooms offer a wide range of games, whereas others specialize on Holdem only for example.

Promotions, Loyalty Programs and Bonuses on Offer: To entice new players to join up, the rooms compete fiercely on deposit and loyalty bonuses. There are always a few bonuses on offer among the rooms and a typical one might be 20% deposit bonus on your first deposit, up to $100. Normally a player must earn their bonus by playing a certain number of hands so make sure you know what the terms of the bonus are.

Customer Service: As with everything customer service makes or breaks a company or product. Only deal with a company who is committed to customer service, and we know which ones are. Customer support is available via 1-800 numbers, live online chat sessions and email support.

Action. Player activity: Last, but not least a major determinant of where you choose to play should be how much action is already there. Rooms with plenty of active players, money being bet and games being won are positive signs for two reasons:

1. you are sure to get a game, at a table you want to play at for the right stakes;
2. it appears the poker room is definitely doing something right if so many players are already playing! So make sure your chosen room has action.